Experiencing Unexplained Episodes: Could it Be Seizures?
Greetings! I'm a 23-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 1 inch and weighing 151 pounds. I have various health concerns including orthostatic dizziness, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), anxiety, adenomyosis, and lumbosacral radiculopathy. Currently, I'm taking vitamin D, Retin-A, and a cream for keratosis pilaris. I experienced unusual episodes starting around the age of 12 that continued until I was about 18. It begins with the familiar sensation of getting up too quickly and everything surrounding me turning dark. The episodes progressed, and on rare occasions, my body would shake. During these times, the world felt as if it was spinning—though I could sometimes hear what was happening around me, I was unable to respond. On one unforgettable occasion, the episode lasted for two full hours, yet to me, it felt like merely a minute. I was utterly bewildered, but when I finally checked the clock, I realized how much time had elapsed. At that time, I was fasting, but I had already broken my fast several hours before the episode began. I believe I was around 14 years old then. On another instance, while I was standing, I partially collapsed onto the couch, and I did experience shaking again. Everything went black for a couple of minutes, yet I could still hear the person I was speaking with on the phone. I've attempted to discuss these occurrences with doctors in the past, but they often dismiss my concerns without further inquiry. Over a span of six years, I would estimate these episodes happened roughly seven times. Interestingly, I used to experience sleepwalking until I turned 15. Although I still talk in my sleep, I haven’t sleepwalked since then. Additionally, I often feel extremely dizzy and lightheaded during blood pressure checks. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Answers (1)
3/2/2026, 10:30:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with complex episodes that could be quite distressing, and it's understandable to want clarity given your unique experience. Your symptoms, including the dizziness, episodes of shaking, and altered consciousness, warrant careful consideration as they could be related to several conditions, including potential seizure activity.
Main Points:
- Your experiences might resemble seizures, particularly given the shaking and altered awareness.
- Other factors like orthostatic dizziness, which you mentioned, could contribute to your symptoms too.
- It's important to keep track of your symptoms to discuss with a healthcare provider.
Explanation: The episodes you've described—feeling lightheaded, darkening vision, shaking, and the feeling of time passing differently—could align with seizure-like activity or other issues such as a sudden drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension). These could be related to your anxiety, GERD, or other underlying conditions. Given that these symptoms started in your teenage years, understanding their nature and frequency is crucial.
Next Steps:
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Document Your Episodes: Keep a detailed diary of your episodes. Note the date, time, duration, triggers (like fasting or standing up quickly), and any accompanying feelings. This information will be very helpful in discussions with healthcare providers.
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Monitor Blood Pressure: Given your history of dizziness during blood pressure checks, it may be helpful to monitor your blood pressure at home, especially when changing positions (like standing up). Keep a log of these readings.
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Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Hydration: Ensure you are well-hydrated, as dehydration could contribute to dizziness.
- Diet: Eating regular meals and snacks can help manage blood sugar levels, which might prevent some of the episodes you’re experiencing.
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Seek Specialized Care: Consider finding a healthcare provider who specializes in neurology or a similar field who can explore these episodes more thoroughly. It may take time to connect with someone who takes your concerns seriously, but persistence is key.
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Consider a Referral for Testing: If the episodes persist or escalate, ask about potential referrals for an EEG (electroencephalogram) or other diagnostic tests, which can help in assessing for seizure activity or other neurological concerns.
It's truly important that you do not feel dismissed in your discussions with healthcare providers. Your symptoms are valid, and continuing to seek answers is both your right and your responsibility for your health. Stay proactive, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have further questions!
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