Could This Have Been a Seizure?
A while back, I had an experience that continues to trouble me. Let me start by clarifying that I am not against vaccinations; I'm simply sharing my personal encounter. After receiving my initial meningitis vaccine, which I believe was administered alongside another one—possibly HPV—I suddenly felt faint. My vision went dark, and I collapsed. Medical staff transported me to another area in the clinic, where they administered smelling salts to revive me. I attributed this incident to not having eaten that day and didn’t experience any further symptoms at that time. However, years later, when I went for my second meningitis vaccine, I informed the clinic personnel about my previous reaction. They dismissed my concerns and assured me that everything would be fine. After a short wait following the vaccination, they deemed me ready to leave. Once I got into the car—thankfully, my guardian was driving—I began to see swirling, kaleidoscopic patterns on the road that wouldn’t leave my sight. Breathing became a struggle, and again, my vision faded to black. I have no memory of what transpired next. When I regained consciousness, I was soaked in sweat and my body was aching. Though it felt like just a few moments had passed, my guardian recounted that I had convulsed and mumbled for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. This incident occurred years ago, but it has left me feeling traumatized, leading to a fear of needles. I find myself wondering whether this could have been a seizure, as I’ve faced skepticism regarding my experience. I'm eager to know if what I experienced was indeed possible. For context, I am 19 years old, assigned female at birth, do not smoke or drink, weigh around 100 pounds, and I am not on any medication.
Answers (1)
8/18/2025, 3:50:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
Your experiences following vaccinations are understandably concerning, and it's important to know that what you went through is significant and deserves careful consideration.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms could indicate a potential seizure, especially given the loss of consciousness and convulsions.
- It's also possible that these reactions were related to vasovagal syncope (a fainting response) due to stress, pain, or other factors.
- It’s crucial to acknowledge your fears and feelings of trauma associated with these experiences.
Explanation:
The episodes you described, particularly the loss of consciousness, confusion, trembling, and mumbled speech following your vaccinations, raise questions about whether they were seizures or possibly a severe fainting episode known as vasovagal syncope. Vasovagal syncope occurs when the body overreacts to certain triggers (like needles), leading to a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, which can cause fainting and sometimes jerking movements.
However, the convulsions you mentioned could align more with seizure activity, which would warrant further investigation. Occasionally, stress, dehydration, or lack of food can contribute to such reactions.
Next Steps:
-
Keep a Detailed Record: Start a symptom diary to document any similar experiences, descriptions of events, triggers, duration, and what happened afterward. This will be helpful if you decide to discuss your experiences further.
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Consider Medications & Triggers: Reflect on any other stressors, dietary factors, or sleep issues that might have contributed. Ensure you're well-nourished and hydrated before any medical appointments or procedures in the future to help reduce the likelihood of fainting.
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Educate & Prepare Yourself: Familiarize yourself with what to expect during vaccinations or similar medical procedures. Discuss these preparations with your nurse or doctor to ensure you feel supported.
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Seek Appropriate Support: If your experience continues to cause you anxiety or affects your daily life, consider seeking support from a mental health professional who can help you cope with the trauma and your fear of needles.
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Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you continue to have health concerns or similar episodes in the future, consider seeking a healthcare professional who can conduct appropriate evaluations, including possible EEG testing to assess for epilepsy or other conditions.
Recognize that your feelings are valid, and seeking answers or support is important for your well-being. If you have any more questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out!
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