I am a 26-year-old woman. Why am I experiencing seizures?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 26-year-old woman who believes she may have had a seizure three weeks ago. I was at work when I suddenly felt strange. According to my coworker, I stared blankly, my body became stiff, and I shook uncontrollably for about two minutes. When I regained awareness, I felt confused and extremely exhausted. Since then, I have been experiencing episodes where I smell something burning that is not there, feel a rising sensation in my stomach, and occasionally lose awareness for a few seconds. I’ve also been having severe headaches and growing anxiety about when another episode might occur. This has started to affect my ability to drive or be alone.

My father developed epilepsy in his twenties, and I am starting to wonder if this could be genetic. Could these episodes be seizures or a form of epilepsy? Why would they start now, when I have never had any such problems before? Is there a possible connection to my family history?

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The episode at work, followed by your ongoing symptoms, strongly suggests that you are experiencing seizures, possibly a form of focal epilepsy. The initial event, which involved loss of awareness, body stiffening, shaking, and post-event confusion, is characteristic of a generalized tonic-clonic seizure that may have started as a focal seizure and then spread.

The sensations you have experienced since, such as smelling something burning that is not there, a rising feeling in your stomach, and brief lapses in awareness, are classic signs of focal seizures, often originating in the temporal lobe. These are commonly referred to as auras and may be part of a broader epilepsy pattern.

Although this may seem sudden, epilepsy can sometimes begin in young adulthood. Having a family history like your father's does increase the likelihood of a genetic predisposition. There are various potential causes, including structural brain changes, autoimmune conditions, previously unnoticed head injuries, or genetic factors. In some cases, the exact cause remains unidentified.

It is important to undergo an EEG (electroencephalogram) to detect abnormal electrical activity in the brain and an MRI to look for any structural abnormalities. Until you receive a formal diagnosis and begin treatment, it is important to avoid driving, swimming alone, or engaging in any activity where a sudden loss of awareness could be dangerous.

While this situation is understandably frightening, many people with epilepsy live full and active lives with the right diagnosis and treatment plan. Early evaluation will help clarify what is happening and guide you toward effective management.

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