Unexpected Seizure in My Father
Hello everyone, Let me share a bit of background about my dad. He is 65 years old and suffered a heart attack last November, which resulted in him needing six stents to be placed in his arteries. For most of his life, he had been a smoker and a drinker, but following his heart incident, he quit both habits abruptly. Over the last nine months, he has faced persistent anxiety, becoming increasingly nervous about various aspects of life. His sleep has been restless, and he has gained around 30 pounds. Interestingly, he has been attending cardiac rehabilitation sessions three times a week, and he actually seems to enjoy them. Last week, however, everything changed when he experienced a seizure. Prior to this episode, he had no history of seizures. The day before, he had been outside, accomplishing tasks around the pool. The next day, he was unusually lethargic, sleeping for most of it. At around 10 a.m., he attempted to wake to have some coffee but felt nauseous and returned to bed. Later, around 4 p.m., he emerged from his room, but my mother observed that he was behaving strangely and appeared disoriented. He complained of persistent nausea and returned to bed. She followed him into the room and found him lying down with his body convulsing and saliva escaping his mouth. Alarmed, she called for an ambulance, and he was taken to the hospital. At the hospital, they conducted various tests including blood work, a head CT scan, and an MRI, which all returned normal results. Nonetheless, since they were uncertain about the cause of the seizure, they admitted him for further observation. They are now waiting for the outcomes of a brain wave test—I'm not entirely sure of its official name. The doctors are nearly certain he experienced a seizure but remain puzzled about what triggered it. Is it common for someone his age to have a seizure without any clear reason? Currently, he is prescribed several medications. He takes medications for blood pressure, blood thinners, and Lexapro for his anxiety, among others. Additionally, he is on something intended to aid his sleep, although I don’t recall the name. As we await the brain wave test results, I would appreciate any advice or insights regarding his situation. Thank you in advance!
Answers (1)
7/7/2025, 4:31:21 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your father's recent seizure; that must be a very concerning experience for your family. The occurrence of a seizure without a prior history can be unsettling, especially given his age and health background.
Key Points:
- Seizures can occur due to various factors, and in older adults, it's not uncommon for the reason to remain unclear after initial evaluation and testing.
- Factors such as medication changes, metabolic imbalances, or even neurological issues could potentially contribute to a seizure.
- It's important to monitor his condition during the observation period in the hospital.
Explanation:
While seizures can happen at any age, they are more prevalent in certain populations, including older adults or those who have underlying health conditions. In your father's case, factors such as his recent cardiac history, anxiety, medication side effects, or even potential metabolic changes could have played a role. Given that his tests have returned normal so far, each of these possibilities will be carefully evaluated by the healthcare team.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: While in the hospital, ensure that his medical team is monitoring any changes in his symptoms closely. Note any new symptoms or changes in behavior, as this information can be valuable for the medical staff.
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Medication Review: Discuss with his healthcare providers about his current medications. Sometimes, interactions or side effects can lead to seizures. Understanding his complete medication list can help identify any possible culprits.
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Mental Health Support: Support his anxiety management as well, since high levels of stress and anxiety can contribute to physical health changes. Evaluating the effectiveness of his current medication and considering adjustments may be helpful.
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Inquire About the Brain Wave Test: The test you're referring to is likely an EEG, which measures electrical activity in the brain. Ask the doctors how soon results can be expected and what the potential next steps might be depending on those results.
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Educate Yourself: Continue gathering information about seizures and their potential triggers. Knowledge can help you and your family feel more prepared and informed.
It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious while waiting for test results, so take care of yourselves during this time. Feel free to reach out with any more questions or concerns as you navigate this situation.
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