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  |  General Health  |  I wonder if I have epilepsy
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I wonder if I have epilepsy

by Dr Lesley Hickin

question
Five months ago I blacked out and had convulsions that were similar to an epileptic fit. I consulted a neurologist who maintained that I hadn't got epilepsy, and that it was a one-off blackout. Since then I have experienced the same symptoms that I had just before I blacked out: nausea, dizziness, hot flushes, and an increase in heartbeat. It hasn't happened since, but I feel as if I have come close to it. I noticed that it seems to occur at the same time or just after my period. I have consulted my GP, but she can't find a reason for it. I have also become more irritable, often get headaches and feel very insecure about myself, which isn't like me. I want to go back to being the person I was before this blackout happened.

answer
These attacks of yours sound like ?vaso-vagal episodes in medic-speak?, or simple faints to the rest of us. When you are about to faint it?s common to have initial symptoms of nausea, rapid heart rate, and feeling hot and dizzy, and some people see spots in front of their eyes. It?s also quite common to experience limb muscle spasms and twitching similar to an epileptic fit. No neurologist would diagnose epilepsy after just one attack, but if you continue to have these symptoms, the diagnosis might need to be considered again. You would need some further investigations, such as an EEG (electroencephalogram), a simple painless test that records your brainwave activity. Meanwhile, you have quite naturally lost a bit of confidence and are feeling anxious about the possibility of another black out. Try not to let it wind you up too much, as stress can itself be a trigger for fainting attacks. If you do feel that a faint may be coming on, lie down if possible, or otherwise, sit down and drop your head between your legs to increase blood flow to the brain. Take slow, deep breaths and wait for it to pass off.
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