Urgent Help Needed from Neurologists - Experiencing Severe Health Issues
I am a 25-year-old woman weighing 127 pounds. Following my primary care physician's advice, I visited the emergency room recently after losing consciousness three times within just ten minutes. This isn’t the first instance; I experienced a similar episode before, which prompted the recommendation to seek emergency care. During these episodes, I experienced memory loss regarding both the fainting and the duration leading up to it. A friend who was with me noted that I was slurring my words and appeared intoxicated, even though I do not consume alcohol. My doctor has called my condition atypical syncope, as I have a history of fainting spells since I was eight, typically lasting only a few seconds. In addition to the fainting, I often feel tingling and numbness in my extremities, struggle with maintaining my balance, and have encountered infrequent but intense headaches that cause extreme pain for brief moments—so much so that I've nearly fallen over during such episodes. My first encounter with this head pain occurred while walking, and I initially thought I had been shot due to the sudden nature of it, but it dissipated just as swiftly. During my ER visit, they noted some muscle weakness in my legs; however, it seemed symmetrical. Despite their efforts, the doctors could not identify the cause of my symptoms and recommended an urgent consultation with a neurologist. Unfortunately, scheduling an appointment has proven difficult, with many offices booked for nearly a year ahead. My situation is further complicated by significant gastrointestinal issues, urinary incontinence that isn't stress-related (sometimes I am unaware of needing to urinate until it’s too late), migraines accompanied by visual disturbances, persistent pain, and noticeable changes in my personality, including severe panic attacks. A year and a half ago, I experienced serotonin syndrome, which I failed to address medically because I didn’t recognize the severity of my condition at the time. I felt paranoid and chose not to go to the ER. Ultimately, things improved gradually when I stopped combining cold medication for RSV with my antidepressant. However, that period marked the beginning of worsening symptoms rather than an isolated incident. Just under a year ago, I had a schwannoma tumor removed that was pressing against my carotid artery in two areas. My medical history includes diagnoses of MCAS, hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and PCOS, with my doctor suspecting possible dysautonomia alongside these neurological concerns. I am exhausted from dealing with ongoing health issues and lack of clear answers. I am losing weight, becoming increasingly weak, and feeling more frightened as time passes. My desire for health is immense, and I am open to any suggestions I can discuss with my doctor. Thank you for your attention. Current Medications: Cromolyn Sodium, Heather (mini pill for birth control), spironolactone, Klonopin, trazodone, gabapentin.
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 5:10:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing with your health. Your situation involves multiple complex symptoms that require careful consideration, especially given your recent episodes of fainting and memory loss. Here’s how I can help you identify some immediate actions and support options while you work towards finding a neurologist.
Key Points:
- Your symptoms, including fainting, tingling, numbness, balance issues, and extreme headaches, suggest a complex neurological concern that needs further exploration.
- While waiting for a neurologist appointment, there are practical steps you can take to manage your symptoms and improve your situation.
Explanation:
Fainting episodes, especially when accompanied by memory loss and neurological symptoms (like tingling and balance difficulties), warrant urgent attention. Atypical syncope can have various causes, including neurological conditions, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, or metabolic issues. Your prior diagnosis, medication history, and recent surgeries complicate how these symptoms interact. Given your struggle with timely access to specialists and ongoing distress, it’s crucial to focus on self-care and symptom management.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Document when your fainting spells occur, along with any associated symptoms (headaches, tingling, gut issues). Note the duration, activities leading up to the episodes, and anything that seemed to improve or worsen them. This can help you, and future healthcare providers identify patterns.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you're drinking plenty of fluids and maintaining a balanced diet, as dehydration can contribute to fainting. Talk with a nutritionist if you have gastrointestinal issues that affect your ability to eat well.
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Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid known triggers for your symptoms, such as sudden changes in posture, standing for long periods, or any specific foods or environments that worsen your gastrointestinal issues.
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Develop a Safety Plan: Since you’ve experienced fainting, it’s essential to have a plan in place. Consider activities that minimize your risk when feeling faint (e.g., sitting down when you feel lightheaded). Involve a close friend or family member in your safety plan, ensuring they know how to respond in case of emergencies.
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Relaxation Techniques: Address anxiety and panic attacks with relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation. Given your history with serotonin syndrome, please be cautious about any changes in medication without professional guidance.
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Follow-Up with Your Doctor: If symptoms worsen, or if new concerning symptoms arise (like changes in vision, speech, or severe weakness), reach out to your primary care physician as soon as possible. They can provide interim recommendations or escalate your care needs more rapidly.
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Utilize Telehealth Services: Many specialists now offer telemedicine options. Search for neurologists offering virtual visits that might provide sooner access to care and guidance for your symptoms.
Your desire for health and well-being is entirely valid, and the journey can be challenging. Remember, you are seeking answers, which is vital for effective treatment. Take small steps daily, and please reach out if you need further assistance!
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