Seizures and Anxiety

Hi - my 16 year old daughter had her first seizure during a heat wave in July. In September when school started she had two in a span of 5 minutes and then another one a week later. The neurologist labelled it epilepsy, put her on anti seizure medication and more tests were ordered, and of course reported to the Ministry of Transportation, so no driving for her for at least one year.

Since then, she has spent 2 weeks in hospital for depression and anxiety (diagnosed over 2 years ago) and now attends school through a hospital program that also gives her daily counseling (group and one on one). During one of our meetings with the team at the hospital they indicated that the seizures may be related to anxiety as the tests (EEG and MRI) have come back normal. They have seen this before but I had never heard of it.

Has anyone experienced seizures as a result of their anxiety?

Thanks

Hi Scarerdy Cat,
She has been under the care of a psychiatrist since late December 2010 and it was the psychiatrist that suggested the seizures may be related to her anxiety as all the tests are coming back normal.
She is currently in the school program offered by the hospital to keep on eye on her for her depression and anxiety. She was just released from the child and adolescent mental health unit (2 week stay, the first week was an involuntary stay and the second week she agreed to stay). We see the neurologist at the end of this month and I will be discussing him also.

Thanks