17 yr old son had a seizure for the first time?

Question

On January 28, 2007, at approximately 12:40pm, my 17-year-old son experienced what seemed to be a petite mal seizure. He had cold clammy skin, dilated pupils that responded to light stimuli, he had trouble focusing on one object, and eyes seemed to roll. Facial coloring at the time of episode was extremely pale, his arms were cold and clammy. He had complaint of being cold yet he was sweating. He could respond slowly to questions posed after the seizure with slurred speech, also there was a noticeable weakening of motor function ex. could no hold onto objects, stumbling walk. He had dramatic reduction in hand and muscle strength. Pulse rate 2 mins. after episode began was approximately 45 bpm. 5 mins in to episode, he was given approximately 2 tablespoons of pure honey via mouth. BP at approx. 10 mins. into the episode was 122/84 P 65 bpm with a digital BP cuff.

Approx. 20 mins in to episode, we moved him from sitting on the floor to the couch in a reclined position, symptoms did not change, still had slurred speech and poor motor functions.
Approximately 1:20pm, he became lucid, the clamminess was gone and motor function and normal speech had returned. He came out of episode asking what happened and had no recall of the episode. At 1:33 pm BP 153/96 64bpm still had no recall of event.
YES, I took him to the ER. The Dr say it was a Synacope episode, with out any testing to back up his conculsion.
Yes this could be symptoms of a petit mal seizure, I have witnessed more than one from other family members related by marriage.
We gave him honey to possibly boost what might of been a low blood sugar cause of the seizure, as there is a family history of Hypogylcemia.
Here's my question, what tests should be done and what actions should be taken. He's VERY scared, has no previous history of seizure activity. (sorry ran out of room)

OH and FYI, he did have a UA, and several other blood tests done. NO drugs in system, NOTHING taken that was over the counter, everything seemed at the time of the visit of the hospital was with in "normal" parameters.

Answer 1

He needs to be seen by a neurologist, have a CT scan and/or MRI, an EEG with induction and they should have done chemistry to determine if it might have been a TIA (transient ischemic attack - "mini-stroke") even though he's only 17. There are neurological disorders/abnormalities that could cause that to occur.

In the meantime, if there's a concern about glucose levels, he can certainly have glucose tolerance (challenge) testing done by a primary care physician to determine if he could be diabetic. Hypoglycemia generally doesn't not produce this severe a response, but severe glucose response due to diabetes certainly could.

This sort of episode, in an otherwise healthy teen, should clearly be explored and not presumed to be syncope (which is basically just a fainting spell without known cause) Continue to explore and hopefully you will avoid a more serious event.

Additional remark: In reviewing your information, I would also seek a cardiac evaluation. There are cardiac conditions that can cause a sudden and reduced blood flow and produce similar effect from what amounts to a lack of blood flow (therefore oxygen) to the brain.

Answer 2

Not sure what your question is---Certainly this sounds like a seizure of some sort. Hopefully you called 911 immediately.

But for goodness sake, NEVER give anyone in the middle of seizure anything by mouth. I hope you have taken him to the emergency room for evaluation, and will follow up with a neurologist. It could be any number of problems causing that. But where on earth did you get the idea to give him HONEY? That is quite strange, and as I said, very dangerous. Never do anything to anyone in the middle of a serious medical episode that could cause further harm.

Answer 3

True seizure disorder should be looked into by your family doctor and referred to a neurologist. An EEG should be ordered to rule out abnormal activity in the brain. A brain scan too should be done in a general hospital or outpatient basis. Make sure your insurance cover for these expensive tests.
He can be ruled out as pre diabetic with a post sugar meal at the laboratory. Has he had a head trauma in the past? A bad fall and head injury as a child could develop into a scarring process in the brain structure.

Answer 4

Did you not take him to the ER? This could be caused from a number of things including encephalitis, stroke or brain tumor. I do not understand what you are expecting Questions to do for you. Take him to the doctor. Knowing all his medical stats, this shouldn't be hard for you to figure out. Was the honey because you thought he had low glucose, what?

His blood pressure is elevated for someone his age. Something is going on from the stress his body is experiencing. He should have a MRI, CAT scan and an EEG. I do not understand why the doctor did not recommend this. No wonder you do not know what to do. Sorry about the hassle. Get him to see a doctor of neurology. This is who you need to take him to. Good luck. Tell him to have faith.

Answer 5

Now why on earth did you give him honey?? Second this is not the symptoms of a petit mal seizure. You need to review your thinking here. Meantime if you truly thought he had seizure activity why was he not evaluated by a physician for a proper diagnosis and treatment? Honey????? I'm confused.

Answer 6

Do you have any dextromethorphan in your house? Robitussin DM for example? His symptoms sound eerily similar to dxm overdose.
*DXM EFFECTS: Euphoria, enhanced awareness, impaired judgment, loss of coordination, dizziness, nausea, seizures, panic attacks, psychosis, brain damage, and addiction. Coma and death may result from taking cold medicines with DXM. Tolerance and physical dependence may develop with prolonged use. Withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, muscle or bone aches, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, and cold flashes with goose bumps (“cold turkey”).

If you haven't taken him to be seen by a physician, he really needs to go. Any seizure activity should be taken very seriously.

Answer 7

sounds like either a seizure or a stroke. I hate to say it but it also could have been a reaction to drugs Take him to the doctor and get his heart and brain scanned for damage from the episode

Answer 8

He's diabetic. Low blood sugar. I'm married to a type 1.

Answer 9

What about medications? I know, for instance, that Welbutrin may cause seizures, as well as all kinds of medications for all kinds of problems. Doctors don't always know the side effects of all prescriptions (how could they!), it's possible it was overlooked.

Answer 10

Is he diabetic? Is that why you gave honey? It's time to go to the doctor.