Seizures and memory loss

Hi all,

My AVM is located in area of the brain that is responsible for memory and speech. Whilst my doctors say it's a non - eloquent area, I'm starting to get concerned. I tend to forget quite a bit of things as of recent. Things such as something someone might have said, or not being able to find stuff that I've put somewhere. This could be stress related, but it's been happening for a while, even before we found the AVM. The AVM hasn't ruptured fortunately and we've decided to leave it as is - attempting to remove it will cause greater damage at the moment - do you think perhaps an unruptured AVM can cause this problem?

Also, I've noticed now and again the right side of my body (where AVM is located) has minor tremors, from my hand and/or leg, and at times it feels internal, as though the right side of my body internally is experiencing an earthquake, but they're not violent tremors and not sure if it's also because of pain meds for my ear and migraine.

I think I may need to schedule an appointment with my neuro, but has anyone had a situation where an unruptured AVM is causing some sort of physical disturbance?

Thanks

I also have some short term memory problems and that "the word is just at the tip of my tongue, but I can't quite remember it" problem. It seems to have gotten worse in my post-diagnosis years, but I think that it is for a variety of reasons: (1) I notice it more because I know I have a brain problem, (2) I'm disabled and unable to work now, so I have more time to think about it, and (3) I'm on a lot of medications now.

I also had trouble with minor trembles, especially when I was tired. My doctor called them simple partial seizures. I haven't had them in about a year, but my anti-seizure medication is probably the reason.

I do think you should make an appointment and discuss these problems with him/her, Good luck!

I am having memory problems too!! Ex: Saw my cellphone on the table, yet immediately looked into my purse to look for it. Or, saying to myself what I need to get from the supermarket while parked, then as soon as I walk in the store, I forgot what I went in for. This is very troublesome.I have an appt with neurosurgeon in March, so I am trying to be patient.

Hi Suraya.....i too had the AVM located in that area of the brain which responsible for memory & speech....Right Frontal Lobe....my AVM was discovered under similar circumstances u mentioned in your post....small tremors...blurring of vision.... severe headaches...i still sugeest it is better to consult the doctors regularly n follow up on the solution(may be non-surgical or surgical treatment).

you have mentioned that - "we've decided to leave it as is - attempting to remove it will cause greater damage at the moment "..... i partially disagree.... there are risks in AVM surgeries...but it is no better when u try to avoid them...in all likelihood it is better to get them removed... though it is better to go as per your doctors advice.

Good luck !

Santhosh

As Santhosh has suggested... You also need to discuss other treatment options with your doctor. I too have an inoperable AVM, but there are other options such as radio-surgery (photon or proton). Best of luck to you.

Hi Suraya.
I too have this problem since my bleeds, radiation and partial embolization. I sometimes will circle from my room to the kitchen in order to remember what I was initially going in for. I've left water running in the house, eggs boiling on the stove, added too much salt/sugar to something.
It's a way of life now and I think I've been unwilling to admit/recognize or acknowledge that I have these problems... but I do. And it's ok. Most of the damage has been caused by the bleeds while a portion has been caused by the radiation zapping other areas of my brain. Best to you and write all your questions down before you go and see your neuro. Take a notebook with you and write down his/her responses. That way you'll be able to reference them later. I always carry a little pocket notebook with me so I don't forget things :-)