Are Seizures Recurring In Nature?

Posted on Mon, 30 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 30 May 2016 Answered on

Tue, 5 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I had my first time every seizure this weekend at age 84, is it possible to have only one in a lifetime?

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
it is possible but not likely...

Detailed Answer:
The answer is yes, it is possible but it's not likely. Since you've had one seizure already, you may have more particularly if structural disorders caused it. Almost half of these cases recur. A CT scan of the brain (or MRI) may help to confirm or exclude structural abnormality.

I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (17 hours later)

I had an MRI, but no results that I know of. I had two seizure in a row yesterday morning. One at home and one in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. It seemed to go on for a couple of hours, is that what usually happens? Thank you for your help.

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
this is not common

Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!

Most seizures last for a short time. A couple of hours is too long and may cause permanent damage due to low oxygenation of the brain tissue. It is called status epilepticus. Please contact me again, if you'd like more details about this disorder...

Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (28 hours later)

When I saw my internist yesterday, he said the reason seizure lasted so long he thinks is because, they gave me a very strong sedative. He thought it might have been a mild stroke. I have an appointment with a neurologist in two weeks from this Thursday. I will keep you posted. Thanks again.

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
can't say why...

Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!
Stroke is one the most common causes of status epilepticus. I don't know what the cause was in your case though... The MRI should have the answer regarding the stroke hypothesis.

Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar