First time seizure
Hi there
So i’m a first year college student and I had my first grand mal seizure a few days ago. It was pretty bad, I was shaking really violently, stopped breathing, fell off my bed and hit my head and back. Paramedics came but I didn’t go to hospital with them. My body has been really sore and it’s just been really weird the past few days. I don’t have any recollection of the seizure itself because I was unconscious and asleep before it happened (I think), but my roommates have been telling me all the details and it feels so weird hearing things about myself that I don’t remember at all but feel the effects of. I have an appointment with a neurologist in a few weeks and I am on lamictal for now, but I will sometimes (usually at night) get really bad anxiety that it will happen again. My roommate is going to see a psychologist because of how scary it was for her, and she has trouble sleeping in our dorm the last few days. I’m just really scared. I know a lot of people can just have one seizure in their lifetime, and it certainly could have been caused by random factors, but I get worried that there’s something wrong with my brain and it will happen again, especially if it happens when I’m awake and I’m more aware of it. I don’t want to be asleep again when it happens because I hate the feeling of not knowing what happened, but I also would be terrified to be awake and feel it coming or something. Just wondering if anyone has any tips . Thanks
Firstly, congratulations on your first year of college!! This is amazing! You can live a normal life. I went to college and I had several seizures on campus and in my dorm and public. I didn't remember any of them. I know it makes you feel very vulnerable post seizure- don't let it. This is something we can't control. Talk to your roommate and explain to her epilepsy and seizure journey. And show your roommate how to properly do safety. Tell your roommate what to do and even tell your dorm manager. When I was on campus, I checked in with the disability center and my core group of friends knew what to do. I know it can be hard to share, but it's for your safety. Plus, it's doable!
Here's. some articles that may help.
https://epilepsydisease.com/living/invisible-illness
https://epilepsydisease.com/living/friendshipsKeep me posted on how everything works out!
Derra Howard
Epilepsy Team Member
Since the disease has no cure you are effectively your own physician. Find out what works for you in addition to your neurologist issued prescription.
I am so sorry you are going through this and sorry it shook your roommate so much also. Always take your meds on time, get enough sleep, avoid too much caffeine or stress, avoid strobe lights, but relax and remember you are a person who had a seizure. Do not let it control you. Learn and make your friends aware of seizure first aid just in case. Talk to your Dr about not wanting to sleep for fear of another seizure. I have had status seizures since age 1 which is a grand Mal I won't come out of without medicine through an IV. Also have partial and partial complex, usually with an aura. The aura is good as I can get to a safe place while it passes then can usually go back to what I was doing. I am 52, married, with 2 beautiful daughters, neither of whom have seizures. My life verse is Isaiah 41:10 "Do not fear for I am with you. Do not be afraid for I am your God. I will comfort you and strengthen you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Hang in there and know you aren't the only one fighting but it is only a small part of you. It will make you stronger if you let it.
Sorry u had that happen. I have had 3 seizure in a year and a half. The most recent one was 7 days ago. I skipped my meds and was found unconscious at work in a bathroom. Unless u have an injury u don’t really need to go to hospital. Don’t skip ur meds. Get 8 hours of sleep. Avoid energy drinks. I did every test and they never found anything. I would talk with ur room mate. Educate ur self and the roommate. Stress doesn’t help.
