Aggression and seizures

MrsBrown420

My DH has an adult onset seizure disorder (NOS) and has also been diagnosed with a dementing disorder -not specified, diagnosed by his neurologist.

After his last seizure event, he didn't believe me when I told him I had given him his dose of seizure medicine.  He no longer manages his own medication because he takes a pill whenever he feels symptoms.  This makes him angry, still.  He constantly refers to it and says he wants his pill planner back.

When he was in his post-seizure state, he took a steak knife, looked directly at me and started jabbing it into the table demanding his medicine. I was scared.

Recently he twisted my respite caregiver's arm when she wouldn't get out of his way.

When he has been hospitalized as a result of a seizure episode, he had been placed on restraints due to aggressive behavior.

My husband is a kind, gentle man.  He has been my safe harbor in a world of trouble.

I am shaken. I don't know what to do.

M1

Hi Mrs. Brown, how scary.  I wouldn't take any chances here:  call his neurologist right away and report what is happening.  He may need to be hospitalized on a geriatric psychiatry ward to get medications adjusted.  Have your phone with you, and figure out a safe place in your house where you can lock the door if necessary.  I would even consider calling 911 and getting them to transport him if necessary.  

You can also call the Alzheimer's hotline, 1-800-272-3900.  but I would start with the neurologist.  We don't want you to get hurt.  It's the disease, remember that.

terei

Completely agree with M1.   He needs to be assessed in a geri psych unit.  You are not safe with his current behavior.  Speak to his neurologist + explain you are not safe + you need him to be assessed + properly medicated if he is to remain in the home with you.

MrsBrown420

Thank you for being a place to ask these questions.  It is such a hard transition.

The primary care dr. made a referral to a Memory Clinic to start an assessment and work out a plan for care.

It's hard to navigate.

jfkoc

Safety must come first. There are steps to be taken. You must have a safe place to go to an you must have a way to call 911.

I would check drug side effects and interactions. I use drugs.com. What drugs is your husband currently taking? They may need an adjustment or something may need to be added.

Write down your concerns and talk them over with your husbands neurologist. 

I would certainly consider a hospital assessment but please keep in mind that all hospital stays take a toll.

Also take a careful look at what might trigger aggression.