Panic attack or seizure??? - Panic triggered from strobe lights???

Hi Elizabeth, I have siezures like that besides other kinds But with the meds I am one I only get that kind maybe once or twice every 2 to 3 months...but when they come it scares the crap out of me! can't even scream for help or move and they happen at night only for some reason. My doc has recorded them and has said they are a type of siezure. peppermintpatty

I've woken up in the night feeling kind of panicked during times when I'm under extreme stress, so I think it could be a panic attack or a seizure. How long do they last? Panic attacks usually last much longer than seizures, but then I think it can be hard to distinguish the actual seizure from the post-ictal state. It sounds to me like you need a good neuro and a good psychiatrist to sort it out, try different medication, and see what works. Also, if you get it captured on an EEG, then it may help give you an answer. Make sure you see a neuro that specializes in Epilepsy. I'm not sure about this...but I don't think strobe lights tend to bring on simple partial seizures...but again..I don't know...you need a second opinion from a doctor. Sometimes it takes a few neurologists before you find one that works for you.

Hello Elizabeth, If you have a new doctor it will take him a bit to determine what is going on with your situation and there are many types of seizures other than just grand mal. For more information about that you can visit <a href="http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/answerplace/Medical/seizures/types/">Epilepsy Foundation</a> and view four different seizure types. There is some other information available on that page as well. I rather would have given you information from EFA directly as they are a very good resource to fall back on. :) Has this been the only neurologist you've seen? Something you don't want to do is diagnose yourself that may do more damage than good. Strobe lights have caused seizures because of blinking. A person can have a seizure in the middle of the night while sleeping, that is not uncommon. There is a seizure called nocturnal seizures which may explain what is going on with seizures happening at night as well. You can do a research for nocturnal seizures on Google or here and perhaps locate something. :) In personal experience, I would not get too frustrated with the specialist as he needs to be certain of what all facts are before he makes a direct diagnosis. It only has been a few days and not all patient cases can be diagnosed easily, however there are some cases that take research. Patients unfortunately do not have "patience" and want to know the problem yesterday so they can get better now. I've been there done that. I've also learned that in my adult years that the best way to get things done is to always be on top of things and ask questions if something doesn't sound right. :) Take care, Sue