Relationship between Mold and Seizures

Posted by lsittll @lsittll, Jul 30, 2020

Last night I had a very odd seizure. I gasped several times. About twenty years ago I would have my usual seizure (which is like a nightmare, because I only call out my name), Afterwards I would gasp a few times. Because I lived in an apartment filled with mold and mildew and am very allergic to both things I asked my allergist if it could be my allergies. He told me no to ask my neurologist. My neurologist said there were gasping seizures. We never discussed that I gasp. I began to have gasping seizures only almost two years ago .Last night I had the strangest one of all. I gasped several times only ((I can hear myself when having a seizure). Afterwards I felt like I had an odd sensation in my lower trachea. I definitely will discuss this with my doctor when I see my neurologist in September. Until then I hope I never have one like that again! I know sometimes I am odd but to have such an odd seizure!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Epilepsy & Seizures Support Group.

@lsittll)
So do you only have Psychomotor seizures or do you have other types? I was wondering if the seizure you described was nocturnal? What is this seizure similar to your other Jacksonian seizures except for the gasping? Are you sure it wasn’t the ictal cry during the Tonic phase of a Tonic Clonic seizure since muscle spasms can disrupt or stop breathing?
If you were standing during this seizure did you remain standing? Did anyone witness this seizure? Did you bite your tongue and or cheek? I don’t know if mold and mildew can actually cause seizures although mold is or can be toxic. Have you ever been tested to see if you’re allergic to it? Definitely a good question for you Neurologist, please let us know what he says.
Jake

REPLY

Jake ;

I have been tested for many things and mildew and mold were two that I was found allergic to. The allergist said it was not the allergies. I supposed if it was that the gasping was related to my allergies that it would have occurred at other times of the day. I only have psychomotor nocturnal seizures.I don't have Tonic Clonic . No one else witnessed the seizure. I live alone.I did not bite my tongue or cheek. I have had a gasping seizure only while I was standing a while ago. I remained standing, I did not fall.

Take Care,
Laurie

REPLY

@jakeduck my neurologist asked if I had my breathing checked recently. When I told my internist about the seizure he said "that's no seizure! A seizure is only when you shake. Thant is the last time I will ever see him. He's an old doc doesn't keep up to date on things. Where did he get his catalog degree? No one doubts my neurologist!

REPLY

@lsittll
Good morning Laurie,
Such an incompetent comment from a physician. That doctor probably thinks your having seizures are caused by being possessed and that they are contagious too. I’m surprised he didn’t suggest an exorcism. Misinformation promotes the stigma of seizures/Epilepsy. Such stupidity is inexcusable especially form a doctor.
Glad to hear you escaped his evil clutches.
Take care,
Jake

REPLY

I mainly have seizures in my sleep but I do have them awake as well... I shake, lock up, puke, pee in myself, gasp and sometimes I've even aspirated with the vomit. I take 1 1/2 1000mg kepra 2x daily and still it happens. My 5 year old neice just recently found me gurgling in my bed covered in urine.. scared of doctors cause all they wanna do is put a pace maker in my brain... Ten years then I will be dead.

REPLY

Hi Everyone,

At the Alzheimer’s World Summit, I have recently learned that mold can affect our memory and cognitive function through interviews with Dr. Lauren Tessier, Dr. Neil Nathan, and Matt Pratt-Hyatt Ph.D. Doing my own research, I understand that mold can lead to seizures.

Has anyone experienced a relationship between mold and seizures? Has any of your doctors brought that up to you in your epilepsy treatment?

Thank you for sharing your experiences.

Chris (Santosha)

REPLY
@santosha

Hi Everyone,

At the Alzheimer’s World Summit, I have recently learned that mold can affect our memory and cognitive function through interviews with Dr. Lauren Tessier, Dr. Neil Nathan, and Matt Pratt-Hyatt Ph.D. Doing my own research, I understand that mold can lead to seizures.

Has anyone experienced a relationship between mold and seizures? Has any of your doctors brought that up to you in your epilepsy treatment?

Thank you for sharing your experiences.

Chris (Santosha)

Jump to this post

Hello @santosha. You will notice that I have moved your post into an existing discussion on mold and seizures, which you can now find here:
- Relationship between Mold and Seizures: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/odd-seizure/

Members @lsittll and @ess77 have both shared about a possible link between mold and seizures so I am hoping they can join you to share more.

How has this personally affected you?

REPLY

Hi Amanda @amandajro

Thank you for moving my post into an existing discussion I did not know of yet.

I was alarmed by this information as I do have quite some mold at home. I moved into this address in 2009, when I had epilepsy but was not aware of it (my seizures were mild and rare about 3 mild complex seizures per year). But in 2017 my epilepsy started to show its face with an increase in my number of seizures and became more intense (from mild to moderate). I ask myself today if mold could have contributed to that and even think of changing address.

Is there an exam to measure how mold can affect a person you know of? My epileptologist said that mold is toxic for everyone but not much more than that.

Thank you!
Chris (or Santosha)

REPLY
@nadolski

I mainly have seizures in my sleep but I do have them awake as well... I shake, lock up, puke, pee in myself, gasp and sometimes I've even aspirated with the vomit. I take 1 1/2 1000mg kepra 2x daily and still it happens. My 5 year old neice just recently found me gurgling in my bed covered in urine.. scared of doctors cause all they wanna do is put a pace maker in my brain... Ten years then I will be dead.

Jump to this post

@nadolski
One suggestion is to always
use the same manufacturer for every A.E.D. refill. Have you tried increasing your dose of Keppra? Taking an extended-release formulation may also help. You might talk to your neurologist about trying carbamazepine. It has a high efficacy rate. Do you consume caffeine or use energy drinks? Caffeine may also impact seizures.
Would you mind sharing your diagnosis with us?
There is no need to be afraid of doctors. All they can do is make suggestions. It’s your decision if you want to proceed with any of those treatment suggestions. Remember, you’re the one in control.
Take care,
Jake

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.