Concerned About Possible Seizures
Hello everyone! I'm an 18-year-old male, standing at 5'5" and weighing 115 pounds. I currently don't take any medications, have no known health issues, and don't smoke or drink. For the past five months, I've been experiencing some unsettling symptoms, and after an extensive search online today, I'm now deeply anxious that I might be having seizures, even though I have no prior experience with them. It all started about five months ago when I had three episodes where I unexpectedly lost consciousness and convulsed. Two of those incidents happened suddenly while I was just moving around my home, and one occurred while I was asleep. The only reason I'm aware of these events is that during each episode, I had brief moments of awareness—just a couple of seconds—when I could sense my limbs thrashing around and my head hitting the floor. And, of course, I woke up on the ground feeling very sore on two out of three occasions. Although I didn’t lose any bodily functions during these episodes, I did end up with a bitten tongue and bruises. I haven’t gone to urgent care or the ER after any of these instances, and yes, I realize that I probably should have sought help. Alongside these episodes, I've also been encountering some odd symptoms. A primary concern is that I randomly smell a strange odor for about 5 to 10 seconds before it disappears. I can't put a name to the scent, but it feels strangely familiar yet slightly unpleasant—similar to spoiled goldfish crackers. This has happened to me in various locations, not just at home, and my diet or laundry products haven’t changed. I find myself pausing to acknowledge the odd smell, and then it vanishes, and I often forget about it. My dental health is good; I recently had routine work done without any issues, and I have no known sinus problems. Additionally, I'm experiencing frequent involuntary muscle twitches. I get these random jolts in my legs or an eyelid that starts to twitch uncontrollably, which typically resolves itself within 5 to 10 seconds. At times, I find myself spacing out and realize it, yet I feel powerless to stop it, like noticing that my eyes are frozen, and my jaw is shaking. I also experience sudden intense waves of nausea. Perhaps the most distressing symptom is an excruciating, needle-like sensation coursing through my body. It tends to strike out of the blue, primarily when I'm feeling warm, manifesting as sharp, stabbing pains in various spots—mostly on my left side and upper body—and it only eases when I cool down. I regret spending too much time researching my symptoms online, as I'm now convinced I may have epilepsy or a brain tumor. I haven’t experienced headaches, weight loss, or vomiting, nor is there a family history of brain tumors, yet I can't shake this feeling that I might be having seizures. I have a doctor's appointment scheduled for August 1st. Is it possible to develop epilepsy or seizures suddenly at my age, and is there anything specific I should mention or inquire about during my appointment beyond what I've shared? Do my symptoms align with seizures in any way?
Answers (1)
7/25/2025, 9:02:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a variety of concerning symptoms that may be related to seizure activity or another neurological issue. Given your description of losing consciousness, convulsions, strange odors, muscle twitches, and sharp pains, it’s important to take these symptoms seriously. While it’s understandable to feel anxious about your health, you're already taking a positive step by scheduling a doctor's appointment.
Explanation
Seizures can indeed occur at any age, including in young adults, and they often present with different types of symptoms such as convulsions, loss of consciousness, and unusual sensations. The episodes of lost consciousness and your experience of strange odors (which can sometimes be a type of aura or sensory disturbance) warrant thorough evaluation. The involuntary muscle twitches and the sharp pains are additional symptoms that your healthcare provider should consider in their diagnosis.
Actionable Next Steps
-
Prepare for Your Appointment:
- Write down a detailed timeline of your symptoms, including when the episodes occurred, duration, and any potential triggers you noticed.
- Note any other health changes, such as changes in sleep, mood, or appetite.
-
Specific Points to Discuss:
- Mention all your symptoms, including the odors, twitches, and needle-like pains.
- Ask specifically about the possibility of seizures, epilepsy, and whether any tests (like an EEG or MRI) can help clarify what's happening.
-
Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Avoid triggers that may contribute to your symptoms (e.g., high stress, lack of sleep) as much as possible until you can get more information.
- Ensure you're staying hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support your overall health.
-
Monitor Your Symptoms:
- Keep a record of any new symptoms or changes you notice leading up to your appointment. This might help your doctor determine any patterns.
-
Seek Support:
- Talking with someone you trust about your feelings of anxiety may be helpful as you approach your appointment.
Remember, many possible causes exist for your symptoms, and not all are severe or require immediate concern. You're on the right track by seeking professional advice, and I encourage you to be open with your healthcare provider about everything you've experienced. Your health is important, and addressing these symptoms with a professional can lead to the right care.
Related Questions
Rash on the Dorsal Side of My Hands
A 24-year-old male, standing 5'3" and weighing 125 pounds, is not currently taking any medications. While I do not smoke, I am often exposed to secondhand smoke from those around me, and I have recently spent time in an environment where a significant amount of unpleasant smoke is produced due to casting activities. For approximately three weeks, I have been experiencing a rash on the backs of both my hands. I initially became aware of it after working on my car's engine. The rash has led to dryness and itching, and I took a photo after my shower today, highlighting the redness that has become particularly noticeable. What are some effective treatments for this condition?
Understanding Foam in Urine: When is it a Concern?
Age 24, I've observed a notable increase in the amount of foam in my urine over the past couple of years, compared to what I remember from before. About a year ago, I mentioned this to my primary care physician, who seemed somewhat dismissive of my concerns. Nonetheless, they proceeded to conduct a urinalysis, which returned normal results, indicating no elevated protein levels. I frequently undergo blood tests, and both my eGFR and creatinine levels typically fall within the normal range, although I did experience some fluctuations linked to a bout of mononucleosis a couple of years back, where my eGFR dipped near 70; it currently remains above 100. I suspect that changes in my urological function, likely from aging, are contributing to a stronger urine stream now than in my youth. The foam generally settles down after a few minutes, although occasionally it lingers longer than expected. I make a concerted effort to stay hydrated, even though I don’t always succeed, so I wonder if mild dehydration could partially account for the foaming. This concern is particularly relevant as I'm resuming strength training and planning to increase my protein consumption. I want to ensure that my kidneys are not overtaxed due to any potential underlying issues. Additionally, I have a history of taking 5 grams of creatine daily, paired with plenty of water, which makes me cautious about this, too. Is there a point at which foaming in urine is considered excessive, or does a specific threshold exist that I should be aware of?
Understanding Symptoms of Salmonella: What to Do Next
My boyfriend, who is 26, experienced a fever that peaked at approximately 99.5°F yesterday morning. Thankfully, after resting and taking NyQuil, his fever subsided by this morning. However, he has been dealing with severe abdominal pain and persistent diarrhea since last evening, which has not shown much improvement. He has been making frequent trips to the restroom, nearly every hour throughout the night and again today. While I initially thought he might be improving since the fever has decreased, I became alarmed upon noticing bright red blood in his stool and on the toilet paper after he wipes. It has been around 40 hours since the fever began, and my concern has heightened now that blood has appeared. I’ve come across some online information suggesting these symptoms might be typical for salmonella infections, and I’m uncertain whether we should seek medical attention immediately or if it’s advisable to wait another day or two to see if his condition improves. I realize that consulting a doctor as soon as possible would be the best course of action. However, he currently lacks insurance, which makes him hesitant to get checked right away. Any guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated, thank you.
Navigating Alcohol Challenges
My partner has recently developed issues with alcohol. Over the past year, he has been consuming significant amounts—roughly two bottles of distilled spirits each week, in addition to beer. A decade ago, he struggled with inhalants and even faced near-fatal consequences, but he had maintained sobriety until he turned to drinking. He believes he has plenty of time before the effects of alcohol will manifest. How long can he continue this way before it becomes a serious problem? He is a 53-year-old male, weighing 325 pounds, standing at 5 feet 11 inches, and he is currently on medication for hypertension. Although we plan to separate later this year, it’s clear that this situation will have an impact on our three children.
Exploring MRI vs. CT Scans for Headache Evaluation
Greetings! My husband, aged 33, has been suffering from persistent headaches for the past couple of months. These headaches predominantly affect the right side of his head, specifically behind his eye, and tend to surface several times each week, particularly in the evenings. Relief is often found with extra-strength Tylenol, although there have been instances where the pain has persisted throughout the night and into the following day. The discomfort intensifies when he bends over or makes any sudden movements. In an effort to manage his symptoms, his doctor recommended magnesium supplements, which initially seemed to reduce the frequency of the headaches for a few weeks; unfortunately, the relief was only temporary as the headaches returned. He underwent blood tests, revealing that all results were normal apart from a minor elevation in his white blood cell count, which the physician indicated could potentially relate to a bacterial infection. My husband experienced a mild cold during this time, yet the doctor reassured us that these two issues were unrelated. Although he takes a multivitamin designed for men, he has maintained that routine long before these headaches began. For additional context, he sustained a moderate traumatic brain injury in his early twenties, which resulted in a blackout and a loss of about two weeks of memory. Fortunately, he has been doing well since that incident. With the resurgence of his headaches, his doctor has recommended a CT scan. However, I’m curious if opting for an MRI might be a more suitable choice. He has undergone approximately five CT scans in total due to his previous TBI and a back injury. I recall my doctor expressing concern over frequent CT scans at a young age, which has led me to seek guidance. My main inquiry is: would an MRI provide sufficient imaging quality to help determine the underlying cause of his headaches?