Posting for my girlfriend

[Corey]

Hey there everyone. I'm posting for girlfriend because shes not really the type to post on forums. I found this site and it seems to be very helpful.

My girlfriend and I are both 24 and have known each other for about 2 years. Before we met she used to have these attacks and still does. She will feel very uncomfortable and will get a quick flashback or a dream. Its hard for her to tell me what she saw because she doesn't remember much after they happen. after the attack she feels very tired and anxious/uncomfortable.

These attacks only seem to happen when she is very stressed, and only last for a week. She is now in the process of buying a condo and has been stressed out.

The last time she had them bad I made her go see a doctor. They did all the normal tests eeg ekg and a few others and did not find anything. I have tried my best but she is deathly affraid of needles and getting blood work.

The attacks scare me but when she gets them there is a night of sleep where she seems to have worse attacks in her sleep. We will be sleeping and out of no where she will start moving her jaw like she's gasping for air and chewing at the same time. If I wake her up she is sort of unresponsive and her awswers make no sense. In the morning she says the left side of her head hurts badly. during this time of the attacks some of her skin around her cheeks and neck will get blotchy and then go away when the attack is over.

The 2 doctors she have seen have been no help at all. they say they cant find anything wrong. Does anyone have any idea what this attacks are? Or what direction to go it. Shes not proactive in finding the problem so I'm trying my best to help.

 

[Nakamova]

Hi Corey, welcome!

Good for you for trying to help your girlfriend and get more info. It must be very tough seeing her struggle. Her symptoms might be related to a seizure-disorder or other neurological issue, but it's tough to know for sure. Unfortunately not all seizure disorders will show up on an EEG -- some originate too deep in the brain. If possible, try and get her to see an epileptologist or neurologist who specializes in seizure disorders. In the absence of EEG results, it can help to keep a clinical symptom journal, where you document every time the episodes occur, how often, how long, what happens. This can help her doctors get a handle on what's going on. You've identified stress as a factor. Are there other things that might be contributing? Fatigue, low blood sugar, dehydration, food allergies, alcohol, and medications are all things that can trigger unusual symptoms.

Since some of her episodes occur at night, it might be worth having a sleep study done to rule out sleep disorders such as apnea.

Best,
Nakamova

 

[Corey]

Thanks for the reply.

I'm new to this and just trying to figure out whats best. The first time It was bad I took her to the ER. We sat there for hours and when we finally saw a doctor it really didn't get us far. I'm trying to find a good neurologist now.

 

[Nakamova]

Hi Corey --

Here's a description of sleep apnea symptoms. Does it sound like what your girlfriend experiences? It might be one factor in her symptoms. (Folks often have both apnea and nighttime seizures).

Sleep apnea can be recognized by a number of symptoms... Loud and intermittent snoring is one warning signal. The person who has sleep apnea may experience a choking sensation, early-morning headaches, or extreme daytime sleepiness, as well. His/her bed partner or roommate might comment on excessive body movements or his snorting or gasping for breath during sleep. If the condition is suspected, it should be reported to a physician, who may recommend evaluation by a specialist in sleep disorders.