OpenHealth Q&A

Seizures from Eye Drops? My Experience

Hello everyone! I’m a 31-year-old female with no existing health issues and no regular medications. I do experience migraines with aura occasionally, perhaps once every three months, which starts with vivid zigzag patterns lasting around ten minutes without pain, before developing into a strong headache that persists until I take some pain relief. Yesterday was like any ordinary day until I noticed a persistent bright spot in my left eye. This strange visual disturbance lasted for about two hours without any accompanying headache or discomfort. Despite the absence of pain, my vision was significantly impaired, prompting me to visit an eye specialist. Upon arrival, the nurse conducted an eye examination and informed me that she would dilate my pupils to facilitate a retina check—this was my first experience with pupil dilation. During the initial procedure, I inadvertently blinked, causing her to repeat the process. As I settled in the waiting area, anticipating the usual blurred vision from the dilation, I unexpectedly experienced an odd sensation. I sipped some water and chewed gum, but soon I felt increasingly unwell, as though I might faint. Everything turned blank after that; when I regained consciousness, I found other patients gathered around me, and the receptionist was gripping my shoulders and attempting to communicate, though I couldn’t comprehend her words. I felt warmth beneath me and was engulfed in confusion, questioning, "Is this a dream? Did I just lose control?" They escorted me to a different room, offered me water, and measured my blood pressure—it was normal. They asked if I had epilepsy, which I do not. "Do you have any allergies?" I replied that I’m unaware of any. When I inquired about what had just transpired, they mentioned, "We’re not sure, but it seemed like your eyes rolled back. It was brief." They assessed my retina afterward and reported that everything appeared normal. I shared with them that it was my first time experiencing pupil dilation and that I had never fainted or had seizures before, questioning if my incident could be linked to the eye drops, to which they swiftly dismissed that notion. To ensure everything was thoroughly checked, they referred me to a neurologist. At that appointment, they took blood samples and conducted standard tests to exclude the possibility of a stroke. Ultimately, they found no indications of either a stroke or seizures, concluding that I likely experienced some form of panic attack before allowing me to leave. By that time, the bright spot in my vision had disappeared. Although my vision remained a bit blurry and my head felt somewhat off, it was not severe. Now, I find myself in shock, pondering what on earth just happened. Could that truly be classified as a panic attack with that added distress? I stumbled across several case studies discussing the rare link between mydriatic eye drops, particularly Cyclopentolate, and seizures, which has piqued my interest. This doesn’t seem insignificant to me! Am I losing my mind? Was that genuinely just a panic attack? Thank you for any insights!

Answers (1)

9/5/2025, 7:41:14 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you had a very distressing experience that left you feeling confused and concerned. While your doctors have indicated that your symptoms may have been linked to a panic attack, you are right to seek clarity on how this fits with your recent eye drop use and your history of visual disturbances.

Key Points:

1. Panic Attack vs. Other Causes: Your recent experience could indeed have been a panic attack, which can cause feelings of faintness, confusion, and disorientation. However, your concerns about the eye drops and the possibility of seizures are valid and deserve attention.

2. Potential Effects of Dilation: Mydriatic eye drops, like Cyclopentolate, can cause temporary side effects, but they are not commonly known to induce seizures. It seems more likely that the combination of your visual disturbance, the unfamiliar experience of pupil dilation, and the stress of the situation may have triggered a panic-like state.

Explanation:

• Visual Disturbance: The bright spot you noted could be related to a migraine aura, which can happen even in the absence of a headache or can be a stress-induced visual disturbance.
• Panic Attack Symptoms: Symptoms of a panic attack can mimic those of fainting, including confusion and warmth, as your body reacts to stress. These can sometimes occur without prior warning and can be frightening.
• Seizure Concerns: While the case studies you found discuss rare reactions to certain eye drops, the medical evaluations you underwent did not indicate seizures or neurological issues, which is reassuring.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of any further episodes and note any triggers or additional symptoms, such as anxiety, visual disturbances, or headaches. This may help you and your healthcare providers identify patterns.

2. Follow-Up with Neurologist: Since you have been referred to a neurologist, continue with this appointment to discuss your symptoms in detail. Make sure to mention all the events surrounding your incident, including your migraines.

3. Manage Stress and Anxiety: Explore stress management techniques that may help reduce the chance of future panic attacks. This can include mindfulness, deep-breathing exercises, or talking about your feelings with someone you trust.

4. Consider Speaking with a Mental Health Professional: If you feel that anxiety or panic attacks could be affecting your daily life, a mental health professional may help you develop coping strategies.

5. Stay Informed, But Cautious: While it’s good to seek information, be careful about self-diagnosing based on rare case studies. Trust your doctors' assessments, and discuss any concerns with them directly.

Ultimately, your health and peace of mind are essential, so take these steps at your own pace, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support as needed.