Seeking Guidance on Seizure Episodes
I am reaching out for some assistance regarding my child, who is 16 years old and identifies as FTM. I have obtained their consent to share videos documenting their experiences. They are currently being monitored by a neurologist, and we have scheduled a five-day inpatient EEG in the near future. These episodes have been occurring for just over two years, but the recent one is the first instance we managed to record. There is a history of significant psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and potential bipolar disorder. Presently, my child is on a regimen that includes 60 mg of Prozac, 900 mg of lithium, Zyrtec, over-the-counter vitamins, and hydroxyzine as needed. A previous 24-hour EEG yielded negative results. During the latest episode, their heart rate, recorded by an Apple Watch, fluctuated between approximately 135 to 150 beats per minute. Throughout the episode, they were entirely non-responsive but mentioned afterward that they could occasionally hear distant voices, although their recall of the event is minimal. The initial episode lasted around 30 minutes, followed by a brief intermission of about five minutes before resuming for an additional 40 minutes. Interestingly, they have no memories of that five-minute gap. While we have called EMS previously, this time, my child chose not to go to the emergency room afterward. They reported feeling extremely fatigued but managed to regain their usual demeanor within around ten minutes. I am keen to gather further insights into what might be happening and what specific questions would be prudent to discuss with the neurologist. We have long suspected psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, yet this episode appears markedly different from other examples I have observed. An MRI conducted approximately a year ago returned normal results. I am aware that this forum isn't intended for diagnosis, but with the EEG still a couple of weeks away, my concerns are mounting. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
6/19/2025, 3:01:23 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your child's seizure episodes, especially given the combination of their medical history and recent experiences. You are taking proactive steps by monitoring and documenting these episodes, as well as seeking professional guidance. The scheduled EEG will hopefully provide more clarity on the situation.
Here’s a brief overview: The episodes you describe may fall into the category of seizures, which can be either epileptic or non-epileptic (such as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures). The fluctuation in heart rate, changes in consciousness, and recovery time can be indicative of various conditions.
Explanation
Given your child's complex medical history involving significant psychological issues, it's crucial to differentiate between potential epileptic seizures and non-epileptic seizures. While the previous EEG was normal, it is not uncommon for seizure activity to not be captured during a brief EEG. The upcoming 5-day EEG is a vital step to provide a better understanding of what might be triggering these episodes.
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures can manifest similarly to epileptic seizures but are often linked to psychological factors, and they may not show electrical abnormalities on an EEG. Your child's ability to hear distant voices and their fatigue afterward might hint at a different underlying issue or a response to stressors, rather than classic seizures.
Next Steps
-
Preparation for the Neurologist:
- Compile all relevant information: Document the frequency, duration, and nature of the episodes, including any heart rate changes and post-episode symptoms.
- Consider keeping a detailed diary of these episodes leading up to the EEG, noting factors like stress, fatigue, or significant life events that may correlate with these incidents.
-
Questions to Discuss with the Neurologist:
- What is the likelihood of psychogenic versus epileptic seizures based on the upcoming EEG?
- What other diagnostic options may be necessary if the EEG remains inconclusive?
- How might your child's psychological conditions influence these episodes?
- Are there specific behavioral or safety measures you should consider after these episodes occur?
-
Monitoring and Support:
- Continue to provide a calming and supportive environment for your child after episodes, emphasizing your availability to talk if they want to discuss their feelings or experiences.
- Encourage your child to engage in self-care strategies for managing stress and anxiety, including regular physical activity, mindfulness practices, or hobbies that they enjoy.
-
Immediate Actions:
- Ensure your child has a safety plan for when episodes occur, including who to contact or what to do in case their condition worsens or they feel unwell.
It’s great that you are actively involved and seeking answers. The upcoming EEG may offer necessary insights, and the ongoing communication with your child's healthcare team will be crucial in navigating their care.
Related Questions
Seeking Insights on Nerve-Related Issues: Personal Experience at 40
Hello everyone, I'm a 40-year-old woman, weighing 75 kg and standing at 176 cm tall. I’m reaching out in hopes that someone can resonate with my experience or provide some guidance. Lately, I have been dealing with a series of nerve-related issues, yet no definitive underlying cause has been established. The symptoms I have been encountering include: - Numbness on the right side of my face, particularly affecting my chin and lower lip, along with some jaw pain. - Noticeable asymmetry in my smile, indicating facial weakness. - Hearing impairment on the right side. - Severe ear discomfort and a chronic sore throat, accompanied by a small lump in my jaw area. I underwent an MRI, which failed to pinpoint a specific issue. Although a small cyst was found in my nasopharynx, there were no evident tumors or masses. My medical history includes: - A tongue schwannoma that was excised in 2023. - An HPV-positive tonsillar papilloma, currently awaiting removal. - Sessile serrated polyposis syndrome. - Hemochromatosis and anemia. Currently, I have been prescribed Lyrica (pregabalin) to alleviate the nerve pain; however, the root cause of my nerve symptoms remains uncertain. My healthcare team continues to monitor my condition, and further diagnostic tests may be required. However, I can't help but feel overwhelmed and anxious due to the lack of answers. If anyone has experienced similar symptoms or has gone through a lengthy diagnosis related to cranial nerves (particularly V, VII, or VIII), I would greatly appreciate your insights or advice. Thank you all for your support.
Unusual Thumping Sensation in Chest
Female, 27, Height: 5'9", United Kingdom I’ve made several trips to the emergency room due to various symptoms, where medical professionals have attributed my issues to anxiety, GERD, or sometimes, they couldn't provide a clear diagnosis. I’m aware that they’re busy with genuine emergencies and don’t want to seem like I’m taking up their time unnecessarily, particularly since my symptoms mimic health anxiety. For more than three days now, I have been experiencing significant muscle twitches throughout my body. The most prominent and irritating sensation occurs beneath my left breast. It’s difficult to determine whether it’s muscular discomfort or something else entirely. I feel a persistent pressure in that area, and occasionally, I notice my body trembles with each heartbeat. This sensation is unlike any palpitations I’ve ever encountered before. My heart rate stays below 90 beats per minute unless I engage in physical activity. I’m not experiencing dizziness or shortness of breath, though I do occasionally have breath shortness episodes coinciding with the twitching. This occurs roughly every minute. My general practitioner suggested that I try to relax and get some rest, but I find it challenging to do so. Has anyone else experienced similar sensations or symptoms?
Concern Over Prolonged Lymph Node Swelling
A 5’1" woman in generally good health reported that her last medical evaluation, conducted last year, showed no significant issues. Recently, she observed swelling and tenderness in a lymph node located in her neck, coinciding with mild cold-like symptoms that included nasal congestion, a sore throat characterized by redness, fatigue, and a slight post-nasal drip, although the mucus was clear. While the swelling has decreased slightly over time, she opted to visit urgent care for an assessment due to her ongoing concerns. The physician's assistant she consulted seemed unconcerned about the lymph node enlargement. Subsequent tests for strep throat returned negative results, and other examinations appeared normal; consequently, the assistant recommended an allergy medication. Despite this reassurance, her online research has indicated that having an enlarged lymph node for several weeks or more can often be a source of worry. Therefore, she is looking to gather a second opinion and wishes to understand whether it’s possible for a lymph node to remain swollen for a month without being a cause for alarm. Furthermore, the assistant suggested that she might consider consulting with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for further evaluation.
Navigating My Weight Loss Journey with Ozempic
Hello! I have a scheduled visit to a weight loss clinic in September, and my primary hope is to start a regimen with Phentermine, as I suspect my insurance won’t approve a GLP-1 medication. I stand at 5'2", am 27 years old, and weigh 160 pounds. A friend has generously provided me with a month’s worth of Ozempic. While I’m eager to give it a shot, I am concerned about how this might impact my appointment next month. If I notice weight loss before the consultation, should I disclose to them the source of the Ozempic? I'm anxious that they might deny me the Phentermine, thinking I wouldn't qualify since I’ve already shed some pounds. Alternatively, could I mention that I possess the Ozempic and express a need for additional doses, hoping to receive a diagnosis that my insurance would cover? Thank you for your insights!
Understanding Borderline Low White Blood Cell Count
Hello everyone, I’m a 25-year-old female, who has never smoked or experimented with any substances. I have a tendency towards health anxiety, which leads me to undergo regular check-ups. Below, I’ve shared two separate Complete Blood Count (CBC) results — one from last year and another from just a few days ago. My physician remains unconcerned about the fluctuations in my results. **Blood Work Results from 2024:** - White Blood Cells (WBC): 6.9 (Reference range: 3.4–10.8 x10^3/uL) - Red Blood Cells (RBC): 5.26 (Reference range: 3.77–5.28 x10^6/uL) - Hemoglobin: 14.3 (Reference range: 11.1–15.9 g/dL) - Hematocrit: 44.3 (Reference range: 34.0–46.6 %) - Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): 84 (Reference range: 79–97 fL) - Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): 27.2 (Reference range: 26.6–33.0 pg) - Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): 32.3 (Reference range: 31.5–35.7 g/dL) - Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW): 13.6 (Reference range: 11.7–15.4 %) - Platelets: 324 (Reference range: 150–450 x10^3/uL) - Neutrophils: 56 % - Lymphocytes: 31 % - Monocytes: 8 % - Eosinophils: 4 % - Basophils: 1 % - Absolute Neutrophil Count: 3.9 (Reference range: 1.4–7.0 x10^3/uL) - Absolute Lymphocyte Count: 2.2 (Reference range: 0.7–3.1 x10^3/uL) - Absolute Monocyte Count: 0.6 (Reference range: 0.1–0.9 x10^3/uL) - Absolute Eosinophil Count: 0.3 (Reference range: 0.0–0.4 x10^3/uL) - Absolute Basophil Count: 0.0 (Reference range: 0.0–0.2 x10^3/uL) - Immature Granulocytes: 0 % - Absolute Immature Granulocyte Count: 0.0 (Reference range: 0.0–0.1 x10^3/uL) **Blood Work Results from 2025:** - White Blood Cells (WBC): 3.4 (Reference range: 3.4–10.8 x10^3/uL) - Red Blood Cells (RBC): 4.83 (Reference range: 3.77–5.28 x10^6/uL) - Hemoglobin: 13.1 (Reference range: 11.1–15.9 g/dL) - Hematocrit: 40.9 (Reference range: 34.0–46.6 %) - Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): 85 (Reference range: 79–97 fL) - Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): 27.1 (Reference range: 26.6–33.0 pg) - Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): 32.0 (Reference range: 31.5–35.7 g/dL) - Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW): 13.8 (Reference range: 11.7–15.4 %) - Platelets: 253 (Reference range: 150–450 x10^3/uL) - Neutrophils: 41 % - Lymphocytes: 44 % - Monocytes: 10 % - Eosinophils: 4 % - Basophils: 1 % - Absolute Neutrophil Count: 1.4 (Reference range: 1.4–7.0 x10^3/uL) - Absolute Lymphocyte Count: 1.5 (Reference range: 0.7–3.1 x10^3/uL) - Absolute Monocyte Count: 0.3 (Reference range: 0.1–0.9 x10^3/uL) - Absolute Eosinophil Count: 0.2 (Reference range: 0.0–0.4 x10^3/uL) - Absolute Basophil Count: 0.0 (Reference range: 0.0–0.2 x10^3/uL) - Immature Granulocytes: 0 % - Absolute Immature Granulocyte Count: 0.0 (Reference range: 0.0–0.1 x10^3/uL) **Additional Information:** I also underwent another CBC in March 2025, revealing a WBC of 7.5. In April, I initiated a keto diet — which I consider more of a low-carbohydrate regimen (generally around 40–60 grams of carbs daily and 800–1100 calories total). I have eliminated added sugars, potatoes, rice, buckwheat, pasta, and most fruits, though I still consume strawberries, raspberries, and occasionally nectarines. I’ve read that adopting a low-carb diet can lead to a decrease in WBC for some individuals, but I’m uncertain about the mechanisms behind this. I also consume minimal protein, which adds to my confusion over how these dietary changes may be influencing my blood values. My doctor prefers to conduct another CBC not sooner than six months post the last one. However, I feel a strong urge to go to the lab and request an additional test myself. I currently don’t experience any alarming symptoms — I feel fit, energetic, and not fatigued. My main cause for concern stems from noticing several small bruises on my legs, which has led me to irrational fears regarding leukemia. Given my situation, would you advise me to seek another CBC sooner?