Sleeping Problems - Seizures

The999Kid · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Karma :

Hey Folks.

Im currently in a spot of worrying about my future health... After spending a few nights at a friends house and sharing her double bed most nights, she has informed me that i might have a mildly worrying problem.

It would appear that im having mild Tonic-Clonic seizures whilst sleeping. Now i can confidently say that i have never had a seizure whilst awake, during normal day to day activities or other similar times, its only happening whilst i am sleeping. According to her they happen after about 2-3 hours sleep.

My friend is a 3rd yr Medical student on her way to becoming a doctor, and is far more qualified than i to diagnose such things. I trust her implicitly to let me know anything she notices about my health as i see her fairly regularly and it appears to be a fairly new occurence...

Any ideas?
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NDB 19/10/1989 - 1/11/2010 |Nowhere.Elyseum wrote: I get the distinct feeling that Tim should be our secret weapon for future trolling. I don't know many people that can rip the piss in Iambic pentameter

pickled · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 14 Jul 2009 Karma :

what exactly is happening? (for those with no medical training Wink

)
and do you snore? Laughing

ClaireBear · Traffic Copper Joined: 27 Jun 2009 Karma :

Without doubting your friend, I would get some advice from your doctor/GP asap. They will be able to refer you to a specialist particularly because you are having a seizure so often.

pickled · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 14 Jul 2009 Karma :

googled

sorry previously known as Grand Mal,
I would go see your GP, strange I would think if its what was known as Grand Mal and your not having any during the day?

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

NB. If you are diagnosed as having had Grande mal seizures (which they can tell from an EEG scan) you will almost certainly loose your driving licence.

If they are only sleep seizures, you'll probably get it back.
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Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

Go to your GP, you'll get sent to see the neurology department at hospital who'll ask questions, take blood, do an EEG, and then you'll be started on drugs.

Your license will be revoked if you're having seizures and you have to be seizure free for 12 months before you'll be allowed it back. With your driving license you can either fill in the DVLA questionnaire forms and they'll make a decision about revoking your license. Or you can voluntarily surrender it, which is a better option because if you're having seizures the DVLA will revoke your license.

If you've surrendered it then the process of getting back on the road is easier. If your license is revoked then once you've been seizure free for 12 months you can apply for it back, they'll make checks with the consultant, then your get sent your license. But if you surrendered your license then once you've been given the all clear from the consultant, you fill out the application forms for getting your license back and once you've posted them you're allowed to drive. So surrendering your license means you'll be back on the road sooner. Smile

Then there's the final kick in the teeth; once you've got your license back you'll have to tell insurance companies about your epilepsy cos it's a DVLA notifiable medical condition. Sad

Did you friend say how long the seizures were lasting for?

When seizures continue past about 15 minutes it's advisable to call for an ambulance who'll take steps to stop the seizure from continuing. Also when having a seizure it's important for anyone present to watch out that you're breathing properly because that's one of the dangers of seizures.

I presume as your friend knows about this stuff she's already sent you to see your GP because of the risks of prolonged seizures? Neutral

ClaireBear · Traffic Copper Joined: 27 Jun 2009 Karma :

tshort2007 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 07 Jun 2009 Karma :

The999Kid · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Karma :

The999Kid · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Karma :

pickled · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 14 Jul 2009 Karma :

have the pair of you slept in the same bed before? I know she is medical and everything, BUT is it not possible that you are just dreaming? my EX used to wake me up some nights running in his sleep, to start with i thought he was doing something else as the bed was shakeing so much?

seriously I am not trying to make light of the situation? but it is possible since you are not having any problems while you are awake?

and without proper tests there is absolutely no way of knowing that its Epilepsy for sure

The999Kid · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Karma :

GhostRider · World Chat Champion Joined: 31 Jan 2008 Karma :

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

ClaireBear · Traffic Copper Joined: 27 Jun 2009 Karma :

Your medical friend should really have told you to have this investigated further, for your own safety tbh.

And to be the bearer of bad news- you have a legal requirement to inform the dvla and your insurance company of a number of medical conditions, seizures included. If you dont do this you are breaking the law, and if it were to be found that you had a seizure at the wheel, your insurance maybe void as you already knew about previous seizures you have had. Similarly, your friend should know this as well, she has a legal requirement to inform the dvla in writing that she is aware of your seizures if you decline to do so.

Sorry, but its best to stay on the right side of the law and remain healthy. Embarassed

The999Kid · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Karma :

GhostRider · World Chat Champion Joined: 31 Jan 2008 Karma :

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

Am I the only one who wouldn't see a doctor untill it had happened during the day and actually affected me?
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The999Kid · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Karma :

GhostRider · World Chat Champion Joined: 31 Jan 2008 Karma :

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

Might be worth remembering the idea of telling the doctor is so that they're able to help you get appropriate treatment. Using selective wording or "choice wording" is unlikely to be the best way for them to be able to help you.

I'd expect the GP will tell you not to drive once you tell them you've had seizures. The DVLA have got all the medical rules info on their website if you want to have a look.

See your GP. Thumbs Up

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

ClaireBear · Traffic Copper Joined: 27 Jun 2009 Karma :

The999Kid · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Karma :

booking an appt with doctors for monday... this should be interesting....
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NDB 19/10/1989 - 1/11/2010 |Nowhere.Elyseum wrote: I get the distinct feeling that Tim should be our secret weapon for future trolling. I don't know many people that can rip the piss in Iambic pentameter

The999Kid · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Karma :

The final verdict
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NDB 19/10/1989 - 1/11/2010 |Nowhere.Elyseum wrote: I get the distinct feeling that Tim should be our secret weapon for future trolling. I don't know many people that can rip the piss in Iambic pentameter