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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Could Be Wrong If Having Seizures Lasting 45 Minutes 6 Times A Day?

I have a friend, 28 year old female who started having seizures 2/12 months ago. They are getting stronger and lasting longer - 45 minutes, up to 6 a day or night. She seems to get them more when she stops to rest - opposed to when she is active. She is seeing a neurologist. He does not seem overly concerned and is having her back in 6 weeks to check on meds. Her test is negative for tumor or other obvious. Been on meds for 2-3 weeks.
I checked this site because a friend just told me her seizures stopped when she had her tonsils removed. I don't know that this is an issue with my friend. Just looking to help her find answers.
Mon, 8 Sep 2014
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Neurologist,  's  Response
I'm a neurologist from Cleveland, Ohio. I have many patients similar to your friend and I agree with the neurologist. Your friend is suffering from something called Non-Epileptiform Convulsive Seizure Disorder. It used to go by the antiquated name, "Pseudoseizure Disorder" Bottom line is that it would be PHYSICALLY IMPOSSIBLE for the brain to seize for 45 min. 6x/day and for your friend to survive. When a convulsive episode goes on for any more than 5 minutes without stopping (and we're talking Grand Mal type) there is damage occurring to every organ in the body. If that seizing continues for 10 minutes then, the person would be expected to have sustained MAJOR damage to many organs in the body. 15 minutes or longer would be virtually incompatible with life itself. In your friend's case, 45 min. events should be mortal for her. The fact, that she regains her mental status with no brain damage, suggests that she is having this type known as Convulsive non-epileptiform seiuzre disorder. I'd be trying to figure out what is at the ROOT of her problem and simply not take any medications if at all in doubt that she needs it.

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What Could Be Wrong If Having Seizures Lasting 45 Minutes 6 Times A Day?

I m a neurologist from Cleveland, Ohio. I have many patients similar to your friend and I agree with the neurologist. Your friend is suffering from something called Non-Epileptiform Convulsive Seizure Disorder. It used to go by the antiquated name, Pseudoseizure Disorder Bottom line is that it would be PHYSICALLY IMPOSSIBLE for the brain to seize for 45 min. 6x/day and for your friend to survive. When a convulsive episode goes on for any more than 5 minutes without stopping (and we re talking Grand Mal type) there is damage occurring to every organ in the body. If that seizing continues for 10 minutes then, the person would be expected to have sustained MAJOR damage to many organs in the body. 15 minutes or longer would be virtually incompatible with life itself. In your friend s case, 45 min. events should be mortal for her. The fact, that she regains her mental status with no brain damage, suggests that she is having this type known as Convulsive non-epileptiform seiuzre disorder. I d be trying to figure out what is at the ROOT of her problem and simply not take any medications if at all in doubt that she needs it. If this information is useful in having answered your question would you mind leaving a STAR RATING and perhaps some commentary on my answers.