Is it possible to get epilepsy late in life?

[doomey!]

I have noticed recently that flash photography really bothers me, I go to feel weird or get head aches when people use it. Is this a form of epileptic or something else? I ask because I'm now 35, and haven't experienced it before. Video games and TV doesn't bother me, just when people use flash photos.

[Buenchico]

Can you become epileptic later in life?
Definitely, yes.
I used to work in a pub where the landlord (who had no history of epilepsy) suddenly started having fits when he played the video gaming machines (which, regrettably, he was addicted to). He then started having fits at other times as well.

Is your problem related to epilepsy?
Probably not.
It sounds more akin to some form of phobia, where a feeling of tension/anxiety/nausea comes about, under certain specific circumstances, for no logical reason.

Chris

[Sqad]

Late onset epilepsy is a sinister development and often heralds the onset of a brain tumour and investigated with that in mind.

[tigwig]

Wow thats reassuring Sqad!

[Sqad]

tigwig........my answer was to the question by doomey

<<<<<<Is It Possible To Get Epilepsy Late In Life?<<<<<

Buenchico´s answer is the better when applied specifically to the OP.

[ChocolatChip]

I don't think it's always likely to develop tumors though squad!
My husband developed epilepsy out of nowhere at 26. He'd never had any problems before, nor is his problem to do with flashing/strobe lighting.

When he first started having seizures, they thought he might have a tumor or bleed in the brain. But when nothing was unveiled by the scans, they haven't mentioned it since. I would assume if they were concerned they'd mention it?

[Sqad]

Chocolat.....I agree.....but investigations need to be carried out to EXCLUDE a brain lesion.
To ASSSUME that is is epilepsy without neurological investigation is courting disaster.

[ChocolatChip]

Ah, it was only after reading your answer again did I understand what you meant. You mean when the seizures first develop to check for abnormal issues.
I thought you meant years after the seizures develop.
No, my husband had 18months of tests before they concluded idiopathic epilepsy.

[Sqad]

Chocolat...........no problem......in a nutshell, late onset epilepsy should be regarded as a brain tumour, until proved otherwise......as was the case with your husband.

[doomey!]

Thanks for the answers guys, I suffer from anxiety quite a bit, so i guess its just another anxiety jab, grrreat. ;)

[nextqueen]

my brother in law got it at 38. he had a fit, they couldnt diagnose as didnt witness it, it happened again 15 months later, the same symptoms so they then put him on epilepsy drugs. still not hundred per cent it was and meds could just be a placebo but it hasnt happened since, scarey as the first time he was late for a meeting and would have been in the car 15 minutes earlier.

[BettyNoir]

My mother in law devloped Epilepsy in her 40's pretty much out of nowhere, though she has it under control now. Within a few years my husband had been diagnosed with it too. Does anyone else in your family have epilepsy? Otherwise it could simply be anxiety, as others have suggested.

[seadogg]

Dont think your symptoms a uncommon and the BBC always warn when flash photography is used.

I care for an epileptic and its a bit more than getting headaches and feeling wierd!