Expert: Sal - 11/8/2006

Question
I have a question regarding false seizers? Pseudoseizures resemble epileptic seizures. Patients such as I am experience episodes of loss of consciousness, twitching or jerking, and unusual emotional states, such as intense feelings of fear or deja vu. I sometimes have cramping in the hand it may look like I have a crippled hand but I dont know what this could be it has been happening since 12. The episodes may last 20 minutes I had them for 4 hours, but are not associated with electrical abnormalities in the brain as is the case with epileptic seizures.Even for trained medical professionals, the differences between epileptic seizures and pseudoseizures are difficult to recognize. Physicians believe pseudoseizures are psychological defense mechanisms induced by stress or episodes of severe emotional trauma. The seizures happen when patients try to avoid or forget the trauma.


It's not at all uncommon that patients referred to an epilepsy center, after monitoring, turn out to have pseudoseizures. "The diagnosis of non-epileptic seizures really became common and better understood when we began to look carefully at people's brain electricity," says one of the Doctors. "The earlier in the syndrome the patient is diagnosed, the better the chances for complete recovery."

Pseudoseizures are not caused by an electrical disruption in the brain.

Three percent of the United States population will experience a seizure at some point. I am one of those people. I dont know why I get these seizures it hurts that I am different. Like I am unemployed right now because of it if I have this seizure in a work place I think they will think I am weird. I also have been born with a syndrome called Velo cardio Facial.Velocardiofacial Syndrome, also known as VCFS or as 22q11.2 Syndrome or as DiGeorge Syndrome, is the most common syndrome associated with cleft palate. Approximately 1 in 2,000-5,000 children are born with VCFS. Characteristics include:

a long face with a prominent upper jaw
flattening of the cheeks
an underdeveloped lower jaw
a bluish color below the eyes
a prominent nose which my nose is fine :-) with narrow nasal passages
a long thin upper lip and a down-slanting mouth I dont have this though thank God!
cleft palate or submucous cleft palate! I had this I had to get surgery at 4 years of age. Velocardiofacial Syndrome is an autosomal dominant condition. Genetic studies of children with this condition show that a microscopic segment on the long arm of chromosome 22 is missing. The genetic test for diagnosis of this condition is called "FISH analysis" and can be performed in many medical centers. It is not because of anything the mother did or did not do during the pregnancy. I was told that 50% chance if I plan to get pregnant the child may come out worse then me. I dont want to take the chance. So that is another reason why I am living a celibacy lifestyle right now and my whole life. I am moderatly deaf in my left ear and wear a hearing aid. I also dont have that many friends but thats ok the only friend I need right now and ever is Jesus. I have been struggling my whole life. But I never give up. Can you help me on this question why am I stuck like this why do I have this disorder? Jesus healed so many christians why hasnt he healed me yet I cry every night because I think that I am not pretty enough or that I am a freak with a syndrome that Know one wants to be my friend. I am a nice girl I dont look abnormal I am just slightly on the heavy side and I never went out on a date either, nore had a real boyfriend maybe there is no one out there for me? I dont know. I am 20 years old now not even one guy looks at me but he stares at me and checks out other girls instead what is wrong with me? I just want a guy that likes a girl being modest and respecting the lord? I also have depression and anxiety disorder as well. My pass times to not let depression get to me is praying, drawing, reading, and writing. all the people that I talk to and hang out with are older then me and never younger. Does God have a plan in my life?

God bless
Sal  

Answer
Dear Jacqueline:

God has a plan for everyone's life. Don't give up hoping and trying. God knows what He has in mind for us. We just have to have faith that His plan for us is best. God will reveal His plan in His own time not ours. Keep waiting in confident knowledge that He does have a marvelous plan for your life.

God Be With You,
Sal