OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns About Mislabeling Seizures and Its Impact on Future Care

Hello, I'm a 24-year-old female healthcare student weighing 70 kg and standing at 166 cm tall. **Summary:** After a serious situation involving an overdose of prescribed medications combined with alcohol, I faced various challenges regarding my treatment. During this incident, a paramedic accused me of faking symptoms, as evidenced by police bodycam footage and witness accounts. The ambulance documentation inaccurately described me as aggressive and claimed I declined an ECG—something I don’t recall, and a witness contends was never offered. Additionally, the ambulance team admitted they did not conduct any capacity or safeguarding assessments. At the hospital, I was first labeled as having a "nervous breakdown" and subsequently diagnosed with psychogenic seizures, with little reevaluation. It wasn’t until my third visit that a physician expressed doubt regarding my condition and referred me to a neurologist. My main concern is that these biased notes could hinder my future healthcare while I also strive to comprehend my experiences and why they have categorized them as psychological. I'm seeking guidance on whether my worries are justified and the best way to address my ongoing healthcare needs. **Background:** I am currently studying midwifery in England, without any prior criminal allegations, and I don't engage in recreational drug use. I consume alcohol only in social settings. At the time of the incident, I had been diagnosed with anxiety and depression. **Incident Details:** • The police were the first to arrive on the scene and acted professionally. • The ambulance team arrived soon after. • During this time, I was confused and upset, experiencing episodes resembling seizures. • An ambulance clinician accused me of dishonesty and malingering, supported by witnesses and police footage. • Following this accusation, my distress intensified, and my behavior escalated. • Feeling unsafe with the ambulance crew, a friend transported me to the emergency room instead. **My Concerns:** • The ambulance's report labeled me as aggressive and indicated I had repeatedly refused an ECG, which I do not remember, and my witness claims was never suggested. • The ambulance service later acknowledged that no formal assessments regarding my capacity or safeguarding were performed despite indications of an overdose or impaired consciousness. • I found myself returning to A&E multiple times due to ongoing symptoms. • My initial discharge was categorized as a “nervous breakdown,” lacking proper safety-netting, as far as I remember. • On my second visit, following a fall, I learned my seizures were classified as psychogenic, after a minimal evaluation. • During my third visit, at last, a doctor recognized the ambiguity in my diagnosis and referred me to a neurologist, providing me with a sense of reassurance. • Certain hospital records indicate instances of drowsiness and difficulty in history-taking, yet other entries claim I was avoiding questions or withholding information willingly. **Effects of the Experience:** This ordeal has left me traumatized and hesitant about seeking emergency medical help in the future. I'm concerned that the inaccuracies and stigmatizing language in my medical records may affect my treatment down the line, especially regarding my neurology appointment. It seems my case was downplayed due to the lack of significant injury, which I attribute to the constant support from my family and friends who continuously sought assistance on my behalf. **Evidence I Possess:** • Body-worn footage from the police • Statements from witnesses, including my mother and a friend • Comprehensive correspondence from my ambulance complaint • Complete records from the hospital SAR **My Questions:** 1. What are the standard protocols for capacity and safeguarding assessments in cases of overdose accompanied by seizure-like symptoms and altered awareness? 2. How should medical professionals assess seizure-like episodes resulting from an overdose before labeling them as psychogenic? 3. Is it typical for records to state "no confusion" while simultaneously documenting drowsiness and difficulties in obtaining patient history? 4. To what extent can the ambulance handover information shape the emergency department’s understanding of the situation? 5. What approaches should I take with the neurologist when my records contain conflicting statements?

Answers (1)

2/6/2026, 3:01:03 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your experience and concerns. It's understandable to feel anxious about how past medical encounters might affect your future care, especially when there are discrepancies in documentation. Here’s a structured response to address your worries and provide guidance.

Main Points

1. Concerns About Your Medical Records: Your worries about potentially misrepresented information affecting future healthcare are justified.
2. Understanding Medical Protocols: It’s crucial to know the standards for assessing capacity and safeguarding in cases similar to yours.
3. Addressing Future Appointments: Knowing how to approach your neurologist about conflicting records will empower you in your care.

Explanation

Your situation underscores the importance of accurate medical documentation and the implications it has on patient treatment. Concerns about how information was recorded can understandably impact your trust in future healthcare. The lack of appropriate assessments regarding your mental and cognitive state during the initial evaluation is a significant concern, as it should form the foundation of any diagnosis or subsequent treatment.

1. Protocols for Capacity and Safeguarding Assessments

In cases of potential overdose or altered consciousness, medical professionals should follow established guidelines, which typically include:

• Capacity Assessment: This involves determining whether a patient can understand and make informed decisions about their care. This includes evaluating their awareness of their condition and potential treatment options.
• Safeguarding Measures: This includes ensuring that a patient's safety is prioritized, especially if they appear vulnerable or at risk, involving social services if necessary.

2. Assessment of Seizure-like Episodes

Seizure-like symptoms, especially following an overdose, should be thoroughly investigated before attributing them to psychological causes. Standard practices involve:

• Neurological Evaluation: This may include imaging (like an MRI) or EEG (to monitor brain activity) to rule out neurological issues such as epilepsy.
• Comprehensive History Taking: Gathering a detailed history regarding circumstances before and during the episode, including substance use, is vital for an accurate diagnosis.

3. Conflicting Medical Records

It’s not unusual for records to contain conflicting information. It’s essential for these inconsistencies to be clarified to avoid misinterpretations across different healthcare teams.

4. Impact of Handover Information

The information provided by ambulance teams significantly influences how treating doctors perceive a patient upon arrival. Clear, accurate handover details are vital for appropriate care decisions.

Next Steps

1. Document Everything: Maintain your own record of interactions, symptoms, and any discrepancies you observe in your medical records, as this can be crucial for your ongoing care.

2. Gather Evidence: Keep the evidence you mentioned, like witness statements and medical correspondences, organized, as they will be helpful in discussions with your neurologist.

3. Prepare for Your Neurologist Appointment:

   • Clarify Your History: When meeting with your neurologist, share your experiences and concerns about previous assessments and conflicting information.
   • Ask Specific Questions: Inquire how the neurologist interprets your history informed by the conflicting records and what steps can be taken to ensure an accurate diagnosis moving forward.
   • Advocate for Yourself: Based on the gathered evidence, express your concerns about the potential impact of previous documentation on your care.

4. Seek Support: Consider talking to a mental health professional who can help process the trauma of the experience. They can also assist in advocating for your needs in medical settings.

Remember to take care of your mental and emotional well-being during this process. Your experiences are valid, and addressing them proactively can help ensure better care in the future. If any additional questions arise, feel free to ask.