Symptom 6. Seizures: The Electrical Storm
ADEM may unleash an electrical storm in the form of seizures. These aren’t just simple fainting spells or episodes of daydreaming. They are full-blown electrical malfunctions in the brain, manifesting as convulsions, loss of consciousness, or even temporary confusion.
These seizures can be terrifying, both for the individual experiencing them and those around them. They can feel like being caught in a storm at sea, tossed around by unpredictable waves. The world spins out of control, and there’s nothing to hold onto.
The underlying cause of these seizures is ADEM’s hallmark inflammation, which triggers an electrical overload. The normally harmonious neural circuits get overexcited, firing signals haphazardly. It’s like a power surge that trips the circuit breakers, resulting in a seizure.
Experiencing these seizures can be disorienting and distressing. They shatter the illusion of control, leaving behind uncertainty and fear. You never know when the next seizure might strike, creating a sense of impending doom.
An unexpected seizure can be more than just a bolt from the blue; it might be an SOS signal from your body. Listen to this electric storm within; it might be your body’s way of raising a red flag towards a neurological concern. (6)
