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Real members of MyEpilepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Minneapolis, MN

Usually, I know when I have a seizure because all of a sudden I come to with someone standing over me. Music has been the only identified trigger where if it going to impact me, I immediately go dizzy and have to get out of the situation before I collapse.

Last night, I was standing in the kitchen making dinner on the stove and all of a sudden I couldn't put the pan down. It was like an out of body experience there things were cloudy and I kept trying to put the pan back down and couldn't get… read more

December 24, 2025
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MyEpilepsyTeam

What you experienced does sound like it could have been a different type of seizure than you're used to. The symptoms you described—feeling cloudy, being unable to control your movements with the pan, difficulty speaking, and extreme fatigue afterward—align with what's called a focal seizure with impaired awareness.

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What you experienced does sound like it could have been a different type of seizure than you're used to. The symptoms you described—feeling cloudy, being unable to control your movements with the pan, difficulty speaking, and extreme fatigue afterward—align with what's called a focal seizure with impaired awareness.

Unlike the seizures where you suddenly "come to" with someone over you, focal seizures can leave you somewhat aware of what's happening but unable to respond normally or control your actions. The repetitive attempt to put the pan down and inability to speak are particularly characteristic of this seizure type.

What you experienced may have included an aura (warning phase) when things felt cloudy and out-of-body, followed by the seizure itself where you couldn't communicate or move properly. Your menstrual cycle changes are particularly relevant here. Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can absolutely trigger seizures—this is called catamenial epilepsy. The cramping, cravings, and "hormonal" feelings you mentioned suggest your hormones were fluctuating significantly, which could have been a trigger.

Other potential factors include:
- Stress (worrying about the EKG findings could contribute)
- Any changes in sleep patterns
- The hormonal shifts from starting menopause

A breakthrough seizure is when someone experiences a seizure after being seizure-free for a period while on treatment. This can happen even when taking medication as prescribed, especially when triggers like hormonal changes are involved. It's really important that you contact your epilepsy doctor right away to report this episode. They need to know about:
- The new seizure type and symptoms
- Your menstrual cycle changes and menopause
- Any medication timing or dosage adjustments that might be needed

Don't wait on this—new or changing seizure patterns require medical evaluation to ensure your treatment plan is still working effectively for you. Your doctor may want to adjust your medication or discuss additional strategies to manage seizures during hormonal fluctuations.

You did the right thing by getting to a safe place and resting. Stay safe and reach out to your medical team today.

December 24, 2025
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Sorry I’m late to reply. It does seem like a seizure to me. At times I will be in the middle of something and all of a sudden I don’t know what I am doing. Then it starts. Hope you found an answer.

January 6
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Good post, I agree with the ai mentioned about it and other people's opinions here, but get people's opinions here which is ok with that but then go to your doc about the situation you have at hand and go from there about it and good luck with your outcome with it my opinion

December 24, 2025
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Idk

December 24, 2025
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

My bit of info: My breakthrough seizures are the same as I normally have, which are tonic-clonic. When I started menopause, I didn't recall any change in my type of seizures. My seizures have changed from mid-day to the evening. My neurologist and I both believe it could be due to changes in hormones during the day. Does the Crystal Lite have a sweetener other than sugar? I think I have heard that artificial sweeteners can cause problems for people with epilepsy. Don't take that as gospel until you confirm it.

December 31, 2025

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