When Do Daily Seizures Become Hazardous?
I’m unsure how to properly phrase my concern, but I’m struggling to articulate it. I’m a 27-year-old female, weighing approximately 80 kilograms and standing 5 feet 5 inches tall. My medication regimen includes 150 mg of sertraline. My experience with what I believe to be seizures began on December 29. Now, I am experiencing 4 to 6 events each day. During these episodes, I maintain some level of awareness; however, I am unable to respond. The duration typically lasts between one to two minutes. My body becomes rigid and shakes, affecting either just one limb or my entire body. I often feel unresponsive, extremely warm, and generally unwell afterward. Nausea is common, and I struggle to answer questions or tolerate bright lights and sometimes sounds. I also have prolonged twitching or locked-up feet that add to the discomfort. This situation is relatively new for me, and while I can identify certain triggers—particularly bright, flashing, or moving lights and specific times of day—many other neurological symptoms complicate matters, but I'm not sure if they're pertinent to this discussion. Despite my insistence, my neurologist has refused to perform an EEG, suggesting that my PTSD diagnosis indicates these might be psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) and that testing could potentially exacerbate my condition. Unfortunately, these seizures have begun to dominate my life, leaving little room for recovery in between. I’ve explored countless relaxation strategies and participated in trauma therapy for years; however, my neurological symptoms, including these seizures, continue to escalate. On one occasion, I went to the emergency room, but the staff attributed my issues to anxiety due to my mental health background and sent me home, leaving me feeling stuck and unsupported. I'm interested in understanding the threshold at which the frequency or intensity of seizures could pose a serious risk. I occasionally worry about the dangers of aspiration or suffocation during an episode; there have been instances where I’ve fallen and hit my head, which nearly resulted in suffocation until my husband intervened. I appreciate any insights you can provide. I apologize for my frequent posts; navigating the healthcare system in France has proven quite challenging.
Answers (1)
2/5/2026, 6:50:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are going through a very challenging time with the frequency and intensity of your episodes, and your concerns about both your health and the impact of these episodes on your life are completely valid. It’s important to address your experience thoroughly. Here are the main points regarding daily seizures, their risks, and your next steps:
Understanding Your Situation
Seizures that occur frequently—like the 4 to 6 episodes you are experiencing per day—can become hazardous for several reasons:
- Physical Safety: There is a risk of injury during seizures, including falls or aspiration (inhaling food or fluid into the lungs), especially if you are unresponsive.
- Psychosocial Impact: Frequent seizures can significantly affect your quality of life, mental health, and ability to engage in daily activities.
Immediate Concerns
Given your description, it is crucial to monitor a few key factors that can help ascertain when your situation might require more urgent attention:
- Injury Risk: If you continue to experience falls or if someone is present to assist you during episodes, seek to minimize risks by avoiding potentially dangerous situations during peak activity times.
- Postictal Symptoms: Feeling unwell after an event is not uncommon, but if you’re having prolonged recovery times or if your episodes escalate, this raises concern.
- Nausea and Discomfort: Take note if these symptoms significantly impact your daily responsibilities or mental well-being.
Next Steps
Given the challenges you are facing with diagnosis and treatment, consider the following immediate actions:
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Safety Plan: Create a safety plan that your husband and those around you can follow during an episode. This could include:
- Turning you on your side to prevent choking.
- Ensuring a clear area free of sharp or hard objects to reduce injury risk.
- Using a watch or timer for duration to record episode length accurately.
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Document Episodes: Keep a detailed log of your episodes, including duration, severity, triggers, and post-episode symptoms. This diary can be essential for discussions with your healthcare team.
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Consult with Another Specialist: If possible, consider seeking a second opinion from another neurologist—especially one with expertise in seizure disorders. A fresh perspective might yield new diagnostic and treatment options.
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Participate in Support Groups: Engaging in peer support can provide emotional relief and practical ideas for coping with the daily challenges.
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Emergency Contact Protocol: Discuss a plan with your family for emergency situations, including when to call for help if you're unresponsive or in need of immediate assistance.
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Advocate for Your Health: If you feel your symptoms are not being taken seriously or addressed, continue to advocate for yourself. Persistence is key in healthcare; your health concerns deserve attention.
If your situation continues to escalate or if you have any severe symptoms—such as prolonged unresponsiveness, severe injuries, or mental distress—consider reaching out to emergency services immediately. Your health and safety are paramount.
Let me know if you need more specifics or further support in this journey.
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