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fainting or seizure?

Mon, 01/11/2016 - 09:28

A few days ago, my husband “fainted” at the movie theater. It was a particularly violent and realistic scene but this has never happened before and we watched many movies like this before. He has never passed out, fainted, etc. and has no kind of medical conditions that he knows of. Anyway, my friend was sitting on one side of him and heard him make a noise that sounded like he was snoring and his head was back, eyes closed. She said his name and didn’t respond. Then, I started calling his name and he didn’t respond. His eyes were closed the whole time. At this point, we yelled for help and nurse came over and started calling his name. He opened his eyes and was responsive after about 20- 30 seconds. He arms shook a little as he was “waking up”. He was complete conscious and aware of his surroundings upon waking up but very shaken up. He said the last thing he remembers is wanting water and feeling light headed but not being able to ask for it and then passing out. We called 911 and the EMTs took him to the hospital where they did an EKG and sugar test. Both were normal and he was sent home. Everyone, including the nurse said that it wasn’t a seizure, but just passing out.

I am completely terrified that this was a seizure and what if something like this happens again when he’s driving or no one is around. I’m just looking for some input as to what others think. How can you tell the difference between a seizure and fainting? Does this sound like a seizure to anyone else?

Comments

Relax Gemma

Submitted by just_joe on Mon, 2016-01-11 - 11:19
Relax Gemma The people in the ER do tests that are to be done on anybody. With a diabetic they can have a seizure because their blood sugar spikes or drops. The EKG shows the heart beating. They too need to be checked from time to time. If I had been taken to the ER and they said everything thing was fine I was to call Doc. I had an irregular heart beat so if it was beating right I might have been having a heart attack. Do ask your husband questions. Was he tireder then normal after the episode. Seizures drain energy. You posted he was responsive after 20-30 seconds. That delay could be a time delay because it was a seizure. With my seizures once the seizure is over getting back to normal adds a delay to what I am or was doing. Talking or answering a questions is just one of those things. To answer your questions you will need a specialist. If you see one with him it might also help to take your friend with you too. Questions will be asked and the more input the neurologists the better. With all of my neurologists visits I take my other half. Hey they see things I might not and they do know other things that I don't look for. I hope this helps and he gets the assistance he needs Joe PS there have been many people have a one time affair with a seizure and nothing after that too.

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