seizure or something else? - Epilepsy Message Board

Jon powell · 04-22-2006, 07:24 PM

Hi everyone, I am looking for an answer. In the past I have awoken from sleep (middle of the night) with tremors in my hands/arms usually. Its a really strange feeling. There have been a few times I wake my hubby but he is a heavy sleeper and doesn't remember. The other night though I woke with my eyes going back & forth really quick, which in turn made me see stars. On top of that I had the shakes again my arms/hands. I remember my mouth was stuck open, I was trying to move my head forward and trying to say my hubby's name, but couldn't get it out. Finally, the eyes stopped, then a few seconds later the shaking subsided. I was still shaking a little but not like I had initially. After that had happened I thought I was starting to have a panick attack. I roled over on my belly and I was gasping for air.
I have a thyroid problem (on thyroid meds) and one of the symptoms that could happen (from being overmedicated) is having panick attacks. I remember thinking- shoot maybe my meds are too high?! lol But I dont think they are.

My hubby things Its just in my head. I dont know, it really concerned me. I've never felt like that and I think something happened although I dont know what.

Please tell me what you think!

neurowreck · 04-22-2006, 08:18 PM

Could be a lot of things, but it would be good to call the doc and get a blood test for the thyroid meds. If you've gained/lost weight, been under more stress, had other medical problems, etc, they can cause the body to react. It could be nocturnal seizures, but only your doc and some tests can tell....I've got day and night seizures, and don't wake up until the morning with sides of my tongue chewed up and cheeks bitten, and sometimes with a wet bed. I've been told that my left arm does shake when I have day seizures, so it might shake at night (dog not a good resource for info). But sounds like a call to the doc is in order- but don't be afraid if it is epilepsy- there are medications- and a lot of people do well on them. Have you had any other changes- quit smoking, taking other meds (legal or not), drinking more, etc? Could also be a reason for different symptoms. Also, if you quit some meds 'cold turkey' you can have symptoms.....call the doc !!

Jon powell · 04-22-2006, 09:24 PM

Thanks for the reply.

I am not on any new meds, no drugs, rarely drink alcohol (and didn't that night or day).

May be thyroid, but I suspect that the least. I did call the doc, spoke to a nurse, said they would call back but never did.

neurowreck · 04-23-2006, 07:33 PM

Keep calling until they call you- they work for you !!

Travis from MN · 04-23-2006, 08:43 PM

Another potential may be if there is a new cleaning solvent in the home, different than the one used (all the time) before. Some sort of chemical reaction from the body?

That could also apply to aromatic incense; new soaps, shampoo, deoderant etc and the composition of those substances (rare, but possible) that could have triggered this.

Most reactions to solvents show up in the form of a rash or similar reaction or irritation.

If it induced a seizure it could be possible if any of these items were newly introduced in your environment. I would look for consistant seizures (regular basis in the same environment) if it was something there. If it was not environmental; then keep up on the phone with the Dr.

--Travis