Seizures

[Maryann655]

I have sensory motor polyneuropathy, lumbar racialopathy , cervical spondylosis, and now seizures, blackouts and memory loss. My question is: Can any of these conditions cause seizures? Because no dr. can find out why. I am not epilipic. I do have some arrythmias sometimes. thank you

[deedle1976]

Hi Maryann,
Why do they say you don't have epilepsy? The definition of epilepsy is recurrent seizures.
I had epilepsy in the past but now have sensorimotor problems (numbness, phantom sensations and twitching) that the neurologists think is caused by 'epileptiform discharges'.  These abnormal electrical activity is confined to one area of my brain; it is only when it spreads that seizures occur.  The source is the part of my brain responsible for sensation (parietal lobes) so I have these ongoing sensorimotor symptoms.
I assume you have had an MRI of the brain and an EEG. EEGs are not very reliable for ruling out epilepsy though as they only capture brainwaves on the surface of the brain. I have had a normal EEG when my epilepsy was at it's most active. I have never had a convulsion as my seizure activity has never spread fully, however I have had altered consciousness and memory loss.
Seizure activity can sometimes cause arrhythmias due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction when the area of the brain controlling heart rate is affected.

[deedle1976]

Just to add that you should also have someone examine your EKG to rule out Long QT syndrome, which is rare but can often be mistaken for seizures.

[Maryann655]

what is long QT syndrome? You have answers all my questions . thank you. It seems we have alot of medical problems in common. Yes I have had MRI's and ekg and eegs but have all been normal. But my homehealth Nurse who comes in one time a week heres arrhythmias and so does my primary doctor. My problem is I am scared to death about memory loss and when I was at my primary dr. before my 2 seizures last week I looked like My right side had a stroke to him and then was rushed to columbia hospital/ But now I am fine.