Seeking Guidance on My Sister's Symptoms
Greetings, I find myself in a challenging situation and am desperately in need of assistance to understand what my sister might be going through. For nearly a year now, she has been displaying seizure-like behaviors that seem to be triggered by intense abdominal pain. She describes the sensation as a sharp discomfort in her stomach. At just 15 years of age, she has been facing this ordeal, and it’s important to note that it is not connected to her menstrual cycle. When she begins to articulate her abdominal pain—this is our indicator that something is about to happen—she often becomes emotional and starts crying. Shortly after, she experiences hyperventilation and involuntary jerking movements in her body. During these episodes, she struggles to breathe and becomes tearful. Eventually, she loses consciousness, her eyes shut, and becomes unresponsive. The only signs of communication she can manage are slight nods of her head or squeezing my hands. These episodes typically last around ten minutes. I am truly at a loss and urgently seek guidance. I initially took her to the emergency room when the episodes began, but the doctors attributed her condition solely to mental health issues. I firmly believe there is more to this than just psychological factors. They even suggested that she start maintaining a diary, which feels inadequate given the seriousness of her condition. It seems that the healthcare system is not adequately addressing this situation. Any insights or information on what might be happening would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
2/4/2026, 3:00:54 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your sister's challenging situation; it sounds extremely distressing for both of you. The symptoms you're describing—seizure-like behaviors triggered by abdominal pain, hyperventilation, and loss of consciousness—can be complex and may have multiple underlying causes. While it’s understandable to feel frustrated about her previous evaluations, let's focus on proactive steps forward.
Main Points:
- Her symptoms could potentially be related to underlying medical conditions or could be non-epileptic seizures linked to pain and emotional distress.
- Identifying potential triggers and keeping an organized record of her symptoms and episodes will be crucial.
- Seeking a thorough evaluation by a specialist may be necessary to gain more insights.
Explanation:
The behaviors you've described may suggest a situation where physical pain elicits a severe emotional and physiological response, possibly creating a cycle of discomfort and anxiety. Conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or even a gastrointestinal issue could lead to severe abdominal pain. These elements could contribute to episodes that appear seizure-like but may be categorized as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). It's also possible that neurological factors may be involved, so comprehensive follow-up is needed.
Next Steps:
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Maintain a Detailed Diary: Encourage your sister to document her abdominal pain episodes, including when they occur, their duration, associated emotions, and any potential triggers (such as foods, activities, or stress factors). This can help healthcare providers to see patterns and offer insight into her condition.
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Seek Specialist Care: Contact a gastroenterologist for her abdominal pain and symptoms. It may also be beneficial to see a neurologist who specializes in seizure disorders to rule out any neurological causes or to evaluate for PNES. Bring the diary along for a more informed discussion.
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Consider Supportive Therapies: Look into options like counseling or therapy, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which can be effective in managing both emotional distress and physical symptoms, particularly in cases where anxiety may exacerbate her condition.
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Emergency Plan: Develop a plan for her episodes. Knowing what to do if she experiences hyperventilation or loss of consciousness can help everyone feel more prepared and reduce anxiety during these situations.
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Stay Calm and Supportive: Be there for her emotionally; understanding and support from family are invaluable. Encourage her gently during her episodes, helping her to feel safe and secure.
Remember, you are being a strong advocate for her health, and it’s important to trust your instincts as you pursue further evaluations. You are not alone in this; many people face similar challenges, and with the right support, it’s possible to find answers and relief.
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