Inquiring About Focal Aware Seizures: A Mother's Concern
Greetings, everyone. I hope I'm posting in the right place. I’m seeking insights regarding my daughter’s recent health experiences to better understand how to assist her. She is 26 years old, weighs 125 pounds and stands 5 feet 7 inches tall, in good health overall. The only past concern was a case of DRESS syndrome linked to penicillin, but that issue has resolved. Not long ago, I was alerted to her being sick in the middle of the night. When I checked in on her, I noticed she was trembling. She explained that she had been hit by an intense feeling of dread, accompanied by hyperventilation and sweating. This distressing episode recurred several times, prompting us to visit the emergency room. Her blood pressure and heart rate were notably elevated, and she continued to feel nauseous. The medical team conducted a comprehensive cardiac assessment before allowing her to go home. During our visit, they inquired about any history of seizures. The doctor mentioned the possibility of focal aware seizures and suggested that we speak with our general practitioner regarding a potential referral to a neurologist. However, she was deemed stable enough to return home. Following these incidents, my daughter either feels completely restored or extremely fatigued. I’m curious whether her symptoms might be linked to focal aware seizures. Would it be prudent for us to press for a neurology referral? The GP believes that a neurology consultation isn’t necessary at present.
Answers (1)
8/25/2025, 10:53:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your daughter's experience, and I understand how concerning this situation can be. It’s clear that you are looking for insights to better support her. Based on the symptoms described, it’s worthwhile to consider the possibility of focal aware seizures, especially since they can manifest as intense feelings of dread, trembling, and changes in heart rate and breathing.
Explanation:
Focal aware seizures, previously known as simple partial seizures, can lead to various sensory and emotional symptoms without affecting awareness. They may cause unusual sensations, emotional changes, or even physical symptoms like trembling. The episodes you've described, such as the overwhelming feeling of dread, hyperventilation, and elevated heart rate, could align with this type of seizure or another neurological condition.
However, these episodes can also stem from anxiety attacks or panic disorders, which can produce similar physical reactions. The key is understanding the underlying cause to manage her health appropriately.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of her episodes, including the duration, specific sensations or feelings, and any triggers or patterns. This information will be helpful to healthcare providers.
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Discuss Neurological Symptoms: Although the emergency room did assess her condition, it’s important to express your concerns about the recurring episodes to her general practitioner. If possible, suggest that a neurologist may provide more specialized insight.
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Follow-Up Check: Consider scheduling a follow-up visit with the GP to discuss her ongoing symptoms, the fatigue she experiences post-episode, and the details of the episodes you’ve been documenting.
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Assess Mental Well-being: Given the nature of her symptoms, it may also be beneficial to explore whether anxiety or stress is playing a role. Strategies such as relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices can be beneficial for both anxiety management and seizure control, if applicable.
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Safety Precautions: Ensure that she is safe during episodes. Avoid potentially dangerous situations, like driving or operating machinery, until a clear diagnosis is established.
If symptoms worsen, or if new ones arise (such as loss of consciousness, unusual movements, or marked confusion post-episode), seeking immediate medical attention would be prudent.
Let me know if you need further assistance or specific information as you navigate this situation. Your proactive approach is a vital part of her care.
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