OpenHealth Q&A

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.