Alcohol/stress Related Seizures

[alanarmo]

Recently, my 33 year old son who works with me on a construction site, suffered 2 seizures whilst on site and a further seizure in the hospital. The first and second seizures were 40 minutes apart, and the 3rd 30 minutes later.

He has no history of epilepsy, the rest of the family likewise. He has however over the past 10 years began to drink heavily and over long periods of time. He was diagosed as Bipolar 3 years ago and he has yet to start his medication. I think he has refused the meds as it will have a huge affect on his alcohol consumption.

The hospital carried out a CT scan, and MRI test, a lumber puncture and many blood tests, all showing clear. When I finaly spoke to a doctor and asked what was the likely cause, he replied with one word, alcohol.

My biggest fear besides the obvious recurrence is that he suffers another seizure on return to work, injuring himself or others. it is a major concern as we often work on high scaffolding.

I have to be honest and say that on the day he was discharged from hospital, he walked straight across the road into a pub. This indicates to me that he does have a problem with alcohol and that he does present a risk to himself and others if he returns to work.

I would appreciate any advice you can offer.

Thanks, Alan.

[murraymints]

does he recognise himself that he may have a problem ? that he may be a danger to not only himself but others ? if not then little can progress..perhaps the hospital had word with him prior to discharge ?

[rockyracoon]

Alan, that's really sad :(

Until your son admits he has a problem, I don't see what else you can do except to try and encourage him to give up. Good luck.

[nailit]

As someone who has had their own problems with alcohol (though thankfully not to the point of having siezures) the first point of call must be your GP with a view to hospitalization and possibly rehab afterwards.
Ive still got my issues with alcohol but Ive lost many friends over the years due to alcohol abuse. Ive also got a few friends left who have been there (siezures and all) who are still with us.
Its stating the obvious, but make an appointment with GP. Good luck.

[alanarmo]

Hi murraymints.
I've spoken to him a few times since he came out of hospital and he refuses to acknowledge he has a problem. The whole family has given him 100% support,encouragement, care and love. I am admittedly begining to feel mentaly worn out with the lies and total disregard for the people around him.

[alanarmo]

Hi nailit

At 33 I can't make him go to the doctors, he has to do it himself. If I start to get "forceful" in my approach, he just goes off the radar for a week or so. Also, when he does go to the doctor, he lies about his drinking and blames everything on stress.

[alanarmo]

Thanks rockyracoon x

[cupotee2]

So sorry to read this alanarmo. Apart from the obvious medical help I have grasped on the "working with you on a construction site". I would like you take on board the worry if an accident occurs because of the seizures, to your son, or anyone else on site.

I sincerely hope your son eventually recognises he has a problem and seeks help.

Never stop worrying when were parents do we.

[murraymints]

Alan..there is a time for tough love too...I would sit him down and tell him that you cannot allow him to endanger the life of others even if he has little regard for his own safety..and advise him that you have little choice but to mention to site foreman your concerns...he is not a child and will have to take responsibility for himself..sounds harsh but you have your own health ,as do the rest of the family, to consider. Advise he go to GP and that you will go with him to start the ball rolling, but it has to come from him. Don't allow it to bring you down... then take a step back...you can do no more than that

[nailit]

Hi Alan, If he goes 'off the radar' then let him.
He's got to aknowledge his own problems. (which secretly he probably does)

[237SJ]

I`m no expert but it sounds like his drinking is a result of his bipolar. He needs to get proper help with that (even though he was only diagnosed 3 years ago he might have been pipolar for a long time before diagnosis) and needs proper psychiatric help and intervention.

[EDDIE51]

With his history of seizures / alcohol he should definitely NOT be working on high scaffolding. If he had told the doctors what his job was he would have been told he had to give up that job.
I had just a single seizure 3 years ago , put down as 'mystery seizure', I was told I could not work for a year on anything that involved climbing ladders.
If he continues to do that type of work his employer can be held as liable for any resulting injuries. If you are his supervisor you must not allow him to return to work unless a doctor has cleared it. He will need to be monitored for year as seizure free .

[EDDIE51]

Remember the Glasgow bin lorry crash where the driver had refused to tell his employer that he suffered from blackouts? He is now facing a private prosecution for manslaughter ! Your son's situation is identical ! Be warned!

[murraymints]

if he holds a CITB cert in scaffolding it will be invalid if he does not declare his health problems and will be rescinded until he is clear...

[chrissa1]

As murraymints said, a bit of tough love is needed. Do your employers know of his condition? Maybe a quiet word with them is the way to go, before he does any damage to himself and others.

[EDDIE51]

^^It is more than 'tough love' as you now know of his problem you have a legal duty to report him to the appropriate authority. If you fail to do so and he has another seizure which causes an accident you can be held responsible. Of course it is better if he does it himself but if he refuses you have no option.

[alanarmo]

All very valid points guys, and thank you for your advice. Even though common sense should prevail, it's a relief knowing that legaly he should not return to work as I was dreading it being my decision alone. I will take medical advice with regard to this. Thanks again.

[masma]

I am so sorry to hear of your problems with your son, we go through much the same thing daily - our son is 45! He is an alcoholic who has seizures when he drinks vodka, it's as though the vodka is a poison to him. He's been hospitalized many time, been in rehab and had home detox - nothing works. The main thing your son has to do is admit to himself that he's got a problem. Maybe you could talk to his doctor and tell him your concerns about his work situation as it does seem as though he's a danger to himself and others. I can but wish you good luck, alcoholism is a dreadful illness. If you, or hopefully your son, need help Turning Point are very good (that's if you have one near you) xx

[coldstream-1971]

IS your son on Lamotrigine for the BI-POLAR?

[EDDIE51]

^^ Read the post!
''He has yet to start his medication'' alanarmo's son is refusing to admit he has a problem.