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Seizures in sleep a year apart
My boyfriend had a seizure Dec of 08. At the time, he was 26. He just had another seizure two days ago (Jan of 10. Prior to these two episodes, he had never experienced any sort of seizure--not even, to anyone's knowledge, the small kind where you "zone out."
I was present during both. Each time, we were asleep--the first time was around 9 am, the second was around 7:30 am. He made sort of a "howling" sound, and fell back, convulsing violently. Foaming at the mouth, with wide open eyes.
The first time was such a blur, but I think it lasted a couple to several minutes. His lips turned dark purple from lack of oxygen until I was able to (miraculously) shift his position and get him to breathe. Afterwards, it took probably 20 minutes to get him to wake up and, once he woke up, probably another 45 minutes until he was completely coherent. He was taken to the ER immediately. All blood work/brain scans were normal (MRI, EEG and CT, I believe). They called it an idiopathic seizure.
The second time, over a full year later, the seizure itself lasted only about a minute. Though, it seemed his lips were purple immediately. I rolled him over onto his side, he got oxygen, and the seizing stopped. I was able to wake him up just a few minutes later, and he was coherent a few minutes after that.
I've suspected that he has sleep apnea for years, as he literally stops breathing in his sleep. His breathing is also quite shallow at times and he snores. I did some research and, at first, thought that the sleep apnea could have triggered these seizures. Upon further research, however, it doesn't seem like most people think this would be the case.
We have yet to see a neurologist about this, though we plan to soon. Should we request a sleep study? Does this qualify as a seizure disorder even though it's developed late in his 20s and has only happened twice with over a year in between?
Any input you could give about this would be greatly appreciated.
I was present during both. Each time, we were asleep--the first time was around 9 am, the second was around 7:30 am. He made sort of a "howling" sound, and fell back, convulsing violently. Foaming at the mouth, with wide open eyes.
The first time was such a blur, but I think it lasted a couple to several minutes. His lips turned dark purple from lack of oxygen until I was able to (miraculously) shift his position and get him to breathe. Afterwards, it took probably 20 minutes to get him to wake up and, once he woke up, probably another 45 minutes until he was completely coherent. He was taken to the ER immediately. All blood work/brain scans were normal (MRI, EEG and CT, I believe). They called it an idiopathic seizure.
The second time, over a full year later, the seizure itself lasted only about a minute. Though, it seemed his lips were purple immediately. I rolled him over onto his side, he got oxygen, and the seizing stopped. I was able to wake him up just a few minutes later, and he was coherent a few minutes after that.
I've suspected that he has sleep apnea for years, as he literally stops breathing in his sleep. His breathing is also quite shallow at times and he snores. I did some research and, at first, thought that the sleep apnea could have triggered these seizures. Upon further research, however, it doesn't seem like most people think this would be the case.
We have yet to see a neurologist about this, though we plan to soon. Should we request a sleep study? Does this qualify as a seizure disorder even though it's developed late in his 20s and has only happened twice with over a year in between?
Any input you could give about this would be greatly appreciated.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Dear Shae212
I am happy that you had so many doubts and am pleased to answer them -
Why would he start having seizures at such a late age?
Seizures can start in any age. It's in general idiopathic in nature ie no cause. But generally stress, sleep deprivation can aggravate it.
Why would he have them over a year apart?
As i told, doctors in general stop the medications, when there is no episode till three consecutive years. Seizure is generally related to brain over activity.
From your experience, do you think we should expect another?
We can expect another if a) His sleep is compromised, b) His medications are not properly prescribed, 3) His stress levels are high.
Why did he turn purple? Is it common during a seizure?
Due to seizure, sometimes the person can't breath. Especially during frothing phase, where the froth fills up the larynx/pharynx region which results in breathing obstruction and hence he may had turned purple.
Do you think there may be any connection to his possible Apnea?
Presently am not thinking as i have not examined him.The final diagnosis will be given by the treating doctor as he would be examining him and eliciting the various signs which will help him to arrive at conclusion.
Feel free to post more.
Regards
I am happy that you had so many doubts and am pleased to answer them -
Why would he start having seizures at such a late age?
Seizures can start in any age. It's in general idiopathic in nature ie no cause. But generally stress, sleep deprivation can aggravate it.
Why would he have them over a year apart?
As i told, doctors in general stop the medications, when there is no episode till three consecutive years. Seizure is generally related to brain over activity.
From your experience, do you think we should expect another?
We can expect another if a) His sleep is compromised, b) His medications are not properly prescribed, 3) His stress levels are high.
Why did he turn purple? Is it common during a seizure?
Due to seizure, sometimes the person can't breath. Especially during frothing phase, where the froth fills up the larynx/pharynx region which results in breathing obstruction and hence he may had turned purple.
Do you think there may be any connection to his possible Apnea?
Presently am not thinking as i have not examined him.The final diagnosis will be given by the treating doctor as he would be examining him and eliciting the various signs which will help him to arrive at conclusion.
Feel free to post more.
Regards
Why wouldn't you ask for a sleep study?? I understand that I'm no doctor but it seems like a big deal to stop breathing in one's sleep. I would it'd be something you'd want to address.
They called the first seizure idiopathic because they could find no reason at all. I'm wondering how that might change since he's had a second one.
He has not been treated at all. We would like to avoid medication if at all possible, as the seizures themselves are rare and the side effects of these medications are often somewhat debilitating. Do you think that will be possible?
Why would he start having seizures at such a late age?
Why would he have them over a year apart?
From your experience, do you think we should expect another?
Why did he turn purple? Is it common during a seizure?
Do you think there may be any connection to his possible Apnea?
They called the first seizure idiopathic because they could find no reason at all. I'm wondering how that might change since he's had a second one.
He has not been treated at all. We would like to avoid medication if at all possible, as the seizures themselves are rare and the side effects of these medications are often somewhat debilitating. Do you think that will be possible?
Why would he start having seizures at such a late age?
Why would he have them over a year apart?
From your experience, do you think we should expect another?
Why did he turn purple? Is it common during a seizure?
Do you think there may be any connection to his possible Apnea?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Dear Shae212,
Well i won't ask for a sleep study now.Idiopathic seizures have got no reason at all.Hence they are termed as idiopathic.
In general, if there is no seizure attack for 3 years in a row, then we consider the patient fully treated,However, if there is any attack within 3 years, then the patient is not considered as "Cured" and hence continuous treatment is required.
I think, you need to consult a good neurologist, who will guide you after all the physical examinations.As he needs good medicines.
SO please take a quick appointment,
Feel free to discuss more.
Regards
Well i won't ask for a sleep study now.Idiopathic seizures have got no reason at all.Hence they are termed as idiopathic.
In general, if there is no seizure attack for 3 years in a row, then we consider the patient fully treated,However, if there is any attack within 3 years, then the patient is not considered as "Cured" and hence continuous treatment is required.
I think, you need to consult a good neurologist, who will guide you after all the physical examinations.As he needs good medicines.
SO please take a quick appointment,
Feel free to discuss more.
Regards
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