Headaches and Seizures

[cure48]

My mother is 72 years old and has had two inexplainable episodes in the last 4 months.  The first one was when her right arm was shaking uncontrollably.  She couldn't make it stop even when she tried to hold her arm down.  The next day her arm was very sore.  Within the last two weeks she was up in the middle of the night, using the bathroom when suddenly she felt very faint.  When she woke up she found herself on the bathroom floor.  She had lost control of her bladder as well.
She has been sick with colds, sinus infection, flu bug, virus' since September.  Now she has daily headaches that she cannot seem to find any remedy for.  She recently had an MRI and her doctor told her there is nothing unusual in the film.  She has been diagnosed wi5th fibromyalgia for several years.
She is taking an aspirin a day as a precautionary measure to seizures.  What else could be going on?  She is a smoker, doesn't exercise or eat particularly healthy. She does have a heart murmur and has had uterine cancer in the past.  She did have a lumpectomy in her breat about a year ago.
Thank you for your interest in my mom's health.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

If your mother has a history of low BP, it is important that she maintains her fluid and salt intake. Deficiency of electrolytes can cause weakness and cramps in the muscle.
Viral infections like flu can cause weakness, malaise and fatigue and headache.Make sure she gets enough rest and drink lots of fluids.
OTC nutritional supplements will also help. Please check with her doctor first before staring any supplement.

[cure48]

My mother does not have a history of seizures and yes she is taking an aspirin a day for preventative measures.  She has had very low BP her entire life.  Possibly, she has weak pelvic muscles, I can ask and recommend that she do the kegel exercises as you suggested.
She is also fatigued now with little activity.  My dad said she is getting over a virus as well.  This may explain her fatigue and headaches??
Thank you for your time.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

It is important to know if your mother has history of seizures and if she is taking medications for it. Low dose aspirin is usually given to prevent stroke and heart disease.
The loss of control over the bladder can be a neurological symptom or can be due to weak pelvic muscles. You can ask her to do some kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles.
It is also important to know if her BP is normal sine she has a long history of smoking.
This warrants a neurological exam. Please get it done and let us know if you have more questions.