irregular sleep and seizures

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I work nights, blacked out while driving to work, and came to stopped down an embankment. No head injuries, but was very confused for awhile afterwards and then had a headache. Anybody ever have a seizure caused by irregular sleep or lack of sleep? This is the thought, and Dr says I should go to days.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Nope, but I believe it. I had to go to days because I began throwing PVCs that turned into trigeminy. Doc said it was interrupted sleep and screwed up circadian rhythm. It went away within a week of working day shift.

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Sleep deprivation can do crazy things to your body. We can't offer medical advice, so I will just say listen to your PCP.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

A neighbor of mine had a seizure while leaving his driveway one day. He'd had a few days of poor and interrupted sleep and ended up having a seizure because of it. As long as he gets some decent sleep, he'll never have a seizure. According to his neurologist, we're all prone to seizure if we stay awake too long or get very poor sleep that's not restorative, and under those conditions, it's just a matter of time before we seize.

Me? I've never had a seizure. Then again, I've not been pushed that far beyond my limits. I never plan to go that far either.

Esme12 reminded me of this: Sometimes we just get tired and nod off. Too many of us have that happen... but it doesn't always lead to a crash. Sometimes it does. Glad you're OK!

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

OMG! I am so glad you are OK. Unfortunately, we cannot offer medical advice as per the Terms of Service. I know of people whio have fallen asleep behind the wheel and did the same thing. You need to follow up with a specialist or you PCP

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I was dx with epilepsy in high school. After I became an LVN I worked nights doing PDN, I was ok. What really pushed me over the edge when I was working at a county jail, working every shift they needed me to. I was working nights this occasion & my boss asked me to stay over & work a 16. I called my boss & told him I didn't feel well & couldn't work extra. He just said, "We'll see how you feel in the morning". So I stayed at work (after drinking coffees & 5 Hour Energy), put my head down & BAM! I had a seizure. I woke up in the ambulance confused & not able to answer any of their questions. But I have never had a seizure while driving. I'm glad you're ok!

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Lack of sleep does lower the seizure threshold.

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I'm waiting for the neurologist now to discuss the results of my EEG, then hopefully discharged! No fun being here without getting paid.

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Specializes in NICU.

My opinion is that you fell asleep at the wheel either from not being able to get your body accustomed to night shift or sleep apnea.

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Specializes in ICU.

I have epilepsy and lack of sleep will trigger it, but I don't know that it will a cause a single seizure like that. I used to be sleep deprived all the time when I was younger and never had a seizure. I have had insomnia since age 10. I had a head injury in my early 20's and then developed epilepsy. Now if I don't get enough sleep, it will trigger a seizure. When they have Video EEGs done they deprive the patient of sleep to induce one. Are you getting enough sleep during the day??? I would speak to a neurologist who can help answer these questions for you.

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My opinion is that you fell asleep at the wheel either from not being able to get your body accustomed to night shift or sleep apnea.

The problem with this is that I wasn't nodding off or drowsy. I remember the moment just before blacking out as I was looking at the sign before my turn. That also wouldn't explain the extreme confusion for 45 min afterwards. Going to have an ambulatory eeg.

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Specializes in Neuro ICU/Trauma/Emergency.

Working in Neurology: I have seen many patients come in with metabolic disturbance r/t sleep depravation. The tale about nerves regenerating themselves by maintaining a regular circadian rhythm is true. If you think about how your nerve impulses react in relation to sodium, you'll gather a better understanding of why not sleeping & allowing the kidneys to filter adequately could cause absent seizures.

Many people who are sleep deprived are also dependent on caffeine, that in itself could cause cardiac, neurologic, renal, and metabolic complications.

Take better care of yourself. I don't think days will do you any good if you maintain the same behavior. Speak to a neurologist who will be able to give you a much more thorough treatment plan!

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