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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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