How Can I Rule Out Epilepsy?
Question: I fainted and had convulsions seizures while exercising and some docs said severe dehydration others said hypoglycemia.
I have usually nomal blood sugar levels .. How can i rule out epilepsy ? I am 34 yr old no previous seizures
Brief Answer:
Epilepsy
Detailed Answer:
I am sorry to note what happened to you.
Evaluation of seizures can be challenging. It is important to rule out reversible and treatable causes like low glucose / low calcium for example before the diagnosis of epilepsy is made.
A basic round of blood tests is often useful. Such as
CBC
LFT
RFT
Electrolytes
Glucose
Calcium
TSH
Many a times it is relevant to do a CT scan of the brain to look for potential causes.
Further, Neurologists perform sophisticated testing to make a diagnosis of epilepsy. One such test is called EEG (Electroencephalogram).
You would be best served if you saw a Neurologist in person for a thorough assessment
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
They did ct scan which was within normal and glucose was very low as well as electrolytes. Doctors say severe dehydration and exercise induced hypoglycemia . I dont know i am still anxious about that episode should i believe the doctors . When they put the drip and all electrolytes became normal i woke up like nothing happened and doctors said i am ok to leave .. Would epileptic faint for a long time and wake up after drip of potassium ?
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Epilepsy by definition is not caused by an electrolyte imbalance. It is a chronic condition that some people are just prone to, like migraines for example.
If convulsions occur from a specific cause like low glucose or potassium then they are termed as such, and the underlying cause is targeted and treated.
I am glad to note the CT scan is normal as were the glucose and calcium.
I suggest you seek an opinion of a neurologist who will examine you thoroughly and review your reports comprehensively to ascertain the cause of your seizures
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar