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Is it Necessary for testing? (Syncope vs. Seizure)
Hello, I have been having frequent fainting spells that so far I have been told is syncope. I haven’t had any neurological testing or anything done so I have just assumed that’s what they are but I am a bit concerned and would like to take the extra precautions. I recently have also found out my half sister has epileptic episodes so that is another factor that concerns me.
To explain the episodes/fainting spells I have it has only happened infront of others twice and all other times I was alone. When it happened with someone else they told me arms had tensed up, my eyes were wide open, and that I was shaking. I assume the trigger was pain and anxiety as I stupidly wanted to get my eyebrow pierced in the school bathroom but my friend had told me that we might get suspended if we got caught. The second time it was after I had gotten my blood drawn and I had woke up with people around me. No one told me what it had looked like that time but I don’t think I even remembered to ask! When it had happened I did not recall going unconscious and I was actually sitting down calmly in a chair. But there were no warning signs of me going unconscious until of course I woke up. I did go in and out of consciousness though during it. Usually all I see is a bright light but these two recent events it was like a time skip to when I wake up. I have a strange sensation in my body like I can feel every nerve ending in my body, like pins and needles all over. The way I can explain it is I feel all fuzzy like static on an old tv screen. After it happens I’m always exhausted and confused on what happened and usually the first thing to come out my mouth is “what happened.” But nonetheless it feels like I used up all my energy and all I want to do is sleep.
I have had other fainting spells in the past but these recent ones felt different in my opinion so I would just like some input on what I should do.
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I’m sorry this is happening. You mentioned being in school so my first thought would be to discuss this with your parents and get their advice and help. Better safe than sorry so getting checked out by a doctor to determine what’s happening and how to prevent it sounds wise, but again bring your parents in on this so they can support you and also hear what the doctor has to say. They know you, your medical history and your family history best. Listen to them before your friends. Your family doctor can determine if you need to see a neurologist. It’s usually a long wait to get that first visit with a neurologist but you should be able to get in to see your family doctor quickly. The greatest danger of passing out is hitting your head or some other injury from falling. I hope you find some answers and solutions.
By the way, passing out during a blood draw is not that uncommon but you should let the nurse know that might happen so you can lie down as a precaution.
I have no opinion on piercings other than if you’re going to get one make sure it’s done by a reputable professional so you don’t get an infection or worse. Again, if you’re a minor please talk to your parents about all of this.
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2 Reactions@californiazebra
Yes, about involving the parents. Whatever is happening could be a minor inconvenience or a life-threatening thing. And adult backup may be needed.
As my then 21 yo daughter said to me, when I didn’t want to take off work and drive 2 hours to her college to take her to the doctor for a bad cold, “You’re my mother. It’s your JOB to take care of me.” So I went.
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1 ReactionThis sounds so terrifying! Have you gotten an EKG or seen a cardiologist? Reason I’m asking is; in 2019 I had a grand mal seizure at my desk at work. I was found slumped over in my chair. It felt like my brains were blown out I was so out of it. To make a long story short, I took the rest of the week off, went back to work and had some more episodes at home that week. I know I did because I wet my bed and couch and felt out of my body and extremely spacey. I had to go on disability because I kept feeling like I was going to faint, felt lightheaded, dizzy and fatigued. Really out of it and scared I’d have more seizures. I had a thorough neuro consult/zilch. I was afraid I’d pass out and have seizures at home and I live alone and have 37 stairs to climb. I was a mess. Then, almost a year later, I woke up on my bedroom floor with a massive headache, severe nausea and dizziness, wet pajamas and was going in and out of consciousness. In a lucid moment, I called a friend to come over who had keys. I couldn’t get up and couldn’t call 911 because in my dazed state, I didn’t think they could get through a locked door. By the time my friend came, I was unconscious and having seizures. Last thing I remember is his keys in the door and then waking up in cardiac ICU. I don’t remember the ambulance, ER, CT of my head or anything. I was unconscious the whole day and had sustained a head concussion. When I woke up in the hospital, there were 3 doctors in my room. They told me I was having seizures and my heart was not working properly. I had complete AV block, unbeknownst to me, and considering all the ER visits I had because I felt so horrible, was told nothing. I literally almost died. My heart rate was 26. As soon as I woke up, within an hour, I was in the OR getting a pacemaker. What I didn’t know was that my heart rate kept going dangerously low so I would pass out and have a seizure. Thats the reason. Weird, huh? It was truly a nightmare and the worst of it is the TBI when I hit my head. My memory is horrible, I have constant tinnitis and my life has changed. I had to retire early but I was kind of burned out, anyway. I remember my mother had fainting spells and she also had to get a pacemaker. My case is genetic but please get yourself checked out. Doctors really thought I was crazy, it was psychological, but I was in the medical field and believe me, no one passes out and has seizures for no reason. End of my tragedy but I just go day by day and am grateful for what I have.
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1 Reaction@jazzygirl5
That must have been very scary for you. Glad you’re still here to tell the tale. Hope you can still enjoy your retirement.
Your story also confirmed what I wrote about the danger of falling and hitting your head when you pass out. No matter the cause, passing out is not safe for anyone.
Fainting can be a symptom of epilepsy. Does anyone in your family lineage that has had epilepsy? My mother had it and my nephew now has it too. You really need to have an EEG performed and examined by a neurologists before you injure yourself from fainting.
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