“Why do I have these seizures if it’s not epilepsy?”
It started when I was 11 the first one I went to the doctors for and they did a CT scan and MRI scan and they were both clean. It happened in my sleep this time and was the only one I’ve been to the doctor for I had one more in my sleep about 4-5 months later the rest were when I was awake. Those ones I get really dizzy about 5 seconds before it happens and usually don’t have time to sit down but sometimes I just pass out and sometimes I seize I’ve only had about 10-15 that I know about of them but all them I fall to the ground for and I am alert enough to hear my own thoughts and other people talking but I can’t move or see anything other then blurs. The doctors when I went that one time said it wasn’t epilepsy so I just wanna know what it is but they all happened at least a month apart I have not taken any medications for it.
Female | 15 years old
Complaint duration: 4 years
Medications: None
Conditions: None I know of
2 Answers
Your symptoms could be caused by non-epileptic seizures (PNES), syncope (fainting due to low blood pressure or heart issues), migraines with aura, or neurological conditions like narcolepsy or functional neurological disorder (FND). Since you're conscious during episodes but unable to move, it may also indicate cataplexy (linked to narcolepsy). You should see a neurologist for further evaluation, including an EEG, tilt table test, and cardiac exams, to determine the cause. Keep a record of your episodes, including triggers, duration, and symptoms before and after.
Have you seen a pediatric neurologist? Have you had an EEG? Those places/tests are the next steps.
