seizure

[RODHOOK]

I OVERDOSED ON MORPHINE.WHILE THE JAIL CELLS I HAD MULTIPLE GRANMAL SEIZURES.
THE CADET GUARDS DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO.THEY TOOK TURNS SHAKING ME,YELLING IN MY EAR,CAUSED PAIN TO GET ME TO COME TO.I FINALLY GOT TO THE CRITICAL CARE UNIT CLOSE TO DEATH,THER I HAD CONVULTIONS AND MORE SEIZURES.
WHAT KIND OF BRAIN DAMAGE COULD HAVE BEEN INCURED WHILE BEING MISTREATED
FOR THE SEIZURES.I DO NOT HAVE THE SAME MEMORY.I AM NOTNEAR AS ORGANIZED AS BEFORE.I GET CONFUSED EASILY.IS THIS NORMAL AND WILL IT GET BETTER OR WORSE.

                                                                               PLEASE HELP,
                                                                                                      ROD

[allaboutmary]

It's still early so many might not respond right away.  I don't have any answers for you. I think most of your questions should be answered by a doctor. Hang in there and keep posting we will help all we can.    Mary

[angel44240]

First of all, any officer of the law, in order to treat any inmate, has to be certified in CPR, First Aid, and alot of other procedures, and this is especially ONE of them! It's common in inmates who are detoxing cold turkey off of strong meds like morphine, and even worse on heroine!
My sister worked in a prison for 11 years and she explained to me that without proper care, an inmate could suffer long term injuries OR EVEN death if not treated properly, thus meaning a LAW SUIT if permanent injuries ARE indeed proven to be from the guards' lack of knowledge and negligence! My grandmother is a lawyer and she's represented clients like this.. and won!
Once I went to a hospital with my ex husband, and RIGHT NEXT to my husband's ER bed was a woman who was brought in like 5 mts after WE got there, who suffered seizures directly before coming in from the jail! The idiots didn't know what to do, so they shook her and everything else they weren't supposed to do... so she died right when we were there! Oh good God it was awful to see!
However, you are still here, and thank GOD!
Go to a physician and get his opinion on the matter- when someone is having a seizure, you are to NOT try and shake them or anything else that could promote injury.. instead, you are to turn them to their side, place something soft by their teeth so they don't break their teeth nor bite their tongue, etc etc etc.. What are those guards, retards or what?? Don't get ME started! The jail needs to RETHINK the way they hire guards- especially ones who haven't a dam clue in first aid..
I went to the police academy, and I KNOW what the hell do when someone's having a seizure or choking.. but it doesn't take a genius to figure that out either!
Definitely contact your physician..
How long ago did this happen??

[Jacqui805]

First off, all should know that detox in general can cause seizures.  It's not recommended to go "cold turkey" off of anything for that reason.  Seizures are more likely with alcohol or high doses for long periods of any opiate.  When in jail, most officials remain unconcerned with their guest's addictions.  Generally they don't do a thing, UNLESS, someone starts with severe w/d s/s.  Then, the docs there generally give something like Clonidine to help with these.  Seizures can cause temporary lack of oxygen to the brain, which is why anyone watching a seizure is supposed to note onset, whether or not the person lost consciousness, breathing (did it stop), and more.  Someone in charge of other people should be versed in general medical care, say CPR, s/s of stroke (CVA), s/s heart attack (MI), seizure protocol, etc.  Any idiot should know that causing harm to someone isn't helping them.  While loss of short-term memory after a seizure is normal, it should not be lasting, especially after just one.  You should be evaluated to make sure nothing else is happening and that you're not experiencing "absence seizures" or something like that.  Although stupid and not at all helpful, the guards most likely did not harm you with their "revival tactics".  The only harm they may have done, was by not getting assistance/treatment during/after the seizure.

[Clamity2]

yes a person can have brain damage from seizures. If they stop breathing for a period of time. What caused the seizures? Withdrawal? Too much ?

[Jacqui805]

As I stated earlier, and Clamity is saying, yes it is possible to get brain damage from seizures, but read my full context above.  It is not common.  You'd have to be suffering from severe, repeated, constant seizures, and with no medical attention.  Some people who have seizure disorders often stop breathing during a seizure but it's such a short period of time.  In severe cases, say an E.R. and someone's seizing badly, oxygen would be applied.  You do not have brain damage.

[angel44240]

I checked out my sister-in-law's medical book.. and found this:

In status epilepticus, the most serious seizure disorder and a medical emergency, the seizure does not stop. Electrical discharges occur throughout the brain. The discharges produce a generalized seizure lasting more than 15 minutes or recurring seizures between which the person does not completely regain consciousness. The person has convulsions with intense muscle contractions and cannot breathe adequately. Without rapid treatment, the heart and brain can become overtaxed and permanently damaged, and the person may die.

Seizures may have serious consequences. Intense, rapid muscle contractions can cause injuries, including broken bones. Sudden loss of consciousness can cause serious injury due to falls and accidents. The turbulent electrical activity of convulsive seizures that recur without recovery between them can cause brain damage. Most people who have a seizure disorder experience dozens or more seizures in their lives without serious brain damage. A single seizure does not impair intelligence, but recurring convulsive seizures may eventually do so.

A seizure can cause lack of oxygen, yes, thus causing the heart to endure lack of oxygen as well, and if there are underlying problems due to the fact, than yes- there CAN be damage..

I'd definitely get to the ER or a physician for an EMG...

[Jacqui805]

If you read my first post I did tell him to get checked out.  I am a nurse.  All of what you wrote is true, but this is not a case of status epilepticus.  He had a w/d related seizure.  Different topic.  When you go through opiate w/d, because the opiate caused mental sedation, the w/d process causes hyperactivity in the mind.  If one stops a med cold-turkey after having taken it for a long time at a high dose, seizures are possible.  He described having one seizure in jail as a result of his w/d.  Status epilepticus is a disorder in and of itself and is very serious.  People who do not have seizure disorders (there are many kinds, including absence seizures that are nothing like what's described in status ep.  With them, a person will appear almost totally normal and most often they are missed by others as well as the person having them because although they've had one, they simply on the outside may have just stopped talking for a moment, or blinked a couple of times.  Sometimes kids in school can't remember their lessons even though they appear normal in class.  Seizures are not to be ignored, hence my info. to him, and recommendation to get checked out, but also reassurance that he does not have brain damage because he does not.

[angel44240]

No $#!T.. That's what I've mentioned before.. I already know all this.. it's just mentioning that the only type of brain damage incurred is from repeated and untreated seizures..

That's weird how seizures can have their own severity.. some happen when ya don't even know it! Kind of makes ME wonder..

Substance induced seizures are pretty nasty.. I've seen them on television.. definitely nothing comfortable to see..

If you have very few symptoms of a seizure, but didn't endure the full blown effects (silent seizure perhaps?), can an EMG still detect it? Just wondering, because I have Lupus, and sometimes I will notice SEVERE dizzy spells for like 5 seconds,along with numbness or tingling feeling of my teeth WHILE the dizzy spells are taking place, then a weird jolt down my left arm.. (I had tests performed by my doc and they stated it wasn't heart related). Very strange.. Does that sound anything like a mild seizure?

I'm glad someone has SOME type of info.. I didn't know exactly what else to tell him, except for the guards being a couple of morons!
:D:D

[Jacqui805]

Not meaning to butt heads with you, just trying to be informative and helpful.  Is a complicated issue.  Listening to his complaint and description tells me he is not suffering any long-term issues from the seizure he had.  Most people suffer nothing, except for going through the post-ictal state (term for after seizure) they are usually very tired and suffer from short-term memory loss.  I did not say that brain damage occurs only after repeated severe untreated seizures, but that that was the most likely situation for that to occur.

Yes, substance abuse seizures can be pretty nasty.

An EEG may diagnose a seizure or seizure disorder, but a negative one does not rule out a seizure disorder.  CT Scan, MRI, blood serum, and X-Ray are also used for diagnosis.  There are 10 basic types of seizures and even more when you specialize.  What you're experiencing while doesn't sound like a seizure, doesn't rule it out.  Lupus effects every single area of your body in probably more significant ways than you know.  A Lupus patient can have seizure disorders from the Lupus along with other neurological changes (maybe what you're experiencing).  You should go to a neurologist for a workup since you are describing neurological symptoms.  Lupus is so complex and can cause so many things including anger, irritability, depression, problems with your period, cardiopulmonary are so so so much more.  You should invest in some good information so you know what to expect.  You might be experiencing something you're blowing off or attributing to something else because you had no idea Lupus could do that to you or what it really means.

I was glad to read your last sentence, 'cause it sounded at first like you were pissed at me for my comments.  And you're right, those guards are morons..  

[RODHOOK]

THE PROBLEM WITH MY CASE WAS THAT THE PARAMEDICS TOLD THE ARRESTING OFFICER,IF HIS CONDITION CHANGES CALL THEM IMMEDIATLEY.
BUT THEY CLEARED ME FOR NOW.THE COP TOLD THE GUARDS THAT I WAS CLEARED BY EMS AND THAT WAS ALL.THEY DID NOT WATCH ME.I HAD NUMEROUS GRANMALS WITHOUT REGAINING CONCIOSNESS.I ALMOST EXPIRED IN THE CRITICAL CARE UNIT BY THE TIME THEY RESPONDED AND CALLED EMS.THE CADET GUARDS OBVIOUSLY WERE NOT VERSED IN FIRST AID.

                                                                     ROD

[anjel75]

My general MD has me on Adderall (adderrall) for ADHD and I have been on it for a while. I had back surgery in August and I had a surgeon who was very uncomfortable with giving opiates, so he set me up with his pain management doctor and gave me some samples of Ultram ER. With samples, you get no literature and you don't get a pharmacy involved because they don't need to be filled as they are samples. He had my current meds on file. Whatever the reason was, him not checking my chart, him not knowing or him not caring, he failed me. He is a surgeon. I trusted in his knowledge. Well, those two drugs lower the seizure threshold. Since it was extended release, I seized all day long. I was in the hospital for 4 days while they ran tests and a neurologist came in to the room, looked at my chart, and told me EXACTLY what happened. He said stay away from Ultram, Demorol and Morphine. They all have neuro effects. The point is, that was in August and it took me several months before I was me again. I was just not myself. I could see it, my family could see it and everyone else I knew, but all tests came back normal. So, give it some time. You will probably be back to yourself soon!

[Jacqui805]

Gotcha.  Well, that's pretty serious then and cause for you to get a thorough eval by a neurologist and a general doc.  It is possible that they've harmed you.  Regardless, what they did was negligent in my opinion.  I don't know what rules/laws govern jails/jailors when it come to care of their "guests", but I'm sure that they are required to provide adequate medical care and adequate medical care should include calling their doc or the 911 or the hosp or whatever in your case.  You clearly needed immediate medical attention.  A lawyer would love to hear from you I'm sure.  I can't believe that you went through this.  It's horrifying and I'm sorry you did.  How did you get to the critical care unit by the way?  Was this unit at a hospital or in the jail?

[anjel75]

Oh no, I was at home when it occured. Get this, my surgeon was a workers comp doc. What I am saying is, I was on WC for an injury that lead me to this doctor. So, to me, workers comp should pay or the surgeon should. WC has already told me that they probably won't pay, but now I can't even get them to answer the phone, or return calls or even answer faxes. I think I am going to have to get a lawyer.

[Jacqui805]

It's very scary when you're in the medical field like I am because you realize what isn't being taught to the general public and should be.  When people are given prescriptions, regardless of what they are, they should be given all kinds of info, and they're not even told side effects to look for, or call me back if this happens, nothing.  Lots of drugs have effects from taking them and from stopping them, some of them have nothing to do with the purpose of the drug at all so you'd never guess (lowering seizure threshold is one).  W/D can do that, so can the drug Wellbutrin.  I encourage all who get any prescription to get an info sheet from your pharmacy.  That way you'll be more informed.  Drugs have tons of info with them and written about them, and if you had access to all of it, you'd never take anything, you'd be overwhelmed with the info and would not be able to put in in context.  The pharmacy guides seem to be adequate and certainly more than your doc will say.  If yours is like mine, mine doesn't say a word.  It's scary.  Glad you're ok anjel

[Jacqui805]

Get a workman's comp lawyer.  It's a little known fact but they always say no first.  I'd say try to submit twice, but they won't even talk to you.  Good luck and hang in there.

Rod,  How did you get to the critical care unit?  Was this unit in a hosp or in the jail?  

[anjel75]

I am going to have to go the lawyer route I guess. Everyone told me to from the beginning, but I said I didn't want money, I wanted to be fixed and that was it. At this point, they owe me more than just paying my bills!

[Jacqui805]

Sometimes it's not about the money, it's about punishing someone so they don't do it to anyone else.

[angel44240]

ya really.. because they think they can get away with anything just because they are guards, versus being the 'inmate'.. What they don't know, is that there ARE laws and regulations (and rights).
Yep- call a lawyer first thing Monday morning.. :D.. I guaranteed they won't do that again!
Jacqui805-- thanks so much for the info.. I needed that! I wasn't aware of ANY of that! Makes me REALLY wonder now! lol.. I'll read that by my physician on Monday..
It's a horrible thing to go through when it comes to drugs/alcohol, and other substances.. It'll either take your life, or make you suffer until you finally do something about it.. Remember the three stages of addiction- hospitals, institutions, OR death! My mother never got to see her 'rock bottom'.. instead she breathed her very last breath at age 54..
Rod, take a look at my journal- "Hello, I am your addiction" and read it carefully..
Love ya guys! gotta run after the kids! :D  (I'm a GREAT candidate for Prozac right now! HA!)
Alli

[Jacqui805]

I'm so sorry about your mother.  So sorry.  I lost my dad in '05 from a motorcycle accident two months shy of his 57th birthday.  It still breaks my heart everyday.  He put off his retirement instead of at 53 until 57, and he never made it.  It kills me.  I hope you had a good relationship with your mother.