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.

Petit mal?

Sun, 07/09/2017 - 19:56
I have seemingly random episodes of "blipping". Its like when your lights flicker in your house because too many things are on, or like a slow flip book. I call them "flickering invisible memories". theyre kind of like walking through a room with a strobe light on, but instead of darkness inbetween theres nothing. Like a very short jump. Very short. At first i thought they were only a split second. I found out theyre more like 3 seconds long. Over and over for a bit and it stops. The kitchen is the place it happens most, almost every time i walk in i "blip". Am i going crazy? Lol has anyone ever experienced something like this? Ive searched far and wide for a similar story and have come up empty. Im posting here because i saw a doctor who suggested they are petit mal seizures. Im skeptical because it just sounds odd compared to what ive researched about them. I do trust my doctor, hes a cool dude. Thank you:)

Comments

Hi, going on the description

Submitted by mariet_5926de5df37df on Wed, 2017-07-12 - 07:28
Hi, going on the description of the seizures being a series of 'very short jumps' .It is possible you may be experiencing absence seizures. That is you are 'absent' for a few seconds. Usually people are not ware of it. I have them but am conscious  and I think I miss the actually split second absence seizure but am aware of staring before and after and when I freeze up etc. We often come with our own descriptions of what we experience. I have some that I call screw eye and in fact have only realised recently that they are probably a type of seizure, that before I was diagnosed as having epilepsy I thought were some kind of stress response.

Ive had these episodes since

Submitted by Blippy on Fri, 2017-07-14 - 17:20
Ive had these episodes since maybe late middle school or highschool, they were infrequent and minor but lately like the past year or so theyve become a bit more intense so i thought i would get a check up (havent had one in a few years) and told my doctor who said theyre seizures. Stress can make your body do weird things. I dont freeze up, i keep moving best i can if im doing something. Ive tried to relax and ignore it, but its like if im not concentrating on what im doing ill do wierd things. I remember being at a bus stop with my friend not to long ago after walking around downtown. It was late like 11 pm or so and i was exhausted and while waiting for the bus it started happening. I honestly cant remember alot of the whole thing but i always remember the "blip" sensation. I was trying to shake it off by walking but everytime it happened i had to stop. I think i mightve walked a whole circle before i sat and i couldnt shake it no matter how hard i tried. I sometimes get a "weird feeling" like an unfamiliarity with my surroundings and strange thoughts. I saw a counselor who said i have panic disorder. I dont get the heart palpitations

 or anything but i guess i

Submitted by Blippy on Fri, 2017-07-14 - 17:29
 or anything but i guess i had enough less physiological symptoms for it to be. Its all very spontaneous most of the time and it doesnt happen alot. Ive noticed certain things that can start it sometimes, loud music with my headphones and the kitchen for whatever odd reason. Around 10 or 11 pm it happens most but it has happened during the day. I wonder if its some kind of migraine symptom. It hasnt happened in a while. Anyway thank you for your comment its much appreciated have a wonderful day :)

Sign Up for Emails

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