Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
Resources
About MyEpilepsyTeam
Powered By
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.

Has Anyone Experienced Idiopathic Chest Pain, Related To Epilepsy?

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Lima, OH

Recently my husband has been experiencing chest pains on the daily but has been cleared by his cardiologist via an echo, cardiac cath, stress test and halter. Does anyone experience this? Not sure if it's side effects from the Dilantin. Can Epilepsy cause idiopathic chest pain?!? Please Help!

June 7, 2023
•
Be the first to like/hug
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Do you know what your Sodium levels are like? I'm pretty sure if your Sodium is too high this can lead to acid build up then if it gets bad enough bone break down leading to broken bones. But I think the level would have to be pretty high for this.
My Sodium is on the high side but it's not over the limit.

June 8, 2023
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I know there is a small chance this might be that cause but you might want to consider costochondritis as a possible cause of chest pain. It's basically an inflammation of the place where your ribs attach to your sternum. This is a very common cause of chest pain if the heart is healthy and cardiologists find nothing wrong with it. It basically starts in the inner chest but can spread to the entire chest area and can be pretty debilitating. I had it due to the lack of awareness of my shoulder mobility when working out and anti-inflammatory medication combined with better awareness solved my problem. BUT sometimes antiepileptic medication can also cause this, especially sodium valproate. It demineralizes the bones and makes them weaker making it more likely to get injured even on simple tasks. My suggestion is that you should see a physiotherapist to have this checked out especially if the cardiologist said everything is fine. There are also home made ways to check on this but I wouldn't rely on them. Your husband could try to do some push ups and if the pain gets worse then it's costochondritis, but even if it's pain free it still could be the cause so you should still see a physiotherapist. In a physiotherapy clinic they make more advanced and reliable tests that can conclude if this is the issue and can help you with treatments. I hope this helps.

June 7, 2023
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I get this, but I think it's related to the medication, not the Epilepsy.

June 7, 2023

Related content

View All

My Epilepsy Meds Don't Seem To Work

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Manchester, UK

Edema

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Sioux Falls, SD

Does Anyone Else Have NES/ Dissociative Seizures?

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
San Diego, CA
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data Policy and Privacy policies.Your privacy is our priority Lock Icon
Already a Member? Log in