Uncertainty Surrounding Last Night's Incident: POTS or Seizure?
At 35, soon to turn 36, I am a Hispanic woman managing Type 2 diabetes effectively, with my A1C level at 6.1, consistently under 7.1. My family medical history includes lupus, arthritis, and diabetes, which adds complexity to my health profile. Recently, I've been undergoing assessments for Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HEDS) along with potential autoimmune disorders after a positive ANA test result of 1:80; however, there’s some uncertainty about whether this indicates a true positive. A follow-up with a rheumatologist is scheduled for October 7th. I have a formal diagnosis of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which has caused me to experience fainting spells. I previously attributed these episodes solely to POTS, but last night's event felt distinctly unusual. I cannot recall much from that experience; my partner has provided details of the incident, expressing concern that I may have had a seizure based on my behavior at the time. Despite his worries, I resisted going to the emergency room and opted for bed instead. Currently, I take several medications: in the morning, I have Cymbalta at 30 mg, pantoprazole at 40 mg, and loratadine at 10 mg. Before bed, I increase my Cymbalta dosage to 60 mg, take famotidine at 40 mg, and consume methocarbamol at 750 mg, alongside a weekly injection of 1 mg Ozempic. The episode last night was quite frightening. I am set to see a neurologist on Wednesday who specializes in dysautonomia and movement disorders, which I hope will provide clarity. My reluctance to return to the ER stems from a recent visit where I dislocated and relocated my knee. After enduring 24 hours of numbness and persistent weakness, all that was done was an X-ray to confirm it wasn’t broken. Following eight hours at the hospital, a nurse practitioner advised me that as long as I could walk with a cane, I should manage the situation and wait for neurological consultation. Now, I find myself questioning whether the incident last night was indeed a seizure. Should I consider heading to the ER to request an MRI, or would it be more prudent to wait until next Wednesday, hoping for no recurrence of the episode?
Answers (1)
8/21/2025, 8:42:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the frightening experience you had last night. It’s understandable to feel uncertain and concerned about your health, especially given your complex medical history. Let’s break down what you might consider as you move forward.
Main Points
Your recent episode may be related to your existing conditions like POTS, but it's also important to consider the possibility of seizure activity, especially since the behavior was unusual and not typical for you. You’re doing the right thing by planning to see a neurologist for further evaluation, which is crucial for clarity.
Explanation
POTS can cause fainting spells and heart rate fluctuations, which can mimic some seizure-like activities. However, if your partner noticed specific behaviors that are inconsistent with POTS (such as convulsions or loss of awareness), it may warrant further investigation to rule out seizures or other neurological concerns. Given that you have a scheduled appointment with a neurologist soon, gathering more information about the episode and discussing it with them will be key.
Next Steps
- Keep a Detailed Record: Write down everything you remember about the episode, as well as what your partner observed. This can help the neurologist assess what might have happened.
- Monitor for Recurrence: Pay attention to any further episodes or changes in your symptoms, especially if they resemble what you experienced last night.
- Consider Current Condition: If you experience any additional episodes that are concerning (for example, prolonged confusion, unable to respond, or significant changes in behavior), it would be prudent to seek immediate medical attention.
- Prepare for the Neurologist Appointment: Bring your notes to the appointment on Wednesday, including details of all your symptoms, medications, and family history. This will help your doctor to evaluate your condition more effectively.
- Emergency Room Visit: If you feel that another episode is likely or if your symptoms worsen significantly before your neurologist appointment, don't hesitate to go to the ER. Given your past experience, you deserve thorough care and attention to any new symptoms.
Your health and peace of mind are important. If you have more questions or need to explore specific symptoms further, feel free to reach out.
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