Seizures.

[suzanne2545]

This isn't about Parker but I'm posting here anyway because the operating theory, if correct, probably has a lot to do with Parker.

Berkeley (age seven and the healthiest of my children, as in he's never been sick) had an apparent seizure at school recently.

His teacher saw it and she described him as walking back to the classroom after lunch and literally, without warning, falling stiffly forward flat on his face. After about 10 seconds she couldn't wake him by calling his name so she shook him. He woke up, completely surprised and totally unaware of what happened. She said he was shaking from head to toe, though not violently, the entire time. He says he ate a good lunch, felt fine before and after, doesn't remember a thing. He does say he felt sweaty after, like he'd been running in gym class.

Our pediatrician immediately referred us to a neuro for an EEG. We should hear soon when that appointment will be and we expect it to be in the next week or so.

What does this have to do with Parker??? One operating theory is that he is had an anxiety related non-epileptic seizure. Berkeley's always been serious and intense and no one can argue that the three years since Parker was born have been quiet, smooth ones. Plus we've moved. And I've been working a lot more.

Of course, I really want to know what I did to earn the right to parent these anxious kids! LOL.

I'm anxious myself to hear more about people's thoughts on this. I'm sure the EEG will be normal. THat is how things go with us.

I'm also curious if any other siblings have developed stress related illness or symptoms? Are we placing too much weight on "life since Parker." I'm thankful Parker is as "un"complicated as he is!!

Suzanne

[JWorthington]

I'm sorry to read this Suzanne I suspect, as you say, that it could be anxiety related or there is a possibility of some underlying infection - do you know if he had a temp at all? My middle child, James, is very anxious at times and I do worry about him - he bottles everything up, because he can see how stressed we have been with Sam. Since Sam got his trach out, James is behaving a little more like a regular 13 year old - cheek and sarcastic comments!
Is it possible Berkeley senses your anxieties over Parker? sometimes no matter how hard you try to hide things children do get the vibes. Is he jealous of the attention Parker has had and could that be stressing him? Sometimes children have irrational fears especially when a sibling is getting more attention than they are. Just throwing a few things out there, hope you can get some answers

Julie

[LKN]

I'm so sorry to read this! I have no ideas. But I agree, maybe he has developed an anxiety disorder related to all the stress and change? I hope the eeg is normal and you can get by with a visit to a psychologist or some anxiety meds.

[Kate]

I'm sorry Suzanne. That is scary-I'm glad that he is ok.
I agree with Julie. I think that no matter how good we are with hiding stress-kids can sense it. I wish I had more insight on this. Hugs.

[Ainsley's Mom]

Originally Posted by suzanne2545

What does this have to do with Parker??? One operating theory is that he is had an anxiety related non-epileptic seizure. Berkeley's always been serious and intense and no one can argue that the three years since Parker was born have been quiet, smooth ones. Plus we've moved. And I've been working a lot more.

Well from what I know of you, you are a pretty relaxed person so despite the move and working more it seems unlikely that your home life is stressful enough to cause this or even contribute. Although mayyybe since he's already an anxious personality it could tip the scales.

Originally Posted by suzanne2545

I'm anxious myself to hear more about people's thoughts on this. I'm sure the EEG will be normal. That is how things go with us.

Of course. But is it possible he just passed out? I have a friend who used to do that as a child. I'm not sure how to tell a seizure from passing out. - Sorry, edited to say I reread your post, didn't see the bit about him shaking from head to foot.

Originally Posted by suzanne2545

I'm also curious if any other siblings have developed stress related illness or symptoms? Are we placing too much weight on "life since Parker." I'm thankful Parker is as "un"complicated as he is!!

Again, you (and your husband) seem pretty relaxed. Even those of us who are not as laid back by nature (that would be me) and have a fair amount of stress in the house don't have kids passing out/having seizures/spells as a result. If stress in the house caused it, we'd all have kids with the issue. You've said how normal things have become and the trach is almost a distant memory. Of course I haven't actually met your kids so it's hard to say but it seems like if Berekeley is stressed out it's not because of Parker. Parker's episodes sound scary but they seem to be a Parker thing. I'm sure there is talk and concern about Parker's episodes. Maybe Berkeley has picked up on that but I kind of doubt it's the cause of this event. Sometimes things just happen. I really don't think you should look to your family, life-style or any of that as the reason why. I'm sure you'd love some answers, and I hope you get them, because I'm sure having one kid with "spells" is plenty enough. Berkeley's gone 7 years without it happening. I'm betting this is a one time thing. Of course it's good to check it out. Let us know the results.

[Ainsley's Mom]

P.S. I was just looking for something about vocal cords and crying and found this website in case you're interested. http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotion...gs/stress.html There is also an article on anxiety in kids but it's for teens.

[suzanne2545]

Berkeley had his EEG on Friday. Yesterday we met with the neuro to get the results. Normal. He said "I think this was an unusual fainting spell." Oh goodie, you are talking to the wrong mom . . . when a doctor says unusual it means what??????? He said he's going to suggest to us and our ped that we drop it for now and if it happens again then more testing.

Statistically, of course, it probably is benign, so I think we are just going to let it go. But, just once I'd like a kid with a clear cut problem! LOL.

[LKN]

Glad the test was normal! Hopefully it was just an isolated incident!

[Isaac'sMomandDad]

Suzanne,

What you describe for Berkley sounds like a not that unusual fainting spell, some people will shake all over as they are 'coming out of' their spell, can look very much like a seizure. I would say a normal EEG is always good news as well.... Hoping it doesn't happen again. Did he have an EKG as well?

No insight into Parker's spells, sorry....

Lara

[Ainsley's Mom]

Originally Posted by suzanne2545

But, just once I'd like a kid with a clear cut problem! LOL.

Amen to that! & Hopefully being a one time event!