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Have you felt a seizure like this?

Mon, 11/11/2013 - 12:33
Hello all - I am new here to ask about something. My boyfriend is 22 yo male with a family history of seizures (mother is on medication for grand mal) and has been seeking treatment for severe sleep apnea. He has a BMI around 20 and does not drink or smoke and is on no medication. Recently, he began attending grad school and does not have health insurance except through his parents. Here is where it gets tricky - a month ago he was with me and had what I thought was a seizure. I walked into the room and he was just standing starting at the wall and was shaking, almost trembling. I got him to sit on the bed but could not move his limbs because they were really stiff and still shaking slightly. He could still talk to me and kept saying he was fine so in the moment I didn't think it could be a seizure. He also kept saying he was getting things but he didn't know what he was hearing, he only knew that he was terrified by whatever he was hearing. He was just staring at the washing machine (next to his bed) saying he was terrified but he didn't know why at all. And he kept saying don't think I'm crazy for hearing things. This lasted for a few minutes, tops, and then he stopped shaking and could move a little. But then it would start again after a couple minutes and last four twenty, maybe thirty seconds. This went on for like 15 minutes of being able to tell me he's fine and look at me to trembling and looking completely terrified but still cognizant of me - he said he could see me but it was like he could see something else that was terrifying but he couldn't name it. One of the last 'episodes' he had lasted about a minute but his eyes rolled back and he briefly lost mostconsciousness. It was so brief though and he kept saying don't worry I'm fine that I figured it was maybe a bad panic attack (I have those). Afterwards, I looked up online what this might be because I was really worried for him. I came across seizures as a possibility. Both of us know that the only way to know for sure is to go to the doctor and have tests done but he can't go to the doctor because although he is insured through his parents, that are refusing to let him get medical treatment for any of this (long story). After this, he's decided to drop out of grad school for the time being in order to figure his health out because it is making it impossible to function or complete work like he used to be able to. He's getting a job as soon as the semester is over in early December in order to be able to afford the health care he needs, but health insurance that he can use won't kick in immediately. In the meantime, my question is has anyone had seizures like this before? Where did you start, diagnostically speaking (who did you see)? He has had one episode lasting 30 seconds since then where his entire body clenched up and he couldn't move but it didn't happen multiple times, it was just once and then no more. Thanks ahead of time for any help! (Also apologies if this is in the wrong part of the forum!!)

Comments

Re: Have you felt a seizure like this?

Submitted by law609 on Wed, 2013-11-13 - 01:58

I'm sorry to hear this happened. It sounds like a complex partial/simplex seizures. The same thing happens to me except the no trembling & the long lasting part.

He needs to get to a doctor soon. If he has a MRI or EEG they would be able to find out. Insurance or not, he shouldn't wait as it could get worse. A doctor may put him on meds right away where he can be ok & live a normal life without it happening again.

He should've never have dropped out. The worst thing for him is to let this rule his life instead of getting it taken care of. You hope with all this & school he doesn't fall in a bad depression.

I hope it gets better & it doesn't happen again.

I'm sorry to hear this happened. It sounds like a complex partial/simplex seizures. The same thing happens to me except the no trembling & the long lasting part.

He needs to get to a doctor soon. If he has a MRI or EEG they would be able to find out. Insurance or not, he shouldn't wait as it could get worse. A doctor may put him on meds right away where he can be ok & live a normal life without it happening again.

He should've never have dropped out. The worst thing for him is to let this rule his life instead of getting it taken care of. You hope with all this & school he doesn't fall in a bad depression.

I hope it gets better & it doesn't happen again.

Re: Have you felt a seizure like this?

Submitted by Scoobs on Mon, 2013-11-18 - 17:22

I have not heard of seizures exactly like that but it sure sounds like some kind of seizure.

Having said that, I have a simple 'stop gap' that you might give a try. Melatonin. It's available over the counter and the pharmicist can let you know more about it but it regulates your sleep patterns and also regulates the seratonin that your brain produces, while sleeping.

Being sleep depraved in a top symptom and if you can help with his sleeping, you just may head off some of the activity that is going on.

a doctor advised me to take 9- to mgs, not the 3 that I was on. It makes a HUGE difference in my sleeping.

If you do have him start taking it, you will know if it is working because if he doesn't dream now, he probably will start after a few days. I did...(but not on the 3mg).

I realize you said this was a 'long story' but insurance or not, get him to a neurologist and talk with your pharmacist about any drug complications. The Melatonin is very inexpensive and available over the counter.

I have not heard of seizures exactly like that but it sure sounds like some kind of seizure.

Having said that, I have a simple 'stop gap' that you might give a try. Melatonin. It's available over the counter and the pharmicist can let you know more about it but it regulates your sleep patterns and also regulates the seratonin that your brain produces, while sleeping.

Being sleep depraved in a top symptom and if you can help with his sleeping, you just may head off some of the activity that is going on.

a doctor advised me to take 9- to mgs, not the 3 that I was on. It makes a HUGE difference in my sleeping.

If you do have him start taking it, you will know if it is working because if he doesn't dream now, he probably will start after a few days. I did...(but not on the 3mg).

I realize you said this was a 'long story' but insurance or not, get him to a neurologist and talk with your pharmacist about any drug complications. The Melatonin is very inexpensive and available over the counter.

Re: Have you felt a seizure like this?

Submitted by tcameron on Tue, 2013-11-19 - 15:13
Yes I have.  He needs to see a neurologist ASAP.  No one can be positive these are epileptic seizures until he has been diagnosed.  The probability is in the high 90's% that they are.  He might be able to get complete control over it with medication.  If he doesn't get treatment, it could kill him.  Most AEDs (anti epileptic drugs) are available to those who can't afford it through the drug companies and other sources.  Don't let being poor keep him from obtaining the help he needs to save his life.  BTW, most of us experience 'denial' after initially being diagnosed.  Expect to deal with it for a while.

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