Seizure from PTSD after robbery at work

[Angel211]

I was robbed while working at a home improvement store last Jan. of '08. March 13th, while working, I had what they called a Grand Mal Seizure.  I had a CAT scan, MRI and EEG -- all normal.  My neurologist says that is not epileptic in nature -- since March 13th, I have had two more; the last one being  June 14, '08. My employer is stating that this is not work related; but I retained an attorney anyway. I have not been able (physiologically, mentally) been able to return to work since April 11th and am not sure what my future holds.

My question is:  Can PTSD be caused from the robbery at work; sleep deprivation; and stress -- and could that have caused the seizure? And, if so, who do I need to see in order to get this matter resolved?  A physchologist? A phychiatrist? And do I need to have further tests performed?

Thank you so much for your help.

Jenny

[Marin600]

Hi.  Greenlydia is right on the money with everything she said. About 15 yrs ago, a co-worker was extremely distraught over several home situations and a horrendous work supv, and passed out.  She had a seizure, still has seizures occasionally, and has medicine that she's been taking all these years.  She's been told that the seizure was triggered by the impact of her head hitting the floor, but damage was caused that persists until now.  She had never had a seizure in her life, nor had anyone in her family background until that particular day.  The passing out was deemed to be caused from severe stress, combined with little to eat, resulting in possibly low blood sugar.  Even though our nasty supv was not the precipitating cause, she certainly could have been that famous straw.  My co-worker did not press charges at work.  I'm simply telling you that her seizure resulted from damage to her head from the fall caused by hypoglycemia.  If your seizure began after your fall to the floor, it would be a similar incident.  Why don't you check out martial arts self protection courses?  Sometimes, too, our city's parks and recreations dept gives self-protection classes instructed by city policemen.  Perhaps knowing that you'd be able to protect yourself if personally attacked would help you get the upper hand in your fragile condition now.  Undergo counseling and participate in any available support groups, too.  Does your Y or police dept or public health dept have a group of victims who meet to give each other strength?  I know many readers are praying for your recovery.  You can do this!   It will take time, but look how strong you've been!  You CAN do this!  It may take more oomph than you've ever had to use to tackle anything else, but you can do it.  God's blessings upon you!

[RubyWitch]

Your PTSD could, without a doubt in my mind, be the result of being robbed. That your employer is trying to deny this comes as no surprise. I'm glad you've retained a lawyer.
Who diagnosed you with PTSD? Did you see a therapist/psychologist/psychiatrist after this event? I do not have the knowledge to answer your question about whether or not the PTSD could cause the seizures you've experienced. The fact that epilepsy has been ruled out is obviously good, but now you need to find out what HAS caused them. I'm a little surprised your lawyer has not instructed you on how to proceed with this.....and I'm really just making a guess at what that should be, but it seems like they would want you seeing a therapist and other medical specialists, gathering up documentation that you had no seizure disorder BEFORE you were robbed, did not have PTSD or any other emotional issue which kept you from doing your job and certainly nothing which would keep you from working AT ALL. These problems have all manifested themselves since the robbery. There ARE lawyers out there who deal strictly with workplace issues and yours certainly qualifies! I would check to see if your current lawyer is qualified to take you through this process. If they aren't, they should be more than willing to refer you to someone who is. I would say call L&I, but I'm not sure if that would be the smartest move or not........perhaps someone else here will have a better idea on how you should proceed. But it's pretty chicken **** for your company to not be doing everything they can to help you deal with the trauma of the robbery. Even if it turns out the seizures are an entirely seperate issue, in my opinion, they OWE you.
You can get the name of a lawyer who deals with issues like yours by calling the American Bar Association and explaining the situation to them.
I really believe you need to fight this and I wish you the best. It takes courage to go up against an uncaring coporation who just expects you to slink away. Bravo for you!
Personally, whether your lawyer thinks so or not, I would recommend you get yourself some therapy for the trauma you went through. You need to deal with that or it will bite you in the butt the rest of your life.
Peace
Greenlydia