i've never heard of this happening, but since i myself have epilepsy, i feel i must pose some questions. what is this "seizure-like mode" you mention? is it like loss of consciousness with shakes/tremors, or is it more like just a vapid stare, with him responding to nothing? either way, seizures are caused (simply put) by too much electrical activity in the brain. worst case scenario, these are pre-ictal (pre-seizure) symptoms. please, advise your friend to get an MRI and/or a sleep-deprived EEG.