Re: Seizures during sleep

Posted By Charlotte on June 27, 1998 at 00:58:27:

In Reply to: Re: Seizures during sleep posted by CCF MD GS on June 23, 1998 at 08:42:23:






My husband began having seizures in his sleep about three years ago.  In that
time he has had approximately 10 of them.  After the first one he had an MRI
and an EEG, but they both came back negative.  The dotor ruled it sleep
deprivation.  It was nine months between the first and second one. The others
did not occur after a lack of sleep.  I can usually tell when he is going to
have one because for the two or three nights before he will twitch in his
sleep.  I am very concerned about him because he refuses to return to the
doctor.  If he returns, he will lose his job.  He drives a commercial vehicle,
and seizures are a reason to lose your CDL.  Could you tell me the possible
cause of these seizures?




Thanks for the question and I think you are wise to be concerned. If your husband is having seizures he should not be driving until they are under control. If he is having these events it is possible that he is not having a seizure at all but movements related to various sleep stages. He really needs to undergo further testing to determine what is going on and to have an EEG during one of these events. This will help clarify if the event is in fact a seizure. It is well known that sleep deprivation can lower the seizure threshold and make it more likely that a seizure will occur in a patient. This needs to be evaluated further. If you wish a referral to CCF call 216 444 5559.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes. Please consult your doctor for diagnostic and treatment options.
I really appreciate your answer.  I do know for sure that he is having seizures.  He bites his tongue and tightens the muscles in his legs and arms.  He has all the symptoms of a grandmal seizure. I was just wondering if you could think of a cause for this to start happening in a 28 year old male.  The last couple ones he has had, have not come after being deprived of sleep.  I just thought it was strange that they only occur in his sleep.