Mystery Siezures

Less than a week ago my wife had a 15 minute siezure in which she turned blue and was rushed to the ER. After 2 days in the ICU and 40 something minor siezures later and testing including EEG MRI catscan bloodwork ect we are told the docs don't know why.  since being discharged she has continued to have about two a day??? Never had a siezure in her life. Looking for advice as there seems to be no explanation for these episodes.

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Seizures can be the result of many different disorders. These can be the result of congenital or genetic disorders, metabolic (such as sodium abnormalities or disorders of the liver or kidney), ischemic stroke/hemorrhage, mass/tumor, traumatic brain injury (recent or remote), anoxic injury (i.e., lack of oxygen), infection (encephalitis or meningitis), stress-related, medications, and many others.

Did your wife have a lumbar puncture to evaluate for such causes as infection? Was the MRI of the brain normal?

I would suggest having your wife follow up with a neurologist to further evaluate and also to determine if she has epilepsy.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.