Why do I seize up when I pass out?

Question

I've been having this thing in the past few years. It's happened three times so far. The first was a shot, the second was a cut from a razor blade, and the third was having blood drawn.

Each time, I'm completely fine with the pain or seeing my own blood. I'll stand up (this is when most people pass out) and feel fine, but then about five minutes later I feel light headed, and then I pass out. Apparently i don't just go out, and then wake up like most people. Instead, my eyes roll back, my legs shake, my back arches, and I basically have seizure-like symtoms. When I wake up, my blood pressure is always extremely low, I usually cry fifteen minutes or so later, and then in a half an hour I'm fine.

It's normal for people to pass out from shots or cuts...but apparently it's not normal to seize up. Last time, as soon as I woke up the nurses aked, "Are you epileptic?!" So I know they recognised the signs as a seizure.

Does anyone know what's going on?

I have vaguelly talked to dovtors about this. Mostly just the nurses who were there the last time I passed out (I warned them in advance and they took precautions, like putting my feet up when they drew the blood...but I still passed out) and also my school nurse. Mostly they just seem interested (none of them had ever seen or heard of this before), but not overly concerned.

My main issue is....what if I pass out and seize up sometime when I'm by myself? I don't know if I'd wake up without someone there shaking me.

Has anyone else had these symptoms when they pass out?

Answer 1

Yes, that does sound a lot like a seizure. Your best bet is to get to a doctor and ask for a proper evaluation. Make sure you voice your concerns and tell him your symptoms.

Answer 2

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HYPOVOLEMIA ?
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You should see a doctor for diagnostic tests and a qualified diagnosis. This is not meant to scare you, since chances are you are not in imminent danger, but see your doctor as soon as you can.

It really does not sound like a seizure disorder (the term "epilepsy" is old & not used much anymore; there are many reasons and types of seizures...) since the instances were few and far between and all instances had to do with drawing blood in one way or another. From that info, it sounds like you could have hypovolemia (low blood volume) and are experiencing hypovolemic shock..

The symptoms you describe often occur with hypovolemia as a result of blood loss or inadequate blood volume; your heart is unable to supply enought blood to your body. Internal bleeding causes this also. When you pass out, you may be going into hypovolemic shock which is ALWAYS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY! It can result in multiple organ failure, kidney damage, brain damage, and death depending on the severity so ask your doctor how to take precautions; what you can & can't do.

Remember, it is a medical emergency, so better be safe than sorry if it should happen again. Take oral fluids if you can, and rest with feet up. You may also need IV fluids or other treatments depending on severity.

If you have hypovolemia, make sure this is known and go to a hospital if you feel necessary. I am really suprised that doctors and nurses would have no idea what the problem could be or not be concerned with what you told them. Discuss it as a possibility with your doctor even (especially) if it is not mentioned to you.

Answer 3

you need to talk to a dr. be honst and open do not self diagonose.

Answer 4

sis, you know better than anyone else that you have a problem. please go seek a doctor for treatment for your very own life....