Seeking Guidance on My Aunt's Severe Seizure Episodes
Greetings, esteemed medical professionals, I find myself in desperate need of assistance regarding my aunt, a 40-year-old woman residing in Bangladesh. For many years, she has dealt with several ongoing health issues, including high cholesterol levels, an enlarged liver, and complications with her kidneys. However, her situation has recently worsened, and we are increasingly concerned. During her episodes, she exhibits significant symptoms: - She suddenly loses consciousness or becomes entirely unresponsive. - Her body undergoes intense shaking that can last anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes. - There are instances of her biting her tongue during these seizures. - On rare occasions, her tongue retracts towards her throat, causing breathing difficulties that can last for about four to five minutes. - Throughout this experience, she is unable to speak or open her eyes. - Once the episode concludes, she often appears disoriented and extremely fatigued. We sought medical attention at a local hospital, where the diagnosis was seizures. The doctors prescribed her the following medications: - Encorate Chrono 200 (Sodium Valproate) - Anfree 10 (Clobazam) - Deprex 5 (Escitalopram) Additionally, she received IV treatments, including: - Exium 40mg (Esomeprazole) - Aciphin Ceftriaxone 2g (an antibiotic) Both her brain CT scan and ECG results were normal, which adds to our worries since we lack access to further diagnostic tools such as EEG and MRI. The length and severity of her seizures, along with the choking episodes, raise alarms for us. Could this potentially be epilepsy? Alternatively, might it relate to her existing liver or kidney problems, such as hepatic encephalopathy? We are eager to gather insights or advice on this matter. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Answers (1)
7/2/2025, 3:31:09 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your aunt's condition; it sounds very concerning for both her and your family. The symptoms you're describing, especially the loss of consciousness, intense shaking, and difficulty breathing can indeed indicate seizure episodes, which could be related to various underlying health issues.
Main Points
- Possible Causes of Seizures: Given your aunt's pre-existing health conditions, her seizures could be related to neurological issues such as epilepsy, but they may also stem from metabolic disturbances related to liver or kidney function.
- Monitoring and Urgency: The severity of her seizures and associated symptoms, especially the choking episodes, warrant close monitoring and potential adjustments in treatment.
Explanation
Your aunt experiences grand mal seizures, characterized by loss of consciousness and vigorous body movements. The fact that she has existing health issues, including high cholesterol and problems with her liver and kidneys, complicates the situation because these conditions could influence her neurological health. For example, hepatic encephalopathy can result from liver dysfunction and may lead to neurological symptoms, including seizures.
Even though her CT scan and ECG showed normal results, it's crucial to further explore the reason behind her seizures clinically and through further diagnostic means when possible.
Next Steps
-
Seizure Management:
- Medication Adherence: Ensure she takes her prescribed medications (Sodium Valproate and Clobazam) consistently. These medications aim to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.
- Record Seizure Characteristics: Keep a detailed diary of her seizure episodes, noting the duration, frequency, triggers, and recovery time. This can help healthcare providers refine her treatment plan.
-
Emergency Plan:
- Create an emergency plan for seizure episodes, particularly for those that may cause choking. This should include ensuring her safety during a seizure (e.g., laying her on her side) and knowing when to seek urgent help.
- Consider using a wearable device if available that can alert others during a seizure.
-
Explore Diagnostic Options:
- While access to EEG and MRI may be limited, consulting with a neurologist when possible could provide insights or alternative recommendations. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, seek immediate medical attention.
-
Lifestyle and Monitoring:
- Encourage her to maintain a balanced diet and avoid alcohol, as these can affect liver and kidney functions, possibly exacerbating her condition.
- Regular follow-ups with her medical team are essential to monitor her blood levels and overall health.
I hope this provides you with some clarity and helpful steps to take. Supporting your aunt through her treatment and seeking the best care available will be vital. Please feel free to reach out for further questions or concerns.
Related Questions
Hernia Diagnosis Without Follow-Up: A Conflicting Situation
A 22-year-old male recently visited the emergency room due to discomfort in his lower abdomen. Upon examination, the medical team was indecisive about whether he was experiencing an oblique muscle problem or a hernia. Surprisingly, they opted against performing a CT scan or ultrasound and did not schedule any follow-up appointments. To the best of my knowledge, hernias typically do not resolve themselves with merely the use of ace bandages or over-the-counter pain medication; surgical intervention is usually necessary for proper treatment. Is there a specific rationale behind their reluctance to pursue further diagnostic testing or surgery?
Unexplained Episodes of Abdominal Discomfort
Age: 28 Gender: Female Weight: 194 lbs Height: 5’7" Current Medications: Vitamin D, Fish Oil, B Complex Vitamins, Birth Control Pills, Vyvanse 30 mg Health Background: Asthma, Eczema, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Since August 2025, I've experienced three occurrences of intense abdominal discomfort that necessitated visits to the emergency room for pain management. These episodes usually strike at night, escalating to unbearable levels within around 30 minutes. None of the sitting positions seem to provide relief, and gastrointestinal medications have proven largely ineffective. Only strong pain relievers seem to alleviate the suffering. After the peak of the pain subsides, my abdomen remains sensitive for more than three days. I can accurately identify the location of the discomfort, which appears to be between the midepigastric area and near the gallbladder. The pain is difficult to articulate, yet it presents as a severe burning and aching sensation. Interestingly, there does not seem to be any specific food intake related to these pain episodes. I underwent an H. Pylori breath test that returned negative results. Additionally, I had an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Although the biopsies were also negative for H. Pylori, they did reveal residual liquid in my stomach and a small section of intestinal metaplasia. My complete blood count (CBC) and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) results were normal, except for elevated LDL levels, which I’m already aware of. My gastroenterologist has recommended a gastric emptying study (GES) to evaluate the functionality of my stomach. If results indicate no issues, we will then investigate the gallbladder. Are there alternative explanations for my symptoms? Should I be worried about autoimmune metaplastic atrophic gastritis (AMAG)? While I have been diagnosed with GERD, this pain feels distinctly different from the GERD-related discomfort. I am not entirely sure it is gastroparesis, even though I occasionally regurgitate if I eat too quickly; I do not experience nausea or malnutrition. I have researched extensively, and my symptoms align with biliary colic. However, I am anxious about the possibility of gallstones not appearing in the ultrasound. My gastroenterologist is not particularly concerned about the intestinal metaplasia, but being only 28 years old, I find this worrying. As a medical student, these painful episodes significantly hinder my studies and academic progress.
Understanding My Symptoms: A Personal Account
I’m sharing my experiences here, as I haven’t received much feedback elsewhere. I am a 15-year-old female, measuring about 5 feet tall (152 cm) and weighing between 105 and 110 pounds (47-50 kg). I identify as Hispanic and Cuban, and legally fall under the white classification. I reside in Palm Beach County, Florida, and I am a U.S. citizen. I have a diagnosis of Autism and previously had ADD, although that diagnosis has been dropped, which leaves me unsure about my current condition—whether ADHD applies or not. Additionally, I have a past history of anemia, although it is currently not diagnosed. For the past year, I've experienced a range of symptoms that appear intermittently and are often present almost daily. While these symptoms vary, they haven’t subsided. I’ve noticed that both physical activity and caffeine can either trigger or exacerbate these issues. Now, I’d like to detail the symptoms I've been facing. One of my major concerns is my balance; when I stand, I often feel unsteady, and sometimes I even limp. This particular symptom is quite troubling as it occurs frequently. I also experience occasional dizziness and fatigue, which leaves me feeling too weak to move, causing me to remain still for prolonged periods. During episodes of significant fatigue or balance issues, I find myself starting to stutter and I suspect my speech may slur at times. Additionally, my hands sometimes shake, especially when I struggle to walk. There could be other symptoms I haven’t recalled yet, but this is what I remember for now. I will provide updates if I think of anything else, and I welcome any engagement. Furthermore, I’ve noticed irregularities with my heart rate. Initially, when these symptoms began, my resting heart rate dropped from the 80s and 90s to the 50s and 60s; this lower rate has persisted. Lately, however, even simple tasks such as standing, walking short distances, or rocking back and forth (which I do as a self-soothing mechanism) have caused my heart rate to spike to the 100s. These changes are new, while the other symptoms have been consistent for about a year. I genuinely seek guidance or support, as I feel uneasy relying on AI for self-assessment. Unfortunately, I can't afford doctor visits at this time, and my caretaker has shown little concern for my well-being. Therefore, please refrain from suggesting medical consultations. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I’m open to any questions.
Frequent Headaches and Unusual Symptoms
Greetings, I’m a 20-year-old female. Lately, I've been suffering from unexpected headaches almost daily. Additionally, I've begun to feel nauseous during car rides and when experiencing movement. Even potent odors, like the smell of cooking, tend to trigger these headaches. No amount of ibuprofen seems to alleviate the pain. I don’t currently have a physician, and I can confirm that I’m not expecting a child.
Concerns About Rhabdomyolysis?
Background - F34, residing in Texas, USA, is currently trying to get back into shape after a period of inactivity. After an intense workout on Wednesday that included squats and lunges, I pushed myself too hard. Following my strength training, I spent 15 minutes on the elliptical, leaving my legs feeling weak and shaky. Since then, I've experienced difficulty walking, sitting, and even rising from a seated position. Although I have dealt with muscle soreness before, this time feels different and more intense. This morning, I woke up experiencing post-nasal drip and a sore throat, which raises concerns about possibly coming down with a cold or flu. However, I am also aware that rhabdomyolysis can present with flu-like symptoms, making my situation more confusing. By the evening, my condition seemed to worsen, as I began to feel chills, generalized body aches, swollen lymph nodes, a headache, and nausea, though I haven’t actually vomited. While I believe these symptoms correlate with a potential cold or flu, there is significant symptom overlap that makes me uncertain about the level of concern I should have. So far, my urine appears normal—slightly yellow but not the tea-colored hue often associated with rhabdomyolysis. I also conducted a COVID-19 and flu test this evening, and fortunately, the results were negative. I am left wondering at what point I should be alarmed enough to seek medical attention for rhabdomyolysis. As long as my urine remains normal, does that mean I'm in the clear? If it weren’t for the flu-like symptoms, I would feel reassured by the appearance of my urine, but now I’m second-guessing that. Any guidance on what symptoms to monitor for or when it might be appropriate to seek medical evaluation would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!