Emotional Problems With Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a neurological disorder that causes seizures in the temporal lobe (the region of your brain located on either side of your head behind your ears). The repeated seizures common with TLE cause a number of symptoms and effects, including emotional problems in some patients.

Identification

• Because they are so prevalent in patients with the disease, some doctors consider the emotional problems presented by Temporal Lobe Epilepsy as a "Temporal Lobe Personality," according to Richard Restak at Georgetown University. This means that certain phenomena are common in the majority of patients who suffer from TLE.

Acting Out

• Some patients with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy act out, being irritable and having frequent temper tantrums. In extreme cases, patients become aggressive, break rules or laws and act impulsively.

Arousal

• A common feature of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy is a decreased interest in sex or lack of libido. This can result in a lack of sexual arousal or an aversion to sexual activity.

Features

• It is common for patients with temporal lobe epilepsy to suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder, causing frequent feelings of anxiousness and fear. Patients are also frequently very talkative and have a tendency to fixate on minute details of mundane things during conversations.

Expert Insight

• A study by Pascale Moore and Gus Baker published in the Journal of Nutrition, Education and Behavior found that the emotional difficulties present in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy are often helped by psychological therapy and counseling.