Signs That You Had a Seizure in Your Sleep

Nocturnal seizures, a type of epileptic seizure that occur during sleep, can be a perplexing and disruptive experience for individuals who encounter them. Understanding how to diagnose these seizures is crucial for accurate treatment and management. Through a comprehensive evaluation, healthcare professionals can provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a tailored approach to address nocturnal seizures effectively.

What are nocturnal seizures?

Nocturnal seizures are a type of epileptic seizure that occurs during sleep. They can manifest as various seizure types, including generalized tonic-clonic seizures (formerly known as grand mal seizures), focal seizures, or absence seizures. The exact cause of nocturnal seizures may vary from person to person, but factors such as genetic predisposition, brain injuries, or certain medical conditions may contribute to their occurrence.

Different types of seizures can occur during sleep, and certain types of seizures are more likely to happen at night. These include:

• Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME)
• Awakening tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures
• Benign rolandic epilepsy
• Landau-Kleffner syndrome
• Frontal lobe epilepsy

Nocturnal epilepsy was discovered in 1981 when it was seen in 5 people during an electroencephalogram (EEG) study. Seizures can happen in anybody and usually begin in people from the ages of 1 to 60 years old. Seizures while sleeping can happen anywhere in the brain, despite some of the condition's other names.

Signs you have had a seizure in your sleep

Identifying nocturnal seizures can be challenging, as they occur during sleep. However, some common signs can help you recognize if you or someone you know experiences them. Nocturnal seizures are often frequent and brief, with hypermobility while sleeping.

Signs and symptoms of nocturnal seizures include:

A person may have up to 8 or more seizures in one night. They can last a few seconds to a few minutes long. The person having a seizure may or may not be aware it is happening. It's essential to keep a detailed record of any suspected seizures and share this information with a healthcare professional.

How are nocturnal seizures diagnosed?

Diagnosing nocturnal seizures involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, typically a neurologist or epileptologist. The diagnostic process may include the following steps:

• Reporting medical history
• Physical examination
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Overnight video sleep study
• Computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain
• Genetic testing

Are nocturnal seizures dangerous?

Nocturnal seizures can pose risks and potential dangers to individuals who experience them. The severity of the seizures varies from person to person and depends on factors such as the type of seizure, frequency, and underlying health conditions. While some seizures may cause minimal harm, others can lead to injuries resulting from falls or complications related to loss of bodily functions.

Nocturnal seizures are not a progressive condition but may last for a lifetime. In children, seizures may be temporary and go away as they age. Most people with nocturnal seizures experience no intellectual complications. However, some people have experienced intellectual disabilities, mood disorders, or behavioral complications.

It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to assess individual risks and implement appropriate safety measures.

How to prevent nocturnal seizures

While it may not always be possible to prevent nocturnal seizures entirely, several measures can help reduce their frequency and severity. Some ways you can prevent them are:

• Getting enough sleep
• Avoiding alcohol and caffeine
• Taking medication as prescribed
• Keeping a seizure diary
• Wearing a medical alert bracelet

Medications to treat seizures are called anti-epileptics. There are multiple types of this medication, and you may have to try a few different kinds to see what works best for you. Certain surgeries and implanted devices can help in combination with anti-epileptic medications as well.

Tips for people who have a nocturnal seizure

If you or someone you know experiences nocturnal seizures consider these tips to help manage the condition effectively:

• Inform loved ones. Educate your close family members, friends, or roommates about your condition, its signs, and the appropriate response during a seizure.
• Wear medical identification. Consider wearing a medical identification bracelet or necklace that alerts others to your condition in case of an emergency.
• Modify your sleep environment. Remove sharp or potentially dangerous objects from your bedroom, secure furniture, and consider using an epilepsy mattress or padding to reduce the risk of injury.
• Partner support. For individuals with partners, it may be beneficial to discuss their role during a seizure and establish communication methods to ensure safety and comfort.
• Self-care. Prioritize self-care practices, such as stress reduction techniques, regular exercise, and healthy eating habits. Mental health apps can play a valuable role in self-care by providing accessible tools and resources for managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. These apps often offer features like guided meditation, mood tracking, and cognitive-behavioral therapy exercises, empowering individuals to actively engage in their mental well-being and develop healthy coping strategies.
• Driving and work considerations. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if any restrictions apply to driving or work activities. Follow legal requirements and make necessary adjustments to ensure personal and public safety.

Children with nocturnal seizures

Children who experience nocturnal seizures require specific attention and care. It may be scary for a parent to have a child who is having seizures. Sometimes children may grow out of their seizures and will respond well to medication. Consider the following tips when caring for a child with seizures:

• Create a safe sleep environment. Remove potential hazards from the bedroom, such as loose cords, sharp objects, or heavy furniture.
• Communicate with school and caregivers. Inform school personnel, teachers, and caregivers about your child's condition and educate them on recognizing and responding to seizures appropriately.
• Stick to a regular sleep routine. Establish a consistent bedtime routine to promote healthy sleep habits and reduce triggers.
• Avoid stimulants. Stimulants such as caffeinated sodas, coffee, tea, or other types of caffeinated beverages should be avoided before noon.
• Avoid daytime napping. Naps should be avoided if possible to promote better sleep throughout the night.
• Exercise regularly. Regular exercise is good for children and their overall health; however, they should avoid strenuous exercise in the evening times.

When to seek professional help

If you experience nocturnal seizures or suspect that you do, it is essential to seek professional medical help. Consulting with a neurologist or epileptologist can help determine the type of seizures, identify potential triggers, adjust medications if necessary, and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Nocturnal seizures can be a frightening experience, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk and manage your seizures. If you have any concerns about nocturnal seizures, talk to your doctor. Remember, your healthcare professional is your best resource for personalized guidance and support in managing nocturnal seizures.