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.
So frustrated and confused
Mon, 09/22/2008 - 21:50Hello Everyone!
I am new to this group and hope that someone out there can give me a little input. I know that this post is a little long, I gave a lot of details so that it may help you understand.
My daughter is 20 months old and has just been diagnosed with complex partial seizures. This all started in May when she suddenly stopped breathing for no reason. I took her to the ER and she was sent home after an EEG and observation. They told me that she was holding her breath, which I did not believe (there was no emothion when it happened). She continued to have similar episodes in all of which she would turn blue, eyes would be non responsive and roll back, she is always tired when it is over but then is fine. Her pediatrician did not think that this was normal and said that it did not fit into a typical pallid breathing category, she sent my daughter to both neuro and cardio. The cardio dr said everything was fine from his end and neuro initally though that it was complex partial seizures he did a MRI and 6 hour EEG both were normal. Just when everyone was ready to say that it was breath holding she had an apparent seizure, she fell face first on the floor, stiffened up, eyes were open and non responsive then flickered. Her hands came up in almost a waving motion continuously and my husband said that her lips seem to be shivering. She was breathing throughout the whole episode (it was however slowed), there was no change in color and then she was tired. She went to the hospital and this time was diagnosed and put on meds. She has had 2 more episodes since Saturday. My problem is that she sometimes cries or does not get her way before the episodes and I wonder if maybe she is having a combination of both breath holding and seizures (at seperate times). Can a strong emotion trigger a seizure? Or could it be the symptoms of the seizure that is scarring her and crying is her way of handling it?
I am so confused and worried someone please give me your thoughts! Any input is appreciated. Thanks in advance
Comments
Re: So frustrated and confused
Submitted by sco4kids on Fri, 2008-11-14 - 16:18
I understand your frustration and confusion. I have a 13 year old daughter with generalized epilepsy and the one thing I have learned is rely on what my gut tells me about her seizures and behavior. The whole thing is confusion and I've gotten the most from being with the other people in my epilepsy support group. If possible, find one in your area and go, talk to other people and you will learn. Hang in there. you aren't alone.
Lisa
I understand your frustration and confusion. I have a 13 year old daughter with generalized epilepsy and the one thing I have learned is rely on what my gut tells me about her seizures and behavior. The whole thing is confusion and I've gotten the most from being with the other people in my epilepsy support group. If possible, find one in your area and go, talk to other people and you will learn. Hang in there. you aren't alone.
Lisa
Re: So frustrated and confused
Submitted by formydaughter on Sun, 2008-12-07 - 15:47
My 12 year old daughter, was diagnosed w/ the same type of seizures about a year ago. I know when she gets very upset , it has brought on some seizures. Hers are mostly when she sleeps. These types of seizures also can come w/ hallucinations. Hers are always scary images. I know it is very upsetting for my daughter, I can only imagine how a little one would feel.
When she has them while awake, she always has a strange feeling and can tell me it is about to happen. I would look for any behaviour that always happens before your child has them to clue you into when they are going to happen. Once you start looking for them, it will really help. I have learned my daughter gets extremely hyper before hand, sometimes she becomes weepy and sad. I hope this helps.
My 12 year old daughter, was diagnosed w/ the same type of seizures about a year ago. I know when she gets very upset , it has brought on some seizures. Hers are mostly when she sleeps. These types of seizures also can come w/ hallucinations. Hers are always scary images. I know it is very upsetting for my daughter, I can only imagine how a little one would feel.
When she has them while awake, she always has a strange feeling and can tell me it is about to happen. I would look for any behaviour that always happens before your child has them to clue you into when they are going to happen. Once you start looking for them, it will really help. I have learned my daughter gets extremely hyper before hand, sometimes she becomes weepy and sad. I hope this helps.
Re: So frustrated and confused
Submitted by chitownmom on Sun, 2008-09-28 - 20:50
I know that rapid breathing can bring on seizures. I do not know about the breathholding. But the crying could be masking the rapid breathing. And yes, she actually may be aware of not feeling well and just not know how to express it and that is why she is crying, too. My daughter, now 8, recently started telling us that she is feeling dizzy and I know this means she is going to have a seizure, soon.
Good luck and my prayers are with you.
ChiTownMom Just A Mom Doing Her Best For Her Child
I know that rapid breathing can bring on seizures. I do not know about the breathholding. But the crying could be masking the rapid breathing. And yes, she actually may be aware of not feeling well and just not know how to express it and that is why she is crying, too. My daughter, now 8, recently started telling us that she is feeling dizzy and I know this means she is going to have a seizure, soon.
Good luck and my prayers are with you.
ChiTownMom Just A Mom Doing Her Best For Her Child