mysticmomma Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 Dd (8.5) just came screaming out of her bed in a cold sweat (she was asleep) screaming she was going to fall. Then her whole body went stiff and she clenched her fists up by her armpits, her eyes rolled back into her head and she started to fall back. I grabbed her just in time and got her onto my lap and she stayed stiff as a board for another 30 seconds before she relaxed and fell asleep in my arms. She sleeping next to me on the sofa now. My first thought (out of the blue) was seizure but that seems so out of left field and like I'm overreacting. Thoughts or advice? I think I'm going to make a drs appt tomorrow anyway... Trisha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 I do not think you are overreacting. It does sound like a seizure. I can tell you that it was not a night terror. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whereneverever Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 Sounds like it could be a seizure. Has she had them before? If not, I would go to urgent care or the er. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mysticmomma Posted April 26, 2013 Author Share Posted April 26, 2013 I do not think you are overreacting. It does sound like a seizure. I can tell you that it was not a night terror. Why do you think not a night terror? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 Why do you think not a night terror? Because my dd used to have multiple night terrors a night and she never had her eyes roll back like that. And it isn't on the list of symptoms for night (or sleep) terrors for Mayo Clinic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lailasmum Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 It does sound like a seizure to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newlifemom Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 Voting for a trip to the ER. A seizure out of the blue warrants medical intervention. [At least this inexperienced mom thinks so] (((((())))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Georgiana Daniels Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 Oh, no! That sounds so frightening. Please keep us updated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meggie Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 I'm no expert on medical events, but offering you hugs and good thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 I am not a medical person, but it does sound like a seizure to me. Hopefully it is an isolated incident, but I would seek medical attention. If your doc has a on-call service, I'd give them a call to see if it can wait till morning or if she needs to be seen now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forget-Me-Not Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 It sounds like a seizure to me too. I'd take her to the ER tonight. At least place a call to the on-call doc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 Going through seizure identification at this house and yes, it does sound like a seizure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plink Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 It is certainly worthy of investigating. Hugs to you and your dd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 Yes. If you have not already taken her in, please do so immediately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne115 Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 It sounds very much like a seizure. I'm sure it was very scary. Suzanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiramisu Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 Poor thing! We have had multple night terrors here with three kids. None of them presented like you described. I never saw any rigidness or eyes rolling back. I know nothing about seizures, but it's good that you're planning a doctor's visit to be on the safe side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mergath Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 Sounds like it could have been, though I'm guessing it could also have been some weird sleepwalking thing. Either way, you need a doctor to decide which. I'd bring her in asap if you haven't already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 I hope things are better this morning. Is she sick now? Does she have a fever? It could be a seizure. People have them when they first fall asleep and close to waking up. It also could be fainting. Many times I've heard of people presenting like that. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kroe1 Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 Seizures are hard to differentiate between syncope sometimes when there is no shaking, only stiffness. This happened to our DD and we made an appointment with a pediatric neurologist who saw her within 2 weeks. He did a complete neurological exam and spoke with my husband who witnessed the event. We were lucky as he determined no testing was needed unless it happened again. He said he would not be able to tell if it was syncope or a seizure. It's tough because usually syncope seems like the person becomes lifeless, like a rag doll. But sometimes the person becomes stiff during the event also. My recommendation would be to do the same and take your child to a pediatric neurologist for a proper neurological exam. The exam can provide clues if further testing is needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostSurprise Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 I'm sorry I missed this. It does sound like a seizure...tonic or myoclonic. Even the slipping into sleep afterward while the body recovers. As someone mentioned, sometimes fainting can present in a similar way, especially if the body is stressed. Both seizures and fainting are common reactions to a body under stress. Low blood sugar. Fever. Other illness. I know you're probably not here now, but I hope things are going well at the clinic or emergency room and the doctors are finding out why your daughter is presenting these symptoms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 Dd (8.5) just came screaming out of her bed in a cold sweat (she was asleep) screaming she was going to fall. Then her whole body went stiff and she clenched her fists up by her armpits, her eyes rolled back into her head and she started to fall back. I grabbed her just in time and got her onto my lap and she stayed stiff as a board for another 30 seconds before she relaxed and fell asleep in my arms. She sleeping next to me on the sofa now. My first thought (out of the blue) was seizure but that seems so out of left field and like I'm overreacting. Thoughts or advice? I think I'm going to make a drs appt tomorrow anyway... Trisha Trisha, My daughter was diagnosed with seizures 2 months before she turned 8, There is a certain juvinile epilepsy that occurs up to age 8 I think. There are different kinds of seizures. One minute she was asleep and the next she was "of mind" and screaming of her impending fall. That's a hard one - don't know. Cold sweat - did she lose continence? I would go to her ped and get a referral to a neurologist. Don't let them push you off. Make it known you "expect" a referral. And, please go to a "pediatric neurologist" not an adult one. It "could" be a seizure, but it could be a night terror too. There are psychological seizures that you may want to research and so many other kinds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 Another vote for a seizure and taking her in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngieW in Texas Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 It sounds more like a seizure than syncope. My 17yo has convulsive vasovagal syncope and I thought it was a seizure the first time it happened, but she was wide awake and alert afterwards. When my oldest had a seizure, she woke up for only a minute or so afterwards, just long enough to ask me why she was on the floor and everybody was looking at her (we were at the grocery store) and then she fell asleep, complete with snoring. She was also running a fever of 105 degrees, although she had given no sign of being ill until the seizure aside from having a mild sore throat. Her seizure was caused by the sudden temperature increase. My 17yo has had several convulsive syncope episodes and the main thing I have seen about the difference between convulsive syncope and a seizure is that a seizure is completely exhausting and a person who had a seizure will often fall asleep moments after waking up from the seizure. After a convulsive syncope episode, my dd is a little disoriented for 2-3 minutes sometimes, but is completely alert and aware soon afterwards. She has had convulsive syncope as a reaction to getting up too fast in the morning (before eating anything), fasting bloodwork, and getting an injection. She also had a syncope episode from having a nightmare about getting an IV (although she made it through getting her wisdom teeth out with IV sedation without any problems and that was even fasting). Since she fell asleep immediately afterward, I think it is quite likely that this really was a seizure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lailasmum Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 It sounds more like a seizure than syncope. My 17yo has convulsive vasovagal syncope and I thought it was a seizure the first time it happened, but she was wide awake and alert afterwards. When my oldest had a seizure, she woke up for only a minute or so afterwards, just long enough to ask me why she was on the floor and everybody was looking at her (we were at the grocery store) and then she fell asleep, complete with snoring. She was also running a fever of 105 degrees, although she had given no sign of being ill until the seizure aside from having a mild sore throat. Her seizure was caused by the sudden temperature increase. My 17yo has had several convulsive syncope episodes and the main thing I have seen about the difference between convulsive syncope and a seizure is that a seizure is completely exhausting and a person who had a seizure will often fall asleep moments after waking up from the seizure. After a convulsive syncope episode, my dd is a little disoriented for 2-3 minutes sometimes, but is completely alert and aware soon afterwards. She has had convulsive syncope as a reaction to getting up too fast in the morning (before eating anything), fasting bloodwork, and getting an injection. She also had a syncope episode from having a nightmare about getting an IV (although she made it through getting her wisdom teeth out with IV sedation without any problems and that was even fasting). Since she fell asleep immediately afterward, I think it is quite likely that this really was a seizure. I don't know though. My son has the same thing though we know it by another name and often falls asleep or has a period of disorientation post seizure. Other kids in our support group will sleep for many hours post seizure and have confusion or problems with speech and one kid has issues with movement post seizure so that alone doesn't rule out it being syncope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedmom4 Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 Unfortunately it does sound like a seizure. She needs to be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible. Epilepsy is not something to play around with. But it is also a condition that can be managed so it's not something to panic about. Good luck! Elise in NC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mysticmomma Posted April 27, 2013 Author Share Posted April 27, 2013 I talked to the dr. He wants to see her next week and if it happens again we will go to er. She's been fine since and dh seems to think I'm overreacting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted April 27, 2013 Share Posted April 27, 2013 I talked to the dr. He wants to see her next week and if it happens again we will go to er. She's been fine since and dh seems to think I'm overreacting. You're not overreacting. It needs to be checked out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted April 27, 2013 Share Posted April 27, 2013 You're not overreacting and it does need to be checked asap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLT Posted April 27, 2013 Share Posted April 27, 2013 I am a pediatric registered nurse, and vasovagal nerve responses are very common in girls her age. It sounds like that to me- however, definitely follow up with her doctor. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasovagal_response Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted April 27, 2013 Share Posted April 27, 2013 glad you talked to your dr. and have an appointment. you're not over-reacting. it could be something transitory or it could be the beginning of something else. until you know cause, it needs to be checked out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mysticmomma Posted April 27, 2013 Author Share Posted April 27, 2013 I am a pediatric registered nurse, and vasovagal nerve responses are very common in girls her age. It sounds like that to me- however, definitely follow up with her doctor. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasovagal_response Definitely not a vagal response. I've seen those more times than I can count. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted April 27, 2013 Share Posted April 27, 2013 Definitely not a vagal response. I've seen those more times than I can count. I agree. Both my dh and my dd have vasovagal syncope episodes. In my dd's case, she just faints. In dh's case, he goes limp (faints) and then shakes. Immediately afterward they are both completely alert and coherent--there is NO sleepiness and no disorientation. Your dd's episode does not sound like that--I find the stiffness (dh and dd go limp and relaxed), the eyes rolling, and especially the sleepiness (typical seizure response, not for vs), very concerning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mysticmomma Posted April 27, 2013 Author Share Posted April 27, 2013 To be fair it makes sense for her to sleep afterwards because she was already sleeping. This happened around midnight and she had been asleep for maybe an hour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted April 27, 2013 Share Posted April 27, 2013 It's been a couple of days. Did I miss the update after her doctor's appointment? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mysticmomma Posted April 27, 2013 Author Share Posted April 27, 2013 No. We will see the dr on Tuesday. I've spoken with him and unless it happens again he is comfortable waiting and so am I. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLT Posted April 28, 2013 Share Posted April 28, 2013 Definitely not a vagal response. I've seen those more times than I can count. Gotcha! Every vagal response to blood draws/shots that I've seen in office included the stiffening up and confusion afterwards- though it can present in other ways as well. Hope this is a one time occurrence and you don't have to deal with anything else. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mysticmomma Posted April 30, 2013 Author Share Posted April 30, 2013 Appt tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 Praying you get some answers tomorrow . :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedmom4 Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 Hoping the appointment goes well! Elise in NC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mysticmomma Posted April 30, 2013 Author Share Posted April 30, 2013 So, definitely a seizure. MRI and neuro next week. Blood work today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 So, definitely a seizure. MRI and neuro next week. Blood work today. I'm glad that you are getting follow up on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plink Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 So, definitely a seizure. MRI and neuro next week. Blood work today. Answers are good, even if they sound scary. Glad you are on the path to finding a treatment plan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiramisu Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: I'm sorry for you and your dd, but thankful that you are on the right track for getting proper treatment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mysticmomma Posted April 30, 2013 Author Share Posted April 30, 2013 We are also looking into abdominal epilepsy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 Glad you followed up. Pray you find answers soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 So, definitely a seizure. MRI and neuro next week. Blood work today. Did your DD have an EEG? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mysticmomma Posted May 1, 2013 Author Share Posted May 1, 2013 Not yet. He wants the neuro to order that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 Not yet. He wants the neuro to order that. Well, good luck. Personally, I wouldn't trust a ped or GP to diagnosis a seizure based on a report. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mysticmomma Posted May 1, 2013 Author Share Posted May 1, 2013 I do. This was a seizure. Having an EEG after the fact is of little concern to me. More than half of people with a seizure or seizure disorder have normal results unless the have a seizure during the test. After speaking with several neuros coupled with my gut feeling, I'm not doubting this diagnosis. Pediatrician didn't know what I thought had happened and went into it unbiased. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 I do. I'm glad you do. Like I said good luck and I mean that with all sincerity. Epilepsy is such a life altering event, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I hope your doc is wrong. I just can't see how he or she could say with certainty it was a seizure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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