Cognitive Episodes Experienced by My Mother
Throughout her life, my mother has experienced what she refers to as "episodes," during which her vision shifts to black and white, and she feels as though she has been transported to another time and place. Today, she alerted us that an episode was about to occur. Initially, she began to speak incoherently, then proceeded to ask the same three questions repeatedly for over an hour: "What did I order?" "How was your day?" and "What did you do today?" Additionally, I noticed her hands trembling. The only potential trigger I can identify seems to be anxiety; however, these episodes also arise without any discernible cause. What could be happening? At 64, my mother has never smoked or consumed alcohol, and she does not take any prescription medications, though she does use dietary supplements. All her blood work and MRI results have returned normal. She suffers from untreated sleep apnea and deals with anxiety, waking up approximately every two hours at night for the past 31 years.
Answers (1)
6/22/2025, 11:20:29 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your mother is experiencing distressing episodes that could involve several factors, particularly her history of anxiety and sleep issues. These episodes, characterized by changes in vision, disorientation, and repetitive questioning, may be indicative of a type of dissociative or neurological episode, possibly linked to her anxiety or sleep disturbances. Given her untreated sleep apnea, it's important to consider how inadequate sleep can contribute to cognitive challenges and episodes of confusion.
Explanation
Your mother’s symptoms, including transient episodes of confusion, vision changes, and repetitive questioning, might suggest a condition like a mini-stroke, a seizure, or even anxiety-related dissociative episodes. Anxiety can manifest in various ways, including cognitive issues, especially if coupled with significant sleep disruption like untreated sleep apnea.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of her episodes, including their duration, frequency, triggers, and any accompanying symptoms (like tremors). Documenting this information can help clarify the pattern and nature of the episodes.
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Evaluate Sleep Issues: Given that your mother has untreated sleep apnea, addressing her sleep quality could be very beneficial. Encourage her to consult with a healthcare professional about possible treatments for sleep apnea, which may improve her overall condition and mental clarity.
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Address Anxiety: Explore anxiety management techniques or therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, or relaxation techniques that could help reduce her anxiety levels.
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Safety Measures: Since these episodes can cause confusion and potential safety risks (like falling), consider making her environment secure by removing hazards and having someone nearby during episodes.
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Nutritional Review: If she is taking dietary supplements, ensure they are suitable and not interacting negatively with her overall health. Consulting with a healthcare professional about this could provide additional clarity.
By prioritizing these steps, you can help create a supportive environment as you work toward a clearer understanding of her symptoms. If her episodes worsen, or if new symptoms arise, it would be important to seek further evaluation. Let me know if you need more specific information on any of these suggestions!
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