The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

A seizure?

Mon, 05/21/2007 - 13:08
I have been trying to figure out if I have had seizures for longer than I have realized. I was diagnosed with complex partial seizures last year, after 2 years of sypmtoms. I am trying to figure out if an incident that happend when I was a teen or preteen was a seizure. I am nw 42. Of course, I plan on discussing it with my doctor during my next visit, but I wanted some feedback from ya'll as well. I occasionally will wake up in the middle of the night with an intense throbbing pain at the end of my digestive tract like I am needing to pass gas or need to go to the bathroom. I am not able to do either, even with some straining. As I stated before, the incident I am curious about happend when I was a teen or preteen. I had the throbbing and went to the bathroom. I could not pass gas or have a BM, even with straining. I finally gave up and headed back to bed. However, I did not make it out of the bathroom. I apparently fell or collapsed and was unconsious for a short time. When I came to I was crawling on the floor outside the bathroom door and hearing a "sizzling' sound in my ears. The sound eventually disappeared and I got back into bed. I had just dismissed it as not breathing properly while straining on the commode and passing out from that. Of course, now that I have been diagnosed with CPS, I am wondering if this could have been a seizure. Any feedback would be appreciated. THanks. tlh64

Comments

Sycnope/Fainting or "passing

Submitted by wldhrt13 on Mon, 2007-05-21 - 13:57
Sycnope/Fainting or "passing out" is a symptom of an inadequate supply of oxygen and other nutrients to the brain, usually caused by a temporary decrease in blood flow. Blood flow to the brain can decrease whenever the body cannot quickly compensate for a fall in blood pressure. Fainting may also occur if straining reduces the amount of blood flowing back to the heart. Fainting after urination (micturition syncope) or after a bowel movement is partly due to straining (in addition to stimulation of the vagus nerve). Since people with Epilepsy are more susecptible to flucutations in brain oxygen levels, I am guessing that your drop in Oxygen in your brain (Hypoxia)caused you to pass out or actually triggered a seizure. But this can happen to non-epileptics as well. Try not to strain! Adding more fiber to your diet from fresh fruits and vegetables will help your bowels pass stool more easily. You can also add Citracel to any beverage which will achieve the same effect, it has no taste or grittiness. There are even stool softeners that you can take OTC to make bowel movements easier. Good luck!

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.