OpenHealth Q&A

Did I Experience a Seizure?

I’m a 23-year-old woman, standing at 5’5” and weighing 120 pounds. I underwent a nephrectomy at just two months old due to a growth that was found while still in my mother’s womb. Before diving in, I want to make it clear that I fully recognize the riskiness of my actions, and I’ve taken it as a hard lesson learned that will not be repeated. This isn’t a complex medical mystery, nor am I seeking a formal diagnosis; I’m simply curious if what I experienced could have been a seizure. To provide some background, I can’t elaborate on the growth issue because my mother doesn’t recall the specifics, and my medical records are inaccessible. My remaining kidney, which I affectionately call Ol’ Faithful, has consistently performed well, though I am susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs). During my childhood, these infections were meticulously monitored, with annual checks on my kidney function. Fast forward to last year when I faced my first kidney infection: I woke up on Sunday, noticing familiar UTI symptoms: frequent urges to urinate, urgency, and burning sensations. This unpleasant scenario unfolded just a couple of days before my new health insurance became effective (coverage kicked in at 12:01 AM on Tuesday). Being new to the city without a primary care physician, I decided to hydrate and visit urgent care first thing on Tuesday morning to get started on antibiotics—a plan I thought was sound. However, as the day progressed, my condition deteriorated. I experienced excruciating back pain, assuming I had simply slept awkwardly. I also suffered from intense chills, which I initially dismissed as being caused by a draft. By nightfall, I began vomiting, and when I checked my temperature, it was at an alarming 103 degrees Fahrenheit. I realized I needed to act quickly; instead of waiting a whole day for urgent care, I opted to go to the ER right at 12:01 AM. I spent the intervening hours battling severe flank pain and nausea, using alternating ice packs and heavy blankets to cope, while relying on Tylenol. My temperature fluctuated between 103 and 101 degrees, and by the time midnight arrived, I could barely stand. What I recall vividly: I was feeling extremely cold and shivering, so I wrapped myself in every blanket available. Surprisingly, I thought I was attempting to induce a fever even though I was already measuring 102 degrees. In a moment of confusion, I took more Tylenol. The shivering intensified, prompting me to lie on my side surrounded by pillows. Despite recognizing that I couldn’t control the shaking of my legs and feet, fatigue began to take over. I drifted off to sleep without intending to, only awakening about 15 minutes later, bewildered by how I had fallen asleep during such unrest. The shivering had ceased, but every muscle ached, feeling as if I had just completed a marathon. Checking my thermometer revealed a temperature of 105.4 degrees. At this point, it was 3 AM, and now that I had insurance, I called an Uber to the hospital. It took an additional two days to stabilize my fever, but thankfully, Ol’ Faithful was unharmed, diagnosed only with pyelonephritis and a GFR of 129. Now, regarding my conversation with the hospital staff about my ice pack and warm blanket protocol: when I relayed the events from home, a nurse practitioner remarked, "Oh dear, you likely had a seizure." I brushed off her comment at the time, focusing instead on my request for warm blankets, but it now weighs on my mind: Did I actually have a seizure? Or did I merely faint? I believed febrile seizures only happened in infants. P.S. I acknowledge the mistake of waiting too long to seek medical attention; I assure you, it won't occur again. Two false positive blood cultures during my hospital stay certainly made an impression on me. And those rectal temperature checks? I thought those were only for babies, too!

Answers (1)

7/13/2025, 6:40:36 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you had an incredibly distressing experience, and it's understandable to seek clarity about whether what you experienced was a seizure or not. From what you’ve described, it's possible that you experienced a combination of extreme fever and fatigue rather than a seizure.

Potential Explanation

1. Fever-Related Events: Your very high fever (105.4 degrees Fahrenheit) and accompanying symptoms such as chills, shaking, and muscle aches could have caused a seizure-like episode or an episode of syncope (fainting). Febrile seizures are more common in children but can occur in individuals with high fevers.

2. Hypoxia and Fatigue: The combination of fatigue from pain and potential dehydration during your illness might have led to transient changes in consciousness or muscle control, which could be confused with a seizure.

3. Overheating and Exhaustion: The use of layers of blankets and your body's natural response to high fever might have led to a state of confusion before you fell asleep.

Next Steps

1. Monitor Your Health: Keep a close watch on any recurring symptoms, especially during high fever or infections. If you experience similar symptoms in the future, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.

2. Documentation: Start a symptom diary, noting any unusual experiences, particularly during illness. Keep track of symptoms such as shaking, loss of consciousness, or confusion, along with any relevant health conditions.

3. Education: Learn about the signs of seizures and fainting. Knowing the difference can help you respond more effectively in the future.

4. Follow-Up: While it's understandable that you don’t want a formal diagnosis, if you are still concerned about your past experience, consider discussing this with a healthcare provider during your next appointment. They may recommend Neurological evaluations if there’s a pattern of occurrences.

Remember, it's important to prioritize your health and safety. If this happens again or if you have significant concerns, don’t hesitate to seek help immediately. Your health is the most important thing, and learning from past experiences is a valuable step forward.