Is this what a Grand Mal Seizure while asleep - feels like??

[Rev-Rog]

I had a 'sleep deprived' EEG last week (while my wife was in the same hospital ward for brain surgery) and there were no obvious signs of epilepsy in the results (although still have to see the Specialist). I am still on 2000mg Epilim.

Four nights ago - while my wife was still in hospital - at 4am in the morning I was jolted awake with the most intense pain/spasm in my right arm, chest, thigh and leg - which are all very sore after 3 days.

Is this what a Grand Mal seizure feels like? I've had big seizures before, 1/ have bit tongue, 2/ front tooth through lip 3/ cluster of over 50 TLS over period of 3 hours, as well as lots of smaller ones that cause me to lose my balance, but nothing like this before.

I should be seeing my Specialist in a few weeks time, but just wanted to share this with you, and get some response, and this really is a scary thing to happen.

Hear from you soon

 

[valeriedl]

I have grand mals about 3 times a year. I've been awake during all of these and I don't know if I've every had any in my sleep. I'm not sure if I have any type of seizures when I'm asleep or not.

I've never had pain after a grand mal, or any type of seizure, but I believe there have been people on here who said they do. Hopefully they can give you some info about that.

 

[mountaindave]

Almost 90% of my grand mal seizures happen in my sleep. Usually within the last few hours of sleep or the hour after i first wake and decide to lay back down. I think it happens beczuse the waking up and falling asleep too many times too quickly in short amount of time.Usually happens more often when i enduldge on caffiene miss ,a dose of meds, med changes, sleep deprivation, or extreme stress from previous days. Usually doesnt feel like anything until i wake up and see blood either on my face or in sheets with headaches or dizziness and bump on the head and body pain if it was multiple ones for long periods of time, and no one was around to help call 911. Best thing is to have someone wake u and be around until. Preventive measure by having someone supervise me waking and be around 30 minites before and 1 hour after im out of bed and awake. Ive had seizures since i was 13.

 

[Chris515]

I think it's different for everyone. 95% of mine happen in my sleep and mostly don't feel when they start. I just wake up in the post-ictal state afterwards vastly confused and terrified. And sore but that's the least of my worries at the moment afterwards.

Mine can be caused by some of the same things - too much caffiene, stress, environmental change. Even things like the stress of hosting a large family bbq.

 

[Nakamova]

Since you were awakened by the spasm, I think it may have been a very strong myoclonic seizure, rather than a grand mal seizure (where you wouldn't have been conscious during the actual convulsing or spasming).

 

[Rev-Rog]

Thanks for your helpful reply.

Are you current able to drive, or do you need to wait until a specific amount of time has passed seizure free?

 

[Rev-Rog]

Thanks for your helpful reply.

Are you (also) currently able to drive, or do you need to wait until a specific amount of time has passed seizure free?

I think it's different for everyone. 95% of mine happen in my sleep and mostly don't feel when they start. I just wake up in the post-ictal state afterwards vastly confused and terrified. And sore but that's the least of my worries at the moment afterwards.

Mine can be caused by some of the same things - too much caffiene, stress, environmental change. Even things like the stress of hosting a large family bbq.

 

[valeriedl]

Are you current able to drive, or do you need to wait until a specific amount of time has passed seizure free?

Here in the US you have to go so may months seizure free before you are able to drive. I think it varies from state to state though, 6 months or 1 year.

I believe if you only have seizures in your sleep you may be able to drive.

You have to get your drs ok before you are able to drive.

I'm not sure how it works in other countries.

 

[cawhitern]

I agree with Nakamova.
For many years all my seizures were nocturnal and if they weren't witnessed the only way I knew was my tongue was chewed up, I was confused and hurt all over. Never aware of the seizure until after regaining consciousness.
Best of luck to you and your wife.
Cindy

 

[Rev-Rog]

I really appreciate all of your answers (and any more to come). I don't want to be continually scanning my body for signs of epilepsy, but at the same time I need to be aware and careful. In the next couple weeks I will have another attempt at a Pill Cam for my IBD. The last camera got stuck in my stomach, and this time they will use an endoscopy to plant it further down into my small intestine. NOT looking forward to that :0)

Thank you for allowing me to share these things with you <*}}}><

(My beautiful wife is asleep on the sofa, recovering from her brain surgery.)