Question:

This has happened twice.I have woke up in the morning with tooth marks on the end of my tounge,blood on my pillow and cheek.My muscles are stiff and sore. My grandaughter was here 1 of the nights. Said I was shaking and jerking back and forth.It scared her,she`s 7 and won`t stay overnight any more.Use to stay every weekend.I am 49.I work days.Bus repair company. Don`t drink. I do exercise, not in bad shape. (lift weights – ride bike) I do smoke, about 1 pack in 2-3 days.I can tell when it happens because I am stiff in the morning , like I had a heavy workout and dizzy for a few seconds when first getting up. Have felt like that without the tounge biting. That hurts and scares me. I don`t have a family doctor.Should I be getting this looked at ? Please tell me what you think. I don`t drink coffee but do take caffeine tablets (life brand 100mg) 2 in the morning and maybe 2 in the afternoon.

Answer:

Your symptoms are quite concerning and raise the possibility that you may be experiencing night-time (nocturnal) seizures. You can have seizures during sleep even if you don’t have any while awake. Furthermore, you may not be aware that you are experiencing seizures unless they are witnessed by someone else. The description that your granddaughter provides is very concerning. Nocturnal seizures can start in adulthood.

It is possible that you could be experiencing a sleep disorder in the category of movement disorders. However, your symptoms are fairly typical for a seizure disorder and this should be at the top of the list.

You should be seen and evaluated by a physician as soon as possible. You should make an urgent appointment with a primary care physician and they will determine how best to proceed, which will likely include a referral to a neurologist.

For more information:

Go to the Sleep Disorders health topic.