My boyfriend woke me up screaming - could it have been a seizure? It really scared me

[dating1wseizures]

Before I met my boyfriend (we are both 27), about a year and a half ago, he had a severe accident with a brain injury. Months after that injury, he had his first 2 seizures ever and began medication (Lamictal) immediately. Since we started dating, about 8 months ago, he has been completely seizure free.

Last night I was completely freaked out because he woke me up screaming at the top of his lungs. I started screaming as well, because I was scared and did not know what to do. He said he had a really scary dream, but after talking with him about it, we think it may have been a seizure. Today, he said that he did not recognize me for a few seconds when he was screaming and then when I started to scream, his mind became more clear. Also, he was freezing after he stopped screaming and the room was really warm.

I had to watch television for an hour to get my mind clear so I could fall back asleep, I was really scared. Even today I have the chills thinking about waking up to those shrieking screams that lasted 1 minute.

Could scary dreams result in seizures? I love him dearly and could see myself ending up with him, but want to know how I can be more empathetic or compassionate for the situation.

[Meetz1064]

to get more information out of him, to understand better. What was scary about the dream? Did he feel like he was falling off a cliff? Drowning? What was scary? Were his arms/legs flailing around? Did he have any sensation of movement before you woke up that HE could feel but you may not have noticed (not being fully awake yet)?

And YES, it's entirely possible it was a seizure--a NOCTURNAL seizure. I have four kinds of them. So YES, he could have had one.....now take a deep breath..........

[dating1wseizures]

Thanks for such a quick reply.

he was dreaming that he was stuck in his bedroom (he was in my bedroom at the time) and that his family kept telling him to wake up but he couldn't move.
I didn't notice any movement from him besides him standing up on his feet when he was screaming.

[Meetz1064]

that wasn't a myoclonic seizure then. Nor was it a t/c. 2 of my least faves ruled out.

Have him talk to his neurologist, and discuss this, but also get him to write it down in as much detail as possible--and you write down what you remember, too. This will help the doctor immensely. Time for an EEG, I think. Press for a 24 to 48 (preferably longer) EEG. If you can get an ambulatory one where he can wear it home, and be in is natural environments to be stimulated by his natural triggers, so much the better.

But start writing everything down in a journal..........

[Nakamova]

Hi, and welcome to CWE!

I agree with Meetz, record what happened, see if it happens again, and also pay attention to what might have triggered the nightmare/seizure. Keeping a journal of basic information can potentially pinpoint physiological and other stressors that might provoke a seizure.

Best,
Nakamova