A Female Family Member Has Had A Series Of Symptoms

A female family member has had a series of symptoms on and off since July. She will be observed to stagger at times, and have episodes of falling asleep so soundly that we can't wake her up, yet will have trouble sleeping at night. She will start to eat very little, c/o that it makes her feel ill, and loses weight. In the summer she had an episode of passing out. At the hospital they said her electrolytes and mineral levels, suchas magnesium, were low. She repsonded well to IV's with vitamins and minerals, so only stayed one night and did not get more follow up. She improved for awhile, mentally clearer, more energy, but then it starts to show up again. She can seem fine one minute and then have some symptoms the next. Sunday she fell asleep for several hours. Monday she was observed to be staggering again. Tuesday, she had a seizure while in a store, hit her head and needed eight stitches. In the hospital they again said her electrolyes and mineral levels were low. I don't know what other workup they did, but they discharged her from the ER at 4am after monitoring and told her she needs to "eat better, exercise and take her vitamins". It seems that this is more than a matter of eating and taking vitamins. she has a history of drinking heavily, but as far as we know she has not been drinking since approximately last February, and was doing very well (physically) until these symptoms started to surface. Does this group of symptoms seem to suggest a particular problem, perhaps something neurological? We are concerned that the symptoms could come on when she is driving, or providing care for the elderly Alzheimer's patient she cares for, etc. She is in her early 50's, with a family history of cancer (both parents and a brother ), a sister who had two brain aneurysms (treated with surgery). She has two children, 20 and 18, who are now both away at college. What do you think and how would you advise us to proceed? We're afraid it will keep progressing, and are worried for her health and safety. Thnks you for any information and guidance you can provide.