Is it a seizure?

Question

My 13 year old daughter started having "episodes" (for the lack of a better word) about 6 months ago. She has had 3 this week though and I am scared. She is having severe chest pain with pain running down the left arm (she says like a throbbing pain), trouble beathing; like she is choking, and she passes out. When this happens she is pretty much out for 30-45 minutes. Afterward she is fine with no visible side effects. Upon taking her to the emergency room and running of tests doctors have found no cause. She is set to see a neurologist next week. Before this week she had only had 3 of these episodes total; but 3 in one week really scares me. I have not seen any common thread or trigger of these episodes.

Answer 1

Although I would not want to guess what is actually the problem, it doesn't sound like a seizure, at least not an epileptic seizure of any sort. A grand mal seizure is characterized by the uncontrolled jerking and "seizing" of the entire body that one usually thinks of as a seizure. There isn't usually any pain associated with it prior to the onset, although some people do report an aura of lights or such just before it happens. After the seizure passes, the person regains control and consciousness, but they are extremely tired and sleepy, and sometimes disoriented. In petit mal seizures there is a sort of "checking out", usually the person stares off into space for several minutes, and comes back without realizing much has happened. There are variations, but none of them involve pain, breathing difficulties, or passing out in that sense. So while whatever is wrong is definitely in need of being further evaluated, I would say that epilepsy is not one of the things to be a concern.
The neurologist will likely order an MRI, CAT Scan, and several other neurological tests, along with some cardiac testing to eliminate that as a possible cause. Until those results are all in, he likely won't be able to give you many answers. In the meantime, though, you can ask him what sort of precautions you should take to keep her safe. I'd imagine they wouldn't want her doing anything really physically demanding, sports or anything like that. Hopefully you can get the answers you need fairly soon, and be able to put your mind at ease. I'm sorry I can't offer more help than this. While I can tell you it doesn't sound like any form of seizure I've ever seen or been taught about, I certainly wouldn't be of any help in guessing what else it might be.

Answer 2

It sounds like it may be anxiety issues. Early teenage years can sometimes be very stressful. Anxiety is very common in this age group. It can mimic heart problems, and during the attack, the sufferer can feel as if they are dying.
A neurologist is a good idea though just to rule out funky rare things. If that all checks out okay, talk to your daughter about school, boys, bullies, and friends. Teaching her coping tools to deal with all the new stresses that come with adolescence may be all that she needs.

Answer 3

It could be a lot of things. Sometimes teenagers are stressed and don't know it. My daughter (16) was having similar problems. I kept taking her back to the doctor until we found what helps. He put her on some anti anxiety meds. She only takes one when one of these "episodes" happen, they are helping so far. Just keep taking her back until the problem is resolved. Hope this helps a little. Good luck

Answer 4

"The Mom" is on target. I have had both Gran Mal and Petit Mal seizures and they don't any pain at all. I would try another doctor. With this many symptoms someone should have answers for you.

Answer 5

She might be having anxiety. Ask the doctor if antianxiety medications would be a good choice for her.

Answer 6

doesn't sound like a seizure. Its sound like she might have high or low blood. I would check it out. get her help.