OpenHealth Q&A

Fainting and Convulsions Accompanied by Chest Discomfort

16-year-old male, 5'4", 102 lbs - Currently not on any medications, aside from taking 200mg ibuprofen sporadically for headaches or body pains. - In 2018, diagnosed with mild Mitral Valve Prolapse and anxiety disorder. - Recent evaluation by a cardiologist in February 2022 revealed no significant concerns; the existing condition had remained stable. - Noted low white blood cell count, which has not been further investigated. - Next cardiology appointment set for June 2025. - Healthcare providers have only been informed of chest pain but not the fainting episodes. - Family medical background includes heart conditions. - An appointment was made in November 2023 due to a lump on the head and trouble closing the jaw - labeled as a swollen lymph node by the doctor, and the lump has since resolved. Hi everyone, I’m reaching out for insight into my symptoms and advice on whether it’s necessary to urge my parents for an earlier medical appointment or seek urgent care instead of waiting until June. For a long time, I have experienced chest discomfort along with occasional fainting spells, particularly when rising to a standing position. Initially, these fainting incidents were infrequent, occurring about once or twice a year. They typically happened in the morning, where I would feel overheated and dizzy, subsequently losing consciousness. Recently, however, the frequency of these episodes has drastically increased from once or twice a year to now multiple times a day, regardless of the time of day. I now feel faint or pass out while standing up from a chair, showering, climbing stairs, or even while resting or sleeping. Up until approximately two months ago, I had no recollection of experiencing convulsions during these episodes, nor did I exhibit any physical signs of having convulsed upon regaining consciousness. However, in January, I lost consciousness following my usual routine of getting out of bed. Remarkably, I was briefly 'aware' for 2-3 seconds and noticed my limbs flailing and my head forcefully hitting the floor. I estimate this lasted no longer than 30 seconds, and upon waking, I experienced muscle soreness and discovered I had bitten my lip. In the past two months, this has occurred five times that I can remember, with three incidents happening within the last four days alone. Two of these episodes occurred mid-night when I was getting up to let my cat out, where I suddenly collapsed while convulsing; the most recent one occurred while I was asleep. This last episode particularly alarms me. I woke up to an unexpected wave of nausea and chest pain, and it registered that I was convulsing as I tumbled out of bed, hearing my watch hit the ground while my arms moved uncontrollably. Interestingly, the heart rate monitor on my watch indicated a swift rise in my heart rate from 50 to 147 during this event. This has prompted speculation about whether such occurrences during sleep have happened more frequently than I realized, as my nightly sleep reports often show sudden heart rate spikes up to around 130 or even 160. Last month, while at a minute clinic for a virus, a physician remarked on my notably elevated resting heart rate. I mentioned that it had always been high and often reached 160-180 while walking around school. The doctor suggested the possibility of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which seemed plausible until the onset of convulsing episodes. While I exhibit many symptoms associated with POTS, I haven't found any information suggesting convulsions are a typical symptom. My parents are skeptical regarding my claims of fainting and convulsions but have agreed to arrange an appointment with a cardiologist since I have a referral available. What might be going on? Should I assert myself for an earlier consultation? I’m experiencing ongoing, debilitating chest pain in the middle left area of my chest, struggle to stand without feeling faint, and have recently felt close to fainting during school activities. I don’t believe I am experiencing seizures. Additional symptoms includes: - Nausea and headaches localized on the left side of my head - Frequent biting my tongue or lips during convulsions - General soreness in chest and left arm muscles - No alterations in weight or diet - Previously ran two miles daily but unable to do so lately due to discomfort - Staying well-hydrated with water intake exceeding daily recommendations - No fever present - Sensations of 'impending doom' and twitching preceding convulsions - Occasional squeezing or tingling sensations at the back of my head, sometimes accompanied by jolts during moments of inattention.

Answers (1)

3/23/2025, 6:10:52 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing some concerning symptoms, including fainting episodes with convulsions, chest discomfort, and significant changes in your health. It's essential to address these symptoms carefully. Here's a breakdown of what to consider:

Main Points:

1. Frequent Fainting and Convulsions: The increase in fainting episodes, especially with convulsions, alongside chest pain, warrants urgent medical attention.
2. Potential Cardiac or Neurological Concerns: Given your history of mitral valve prolapse and anxiety, as well as family medical issues, it is important to rule out any serious conditions related to your heart or neurological health.
3. Need for Urgent Care: Based on the severity and increasing frequency of your symptoms, seeking an earlier consultation or urgent care may be necessary.

Explanation:

• Fainting and Convulsions: Fainting can happen for various reasons, including blood flow issues, dehydration, or neurological disorders. Convulsions are more concerning and could indicate seizures or other medical issues.
• Chest Discomfort: This could relate to your heart or other conditions affecting your cardiovascular system, particularly given your history. The pain, especially if it's persistent or severe, needs to be evaluated.
• Potential Conditions: Conditions like POTS or other autonomic dysfunctions can cause increased heart rates and fainting but convulsions are not typical in these scenarios and may require different investigations.

Next Steps:

1. Seek Urgent Care: Given the severity of your symptoms, particularly the fainting and convulsions, consider going to an urgent care or emergency department as soon as possible. This may help rule out critical issues that need immediate management.

2. Document Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, including the frequency of fainting, duration of convulsions, associated symptoms (like chest pain or nausea), and any activities that precede these episodes. This information will be helpful for healthcare providers.

3. Inform Your Parents: It’s important to communicate the seriousness of your symptoms to your parents. Show them your diary notes and express your need for urgent medical evaluation to support your request for an earlier cardiology appointment.

4. Consider a Follow-up with Other Specialists: Depending on findings, you may need to see a neurologist to assess potential causes of your convulsions.

5. Practice Safety: Until you are evaluated, take precautions to prevent injury during episodes, such as sitting when you feel faint and avoiding activities that may put you at risk of falling.

Taking these actions can help ensure you get the right evaluation and treatment. It’s important to trust your instincts regarding your health and advocate for timely care. Let me know if you have further questions!