Community Forum Archive

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.

Very Strange & Very Scary 'Symptoms'

Fri, 08/25/2006 - 18:46
I wanted to post this here, in hopes of maybe getting some feedback on the symptoms of this 'episode' I had. It is brand new, and scared the heck out of me. I am 29 years old, female - and being treated for Epilepsy - however, it is NOT my official diagnosis, right now - they are in the 'We have no clue' phase and not yet finished testing me. Yesterday started normal, I felt alright for the most part. I had started to get a bit of a headache, and was sending an email to my mother to 'check in' and figured I'd watch some television. My right arm had felt a little 'weird' but nothing too extreme. Instantly, the entire area between my right elbow and my right wrist went numb, causing weakness in my hand (grasp). I decided to lay on the couch, within a timeframe of around 30 minutes, I had numbness in my right leg which was only between my right knee and my right ankle - then moving to my left leg but only the entire area between my knee and ankle. About 15 minutes into this weird numbness, I started to have stab-like pains around my lower back area that stayed within that range. You'd think this was it, but no. By this point, I was nearly convinced I was going to die or something - but I froze up and made the decision to not move at all and stayed on the couch. If it were a weird seizure, this was a safe place to be - if I got up, I'd risk hitting my marble floors and I can assure you, they hurt when you fall on them! Anyway, I had this pulsing feeling in my head. I remember going to a science class, and they had these clear glass globes with static lights that pulsed around it. If I could describe how my 'pulses' went, it would be like those. It would be like a wave, from the back of my head (central area) all of the way over the top of my head stopping around my eyebrows. Each 'pulse' caused a slight visual disturbance. It wasn't painful, it was just 'weird'. Each wave came ~once per minute, this continued for ~20-30 minutes. By the time I was physically exhausted, the pain was nearly unbearable - feeling like I was being shocked, I had assumed the fetal position and eventually fell asleep. The kicker? I woke up feeling perfectly fine as if nothing happened. Prior to falling asleep, I drew stick figures of front and back, coloring each area with numbness and pain to show to my neurologist on the 30th when my appointment. I sure hope this is a sign of something, because waking up feeling fine was something I was happy about, but concerned that it vanished randomly. I slept around 2 hours. If this is a sign or symptom of something, please leave me some feedback. I feel like I went crazy for an hour or so. :( Thanks in advance for reading all of this and thank you for your time.

Comments

Re: Very Strange & Very Scary 'Symptoms'

Submitted by slhmurphy on Fri, 2006-08-25 - 22:12
Ellie, So sorry for your difficulties. I don't know if you remember, but I did suggest that you raise Multiple Sclerosis as a possibility to your neuro. They can repeat MRI'S every six months if they feel the need, so keep on him/her and remain persistant. Sometimes it takes years for the MS to show up on an MRI. Good luck, Sam

Re: Very Strange & Very Scary 'Symptoms'

Submitted by jaynekicknit on Sat, 2006-08-26 - 00:33
SOrry to hear...And wish I had some answers...Long story short.. I think I may have had some of the same symptoms - that also were never diagnosed...For about six-eight months I would get numbness in my legs and arms, especially my fingers, and lightening SHARP SHOOTING pains going up my legs..then they spread to shoulders, ears ect. I was tested for cysts, MS, diabetes, shingles, STD"s, blood disorders, nerve disorders, tumors, ect...After all that came back clear they just though I was a hypochondriac... Six months later I crashed my car while having a "Panic Attack" with out feeling it had a EEG that showed siezure activity and was diagnosed with epilepsy, apparently I had it for eight years and the sharp pains were from the uncontrolled electral activitys build up...I've been taking AED's Keppra and Lamictal and still having Siezures but the sharp pains have gone away... Hope this helps...If they find another answer for you please let me know...

Re: Re: Very Strange & Very Scary 'Symptoms'

Submitted by EllieW on Mon, 2006-08-28 - 14:18
I am going to see my new Neurologist on Wed the 30th. I know they always say to never get your hopes up, but naturally I already have. I've heard nothing but good things about her and my O.P. referred her. I know, "just an op" - but she isn't. She has the compassion many health care providers lack, and I trust her as I would a family member which results in nothing but sheer enthusiasm to meet my new neuro! I haven't had another 'episode' like this since then, not that I miss it at all. :) Thanks so much for your feedback and I will update everyone on how my visit went as soon as the time comes.

Sign Up for Emails

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