Syncope vs. Seizures

[jan]

I can't believe the hell I've been thru the past 3 yrs!  I was diag. with NCS, IST, and mild valvular disease in '99.  Then in 2001 had a "seizure" and was diag with epilepsy by abnormal VEEG (sharps and some spikes, not too many, and some slowing).  But disagreement between drs. the whole time.  This one thinks this event is seiz., this one thinks it's cardiogenic, back and forth.  I just had 2nd opine by another VEEG, by another epi and he says he feels I was misdiag with epilepsy.

I had a Reveal Monitor put in 4/26/04 to hopefully put an end to this back and forth.

Can my heart probs cause an event so much like a seizure that it goes like this:  I hear/feel a buzzing on rt. side of head, hallucinate a bee, feel'g of dread, the next thing I know my friend is look'g at me and come to find out I was staring and waving my hands over my head.  No confusion afterwards.

I have other spells that are all similar to ea. other with mild differences in dizzy feel'g.  A surge from stomach to head, at head it is strongest and then blackness.  A wave feel'g from back-front of head, crashes at forehead and blackness.  A powerful dizziness comes through head seemingly, from front and blackness. These only lasts seconds.

Can tachy or brady or any heart arrhythmia cause these types of feel'gs?  Any ideas?

Thank you for your time.

[Cleveland Clinic]

jan,


1) Can tachy or brady or any heart arrhythmia cause these types of feel'gs? Any ideas?

What you're describing sounds more like a seizure, especially with the prodrome you mention.  The reveal should be able to rule out a cardiac cause as it will record your heart rhythm during the episodes.

good luck

[jan]

Hi anacyde,

Ty for your comments.  I was tested and diag with the IST and NCS by holter and TTT.  Often during ekg's I am found to be in tachy.  I never knew it (no palpitations, believe it or not). These tests were done because I was always feel'g fatigued and at times would start to gray out.

Most drs. believed I had both, cardiac and E, but now the E has been ruled out.  Although, the epileptologist said he was pretty certain of the misdiagnosis he wants me to have another EEG (reg) in the future and wants to monitor me.  No thanks!  They have put me through enough with their back and forth with one another.  If it is found out to be my heart by this implanted monitor, fine.  If it appears to be seizures, too bad.  I will deal with them, they don't frighten me and since finding out how difficult it is to get a firm diag even with some sharps and spikes, and slowing...

I have had all the tests to rule out other causes, such as hypoglacemia (sp), thyroid, etc.  

There is also, near syncope.  First epi didn't believe in "near" syncope and so was more determined about diagnosing E, but all my other drs. do believe in it.  I am told I do have dysautonomia.

I am new to anxiety and it has come about because of these past few years with all this dr'g over possible E.  The first time I had it it took talking to a friend to realize what it was I was feel'g.  Now, it's a little more familiar then I like.  I am hoping leaving off all this testing I will heal.  (I had multiple appts. every month for 2+ yrs! It's time to say "No"),

[jan]

I am not worried, just worn out.  I only get the anxiety when I have to see a dr. or have a test.  I have been taking a very, very sm. dose of xanax when allowed to.

I am def. taking time off!  I cancelled with neuro too, I told her if MS and E are misdiag I don't need her.  I know I am supposed to follow up with her about hern. discs in neck, too, but I was told warning signs to watch for by surgeon.  (If I am repeating myself, sorry. CRS)

I have a lot of little things wrong, too.  It was suggested by a CCF neuro to be tested for mitochondrial disorder, but...

Fortunately, I am so worn out by it all that I don't care all that much and it is all so old I am used to it, it doesn't scare me.

[jan]

What about the different dizzy spells with blackness following? NCS?

[jan]

Hi Pluto,
This isn't true vertigo.  I have experienced vertigo before, this isn't it.
Thank you for your comments.  How I wish drs. would get together on this!

[wmac]

Hello, just read your post.. I too have what you have just described. I get the sensation of whip lash really fast forword and backwards, feels as though someone just whips my head forward to backwards. It is very sudden and very fast and everything just goes black for a split second.I was told by a friend that he has seizures, and that is what his feels like and that I should be checked out. So in the midst of seeing the cardiologist I saw a nueorologist and had mri done and found nothing.  Had a slight dizzy spell while having monitor on for my heart and showed nothing, but it wasnt like the spell of whiplash altough. I do have low b/p. I feel as though im going crazy at times. I have also had the tilt table test done and all was fine although I would not let them give me the adriline, that one really made me nervous. I think that Im just actually nuts. Thats how i feel at times anyway. If you find any thing more out please let me know.
wmac

[Sweetmommy-3]

Hi Jan. I have NCS also. I have never had a seizure, But on October 31, 2003 my (Then 6 yr old son) had a fainting spell with a seizure and I went through all the EEG'S, VEEG at the hospital, and I was refered to a Pediatric Cartiologist who said he has NCS. Unfortunately there is nothing they can do for him at this time cause he is only 7. But I thought you should know that NCS can cause seizures for sure. And if you can get a few opinions okay. God Bless you and I hope all is well.