Concerned About My Muscle Attacks: Seizures or Panic?
I'm a 20-year-old woman experiencing unusual muscle spasms that have left me quite unsettled. About three weeks ago, I encountered what I believed to be a panic or asthma attack, but now I realize that while asthma may have played a part, I am definitely not dealing with a panic attack. Since that incident, I’ve experienced at least 13 similar episodes, excluding the asthma part. During these episodes, my body begins to twitch and convulse without warning. It usually starts with small muscle twitches, which can escalate into intense muscle contractions throughout my body. These occurrences can be quite painful, especially if multiple episodes happen within a single day or across several days, as my muscles feel exhausted afterward. Throughout the episodes, I remain fully aware; I sometimes manage to engage in conversation or even joke around to ease the tension. Each episode lasts anywhere from 10 to 25 minutes, and afterwards, I feel utterly drained, struggling with fatigue for a day or two afterward. To gain a better understanding, I’ve begun documenting these episodes and even recorded a medium-intensity episode to show others. Initially, I thought they were just severe panic attacks; however, the lack of control during these episodes has led me to think otherwise. My counselor indicated that she couldn’t correlate them with stress and suggested I consult a doctor, which I had arranged for a few days ago. Just the other night, I experienced an episode that unexpectedly lasted an hour. This prompted a visit to the emergency room, where I spent the night undergoing tests, only to be told it was merely stress. Deep down, I feel that there is something more significant at play. Anyone who has seen the video, including healthcare professionals like counselors, nurses, and doctors, appears quite concerned and suggests I may be experiencing seizures, although my awareness during the episodes adds a layer of confusion for many. Honestly, I’m feeling quite terrified, as this situation has triggered severe social anxiety, making me fearful that these attacks might occur in public. It's evident that my partner is also affected; he tries to appear strong for my sake, but I can see the worry etched in his face and the fatigue beneath his eyes each time I have an episode. We both feel drained. If anyone has thoughts or insights regarding what might be happening, I would greatly appreciate your input.
Answers (1)
3/23/2025, 5:20:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing distressing muscle spasms that significantly impact your daily life and social interactions. While it's understandable to feel scared and uncertain about these episodes, it’s crucial to address your concerns with clarity and empathy.
Understanding Your Symptoms
The muscle spasms you're describing, especially with the lack of complete loss of awareness, may suggest a type of seizure, specifically a focal seizure. These can manifest with muscle twitching or jerking without complete loss of consciousness. However, they can also be related to other conditions, such as severe anxiety or panic symptoms.
Next Steps to Consider
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Continue Documenting Episodes: You’ve already started documenting your episodes, which is excellent. Keep a detailed log, including the time of the episode, duration, triggers, and how you felt before and after. This information is invaluable for healthcare professionals.
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Follow Up with a Specialist: Since you've already seen a doctor, consider requesting a referral to a neurologist for further evaluation. Neurologists can conduct specific tests, such as EEGs, to determine if these episodes are indeed seizures or related to another condition.
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Manage Anxiety and Stress: Engage in relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, or gentle yoga. These practices can help manage anxiety levels, which might contribute to your symptoms.
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Prepare for Medical Visits: Bring your documented episodes to your next appointment, including your video, to provide context. It may also help to have a family member or close friend accompany you to provide additional insights.
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Social Support: Maintaining communication with your partner about your experiences is essential. Consider involving him in your discussions with healthcare providers so you both feel supported.
Reassurance
It's understandable to feel scared about the unknown, especially when symptoms interfere with your ability to enjoy life. Remember, seeking help and understanding your body is a strong step toward finding solutions. You're not alone in this, and many find pathways to manage their conditions effectively.
Please keep me updated on your experiences, and don’t hesitate to reach out for more support as you navigate this journey.
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