Did I have a seizure?

I am not sure if I had a mini seizure this afternoon. I was at work walking down the hallway and all of a sudden I began to feel lightheaded and lost my balance just for a split moment. I got to my desk, but my legs definitely felt weak and a bit like jello and tingly. Up to that point, I felt fine and have been keeping hydrated. I didn't feel disoriented, but I did feel very out of it and tired and it took me about 10 minutes to recover a bit. Still do not feel right at the moment. I haven't really had any headaches since my biopsy in February, but have had a dull headache the past few days and can feel some pressure build up in the right side of my brain so I am not sure if these two things are connected. I will probably go get checked out tomorrow if I can.

Just a bit worried now. I really don't want to possibly go through with the open biopsy. Really hoping that it's something else that caused my episode today.

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Permalink Reply by Becky on June 4, 2011 at 2:09am

Were you able to get in contact with your doctor? Seizures are different for everyone, especially depending on the area of the brain it is occurring in. When I have simple partial seizures, I get this rushing sensation. That's the only way I can think to describe it. Also sometimes it feels like everything around me is moving at a slower speed than it should be. For some people it can be a funny smell or having deja vu. I would definitely talk to your doctor though. Are you currently on any anti-seizure meds?

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Permalink Reply by John on June 4, 2011 at 3:10am

I was, but only with my primary care physician. It's been tough because I don't really have a neurosurgeon or neurologist I can turn to at the moment to go to about these things. To be honest, I wanted to talk to the last NS I saw last, the one who's recommending the open biopsy, but I am scared to death that it would just be justification for it so decided against calling him. It was probably wrong on my part not to call, because if an open biopsy is what is best, then it is what it is. I'll probably call his office and let him know this Monday to see what he has to say. However, today in speaking with my primary care physician, she didn't think it was a seizure, but couldn't rule it out completely because of everything that's going on. The doctor did say that it was a good sign that I didn't pass out or feel disoriented. So as of right now, she's going to try and see if she can move up my appointment with UCLA and will get back to me early next week.

I know it might be hard to describe, but can you try to describe what this "rushing" sensation feels like? Does it come on before, during, or after? I can't say that I had any peculiar feelings right before I felt lightheaded.

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Permalink Reply by Becky on June 4, 2011 at 2:47pm

My mom has epilepsy, and she has simple partial seizures occasionally, and she would tell me there would be this rushing sensation. I had no idea what she meant until I experienced it myself. It's very hard to describe. The first time it happened, I was in my poly sci lecture. I think I understood what the professor was saying, but when I tried to write something down, I couldn't. I had to hold onto my seat to keep from falling over. It was more than just a disorientation, though. Afterwards, I was weak, shaky, my ears ringing, etc. Took a few hours to get back to normal. And I always get a horrible headache after they happen. I've only had the "rushing" kind twice. While the medicine I was on was being adjusted, I would get disoriented, and my neuro-oncologist said they were mini seizures. Now I will occasionally get what are either very mini seizures or auras: I get this tingling/numbness sensation either on my head, face, arms, or legs. It only lasts a few seconds. Sorry I can't describe it in more detail, it's just a rushing feeling.

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Permalink Reply by John on June 4, 2011 at 3:31pm

No apology needed. Thank you for your description. It's good to know what to look for.

Becky said:

My mom has epilepsy, and she has simple partial seizures occasionally, and she would tell me there would be this rushing sensation. I had no idea what she meant until I experienced it myself. It's very hard to describe. The first time it happened, I was in my poly sci lecture. I think I understood what the professor was saying, but when I tried to write something down, I couldn't. I had to hold onto my seat to keep from falling over. It was more than just a disorientation, though. Afterwards, I was weak, shaky, my ears ringing, etc. Took a few hours to get back to normal. And I always get a horrible headache after they happen. I've only had the "rushing" kind twice. While the medicine I was on was being adjusted, I would get disoriented, and my neuro-oncologist said they were mini seizures. Now I will occasionally get what are either very mini seizures or auras: I get this tingling/numbness sensation either on my head, face, arms, or legs. It only lasts a few seconds. Sorry I can't describe it in more detail, it's just a rushing feeling.