Concerns About a Friend's Mysterious Episodes
I have a close friend who often experiences what we describe as ‘blank moments’, during which she stares into the distance and does not respond to any stimuli—visual, auditory, or tactile. Some time ago, I discussed her condition with my father, who works as an EMT, and we considered that these episodes might be absence seizures or complex partial seizures. About a month ago, just before Memorial Day, she experienced these incidents repeatedly for roughly two hours, with each episode lasting several minutes. At one point, she even tumbled off a swing but remained unaware of her surroundings. That evening, I brought this concerning behavior up with her. On Memorial Day, while we were on a bus going to parades, she began zoning out in my arms, exhibiting closed, twitching eyes—possibly a sign of REM sleep—as she slumped against me. Adults nearby noticed and called for an ambulance, which resulted in the incident being classified as her passing out. Since that day, her episodes have intensified. It wasn’t until a week and a half ago that I reconsidered the Memorial Day occurrence, as she has increasingly been slumping forward with closed, twitching eyelids during these moments, often expressing that her eyes hurt afterwards. Earlier this week, she underwent an EEG, but the results came back normal, and the doctors had no additional insights. Unfortunately, her condition continues to deteriorate, and I’m honestly quite frightened. These episodes significantly disrupt her everyday life, happening more frequently and seemingly interfering with her ability to think clearly and recall information. I am genuinely concerned that she may be experiencing seizures or another health issue that could be detrimental to her well-being. Additional observations: - She can sometimes sense when an episode is about to occur (aura effect). - Regardless of what is attempted, nothing seems to bring her out of these states. - Her episodes have escalated from occurring 3–8 times daily to over 50. - The duration varies—some are just a few seconds long while others stretch to a few minutes. - Some episodes leave her feeling unwell afterwards. - She’s had these episodes since childhood. - While sitting is when they happen most often, she can occasionally be standing or walking during an episode. - To ensure safety, her close friends have started timing her episodes, especially if they exceed five minutes, prompting a call for help before the EEG results were available. - She often uses phrases like ‘out of it’ to describe her feelings during and after these episodes, along with referring to a sense of ‘brain fog’. - Additionally, she tends to blink excessively before and after an episode, indicating that she feels them starting. I am not well-versed in this subject matter, and I welcome any corrections or advice. I included these details to help clarify her situation. My main priority is her well-being, and I am terrified of the possibility of losing my best friend. Thank you for taking the time to read this post and considering our plight.
Answers (1)
6/21/2025, 12:50:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
Your concern for your friend's well-being is very understandable, and it is commendable that you are seeking guidance on this troubling issue. Based on the information you provided, it seems that your friend may be experiencing complex and potentially serious episodes that could indeed be related to seizure activity or other neurological issues.
Main Points
- Your friend's episodes resemble possible seizure activity, given the description of "blank moments," lack of response, and the noted aura she experiences.
- Given the escalation in frequency and intensity, along with the reported side effects afterward, it is crucial to take her symptoms seriously.
- Continuous monitoring and documentation of her episodes are essential, as well as support for seeking further medical evaluation.
Explanation
- Seizures: The episodes you've described may often align with types of seizures, such as absence seizures or complex partial seizures, especially since she can feel an aura before they start. Seizures can vary in presentation, and some types may not always be detected on an EEG, particularly if they are infrequent or not induced during the test.
- Impact on Daily Life: The frequency of her episodes affecting her clarity and ability to function suggests a significant impact on her daily living. This is a major concern that needs addressing.
- Next Steps: Immediate action may help to determine the underlying problem and guide her treatment.
Actionable Guidance
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Emergency Protocol: Continue to time her episodes. If any episode lasts longer than 5 minutes or if she has repeated episodes without recovery in between, seek emergency medical attention.
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Documentation: Keep a detailed log of each episode, including:
- Date and time
- Duration
- Description of the episode (such as physical appearance, any sounds made, and how she feels afterward)
- Circumstances surrounding the episode (e.g., were there any specific triggers?)
- Any accompanying symptoms like excessive blinking or changes in demeanor.
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Follow-Up with Neurologist: Since the EEG results were normal, it might be beneficial for her to see a neurologist specialized in seizure disorders. Ensure she discusses her increased episodes, the feelings of brain fog, and any recent changes in her lifestyle or stress levels.
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Consider Additional Testing: Ask about potential further investigations, such as MRI scans or advanced EEG modalities (like an ambulatory EEG), to explore possible structural or metabolic factors not captured in the initial EEG.
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Support Network: Encourage your friend to maintain a strong support network. Frequent monitoring and support from friends and family can help her stay safe during episodes.
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Lifestyle Modifications: Encourage her to manage stress, maintain a regular sleep schedule, and avoid potential seizure triggers like flickering lights, if applicable.
Reassurance
It’s completely natural to feel anxious about your friend's condition, especially as it evolves. Stand by her side, support her in maintaining good communication with healthcare providers, and remember that you are helping her by being proactive about her health. Always prioritize her safety first and don't hesitate to move forward with necessary medical evaluations. If you have more questions or need further support in navigating this process, feel free to reach out.
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