Did I have a seizure? Should I see a doctor?

Question

I slipped on the stairs while carrying a small mattress and banged my wrist extremely hard. The pain was really intense and I sat on the couch. Next thing I know I am waking from a semi-conscious state and realized I was shaking. My boyfriend observed that I had been convulsing for a few seconds and did not respond to him calling my name. Now I seem fine, but I was wondering what happened or if I should see a doctor? Another factor to consider is that we had both been cleaning with a variety of chemicals in the room I was in and I am not sure of what the air quality was - though we did have two open doors. I am not sure if that has anything to do with what happened but I wanted to give all the information. I was wondering if it was an anoxic seizure? I have never experienced it before, but I have passed out before or blacked out from severe pain (once from banging my shins on exercise equipment, once getting 3 shots in a row, and once from breaking my finger). What happened?

Answer 1

See the doc for a thorough physical so this can be checked out. You usesd the word convulsing in your post so that is not good. See the doc please.

Answer 2

Rachael,

No, you didn't have a seizure.

There are some signs of a seizure that we forget about when we think only about the loss of consciousness. The first one is confusion and fatigue post-seizure. You remember what happened, and that's a sign that you didn't have a real seizure.

You were coherent, not confused right afterwards, and you didn't feel wrung out and too tired to move, both of which are signs of a grand mal seizure.

There was no loss of bowel of bladder control, which isn't necessary to every seizure but is often seen when the seizure would be as big as tis one was.

You say that you awoke "from a semi-conscious state," which doesn't happen in a seizure.

I have been with epileptics--including my sister--when they had seizures. I have seen both grand mal and petite mal seizures, and you did not have one.

I would guess that you had a vasovagal event rather than a seizure. it would be useful the next time this happens to have someone take your pulse. If it slows down while you are getting dizzy and is slow while you are unconscious, then it would be certain that you have a sensitive vagus nerve, easily stimulated, and the problem is not seizure but rather loss of blood pressure as your heart slows down from the pain.

And perhaps, now that you know this tendency of yours, the next time you get hurt like that to sit or, even better, to lie down for a bit and wait to see if you pass out. If it is a vasovagal condition, often it can be prevented by lying down and putting your feet up. That will keep the blood flowing to your brain and prevent your blood pressure drop from causing you to lose consciousness.

If that doesn't work, that is the time you might want to see a doctor, but not until then.

Answer 3

if you realized you were shaking then you didn't have a seizure. when the body seizes it is a defense response caused by some sort of neurological stimulus. also after a seizure you would have been postictal, and in a disoriented state for a little while. theres nothing a doctor could do at this point.

Answer 4

If I were you, I'd go to the doctors, just for a little peace of mind - I doubt there's anything to worry about - you probably have a low pain threshold and your body shuts down in shock - and always use chemicals in a well ventilated area - good luck!

Answer 5

Yes, I would go to your regualr physician or the hospital and explain to them exactly how you explained to us. The problem now-a-days is that no one will speak up. When I go to the doctor and I have a problem that they dismiss and say it'll be ok. I look at them like they're stupid and say can I get a second opinion. So speak your mind and be very cautious.

Answer 6

Hey there,
to me sounds like your body just shut down as it does when your in too much pain!
I have recently had 2 fingers sliced of my right hand and I kept going in and out of consciousness for several hours.

The body is remarkable; I would not worry, just try to live your life and have fun :))

Answer 7

Symptoms of post seizures activity are usually a headache, stiff' sore neck, sore muscles, and sensitivity to light. I think you may have passed out.

Answer 8

u really should call out a doctor or go to hospital even if they just send u home without any explanation you will at least know u r ok please get checked for ur own good, good luck xx

Answer 9

Even if you have an doubt about it, you should go and see your doc they will know better then you, and if there is something wrong instead of wondering you will know, even if there is something worng why wait untill it gets worse.

Answer 10

I think to be on the safe side i would go and see a doctor.