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Do these sound like simple partials to you?
Wed, 02/20/2019 - 15:00Topic: New to Epilepsy.com
Hi guys, I’m new to this. I been having some pretty funny episodes here lately which I’m convinced are simple partial seizures.. I’ve had a ct scan at the emergency room and it has come back clean. They referred me to a neurologist. The neurologist completely dismissed everything I told him that I’ve been experiencing/ going through and told me they are panic attacks! He said not all panic attacks feel the same but my symptoms are exact panic attack symptoms. He is only willing to do a 1 hour eeg and send me on my way. I went to my GP and she is willing to refer me elsewhere for a second opinion because I know my body, and these aren’t panic attacks. Can somebody help me? I’ll list the symptoms below.
They’re typically right after I awake in the morning/wake me out of sleep/if my boyfriends alarm goes off in the morning. Or sometimes during the day. Currently I’m having these “episodes” multiple times daily. I also feel weird before the “episodes” happen, like I can feel them about to take place if that makes sense.
•I get quiet and anxious, don’t like to be spoken to or people around me speaking period.
•I get restless or sometimes just freeze in a ball until the feelings pass
•Ringing in ears/hissing
•Breathing slows/ SOB
•I get nauseous sometimes
•I belch
•I swallow repeatedly
•Tingling feeling from head to toe starts in head
•Hazey feeling in head/just like my brain is ”fritzing” if that makes sense
•Tempature rises/sweaty
•Raised heart beat
•Chest tightness
•Clench jaw
•Blank stares almost zoning out
•Overwhelming fear/paranoia
•Dilated pupils
•Aware but Difficult to find words
•Hoarse voice
•Agitation
•Just an overall WEIRD feeling
Afterwards, I just feel off/dizzy/lightheaded and it’s a relief to “come back to earth” as I call it, and am exhausted and typically take a nap. If not, I just feel odd until I get some sleep.
Sorry if it’s too long, I hope somebody reads & replies. I really need advice. TIA xoxo
Comments
The one hour EEG may be
Submitted by Amy Jo on Thu, 2019-02-21 - 13:26
The one hour EEG may be sufficient, see about a time when you usually have an episode. If that isn't helpful, ask about a 24 hour EEG, before you start any medication. That way it would cover a time frame where they might catch something. It's not unheard of for panic attacks to be misdiagnosed as seizures (and vice versa) so it's good to have a doc who doesn't blow you off. Do not tell them you know it is something exactly - because it can turn someone off from listening to you if you are blowing off their education - but ask what tests and information could really confirm the diagnosis (eliminate one, confirm the other, whatever). Armchair/internet medical degrees aren't valid credentials but can be helpful at reducing your time spent in limbo/undiagnosed by having you ask better questions... look for a doc who listens and is an epilepsy specialist. The problem with partials is that they can be infrequent and a few don't show up on EEG, even if one is hooked up when they happen - there are just limitations with EEG if seizures are too deep. But most people with epilepsy can get some helpful info by their third well chosen EEG.
The one hour EEG may be
Submitted by Amy Jo on Thu, 2019-02-21 - 13:37
The one hour EEG may be sufficient, see about a time when you usually have an episode. If that isn't helpful, ask about a 24 hour EEG, before you start any medication. That way it would cover a time frame where they might catch something. It's not unheard of for panic attacks to be misdiagnosed as seizures (and vice versa) so it's good to have a doc who doesn't blow you off. Do not tell them you know it is something exactly - because it can turn someone off from listening to you if you are blowing off their education - but ask what tests and information could really confirm the diagnosis (eliminate one, confirm the other, whatever). Armchair/internet medical degrees aren't valid credentials but can be helpful at reducing your time spent in limbo/undiagnosed by having you ask better questions... look for a doc who listens and is an epilepsy specialist. The problem with partials is that they can be infrequent and a few don't show up on EEG, even if one is hooked up when they happen - there are just limitations with EEG if seizures are too deep. But most people with epilepsy can get some helpful info by their third well chosen EEG.
The feelings you're having
Submitted by margiefox118@live.com on Thu, 2019-02-21 - 11:59
The feelings you're having seem to reflect anxiety- a direct cause of panic attacks. You arequite right-like epilepsy they are a mental issue.but have a direct effect on the body. Why doyou doubt your diagnosis from a neurologist? Many people have these panic attacks and thereare wonderful meds to help. Try taking one while having one you'll be amazed at how quicklythey work. Please try this now before they get worse or more intense. If they don't help then geta second opinion but don't deny yourself.this help for now.