I am 27, male. Do my seizures indicate a brain disorder?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 27-year-old man experiencing episodes where I suddenly lose consciousness and my body jerks uncontrollably for a few minutes. After these episodes, I feel confused and exhausted. Sometimes I notice warning signs such as a strange smell or a feeling of déjà vu before they occur. Occasionally, I bite my tongue or lose bladder control during these events.

I also have shorter episodes where I stare blankly and do not respond when people talk to me, although I do not fall or shake during those times. These episodes are becoming more frequent and have occurred at work and while driving, which is extremely dangerous and frightening. My memory and concentration have also worsened, and I feel anxious about when the next episode might happen. Could these seizure-like episodes and changes in consciousness be signs of a brain disorder affecting my brain’s electrical activity?

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com,

I understand your concern.

From what you have described, the episodes of sudden loss of consciousness with jerking movements, tongue biting, loss of bladder control, and post-episode confusion strongly suggest generalized epileptic seizures.

The warning signs you sometimes experience (such as strange smells or déjà vu) are called auras, and they usually indicate seizure activity beginning in a specific part of the brain. The shorter blank staring episodes, where you become unresponsive without shaking, are also concerning and may represent another seizure type, such as focal impaired awareness seizures (sometimes referred to as absence or partial seizures).

I would suggest the following measures:

Neurology consultation as soon as possible.
EEG (Electroencephalogram): To detect abnormal brain electrical activity.
MRI Brain: To rule out structural causes such as lesions, scarring, or other abnormalities.
Blood tests to check for metabolic or systemic triggers.

If seizures are confirmed, starting anti-seizure medication as advised by your neurologist can significantly reduce or stop episodes.

Preventive measures include not driving or operating heavy machinery, as it is unsafe. Avoid sleep deprivation, alcohol, or skipping meals, as these may trigger seizures. Inform a close family member or friend so they know what to do in case of a seizure.

Timely follow-up with a neurologist is very important to monitor progress and adjust treatment if needed.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.