Does anybod know if this is a seizure, and any more information if possible. - Epilepsy Message Board

FlippinKris · 07-30-2007, 10:17 PM

I've been having these problems when I wake up for a few years now. What happens is that I realize I am awake but my whole body is stiff. My head is reached back and usually to one side and straining. I believe I'm clenching my mouth shut. While this is happening it feels like my body is shaking. I cannot see either. I cannot move. I am aware that this is happening but that is all I am aware of. This lasts for it seems like 10 - 20 seconds. Afterward I am super nauseous and fall asleep right after. When I wake up normally I usually still feel super nauseous, tired, and extremely weak it takes a lot of effort to move. Sometimes I get these aftereffects without knowing if I went through the whole beginning. My day is usually not that productive when this happens and I feel "fuzzy" the whole day. In the past few years I have urinated a few times while I slept and woke up to find myself wet.

I had 2 of these things happen this past Sunday. I've even gotten them waking up from a nap while on the couch in the afternoon.

I just went to my doctor today and he said it seems benign and It might be a potassium deficiency. Does this sound right?

brent's mom · 07-31-2007, 01:15 PM

Hi! I can only tell you what my son describes to me about his absence-type seizures: He says he feels "funny" and starts to get confused and not know where he is, then when the seizure takes hold his eyes are open but he can't see or hear anything and can't respond to us. His fists usually clench up, his body tenses up, his head usually turns severely to one side, (not always the same side), and he works his jaw strongly side-to-side or clenches so tightly that if your finger is caught in it trying to get food out, it's almost bitten off! He also has the occasional problem of wetting in his sleep from a seizure, though very rarely. When he "comes to" he is usually very disoriented and has no memory of the event or what he was doing before it started. Lots of times he has to pass out and sleep for 2 to 4 hours and is "wasted" for the whole day, though sometimes they don't affect him much and he is good to go on with his plans for the day. Also, he almost always says he is "starving" when he wakes up, and feels nauseous lots of the time.

So, I'm just guessing here, but yours certainly do sound similar to what Brent goes through. Have you had any tests done? I know they don't always show up on EEG's, etc., though. They just finished 5 days of 24-hr. video taping of Brent and caught 6 on tape, so now they believe us when we say they are seizures!

Good luck with your journey, I don't believe I would wish seizures or epilepsy on my worst enemy! I hope you find a good doctor who will listen and help you with your health problems.

Take Care,
Brent's Mom