What Could This Experience Be Called?
Hi, I've encountered this phenomenon several times in my life, and I'm uncertain about how to label it. During instances of significant physical strain, such as after an overdose from multiple medications or when experiencing low blood sugar accompanied by severe dehydration, I have briefly lost consciousness, almost like a short coma lasting about thirty minutes. During these episodes, I'm unable to respond to any stimuli, even painful ones, yet I remain aware of my surroundings and can recall some details afterward. I'm a 21-year-old individual transitioning from female to male, standing at 163 cm and weighing 80 kg. I do not smoke or consume alcohol. My current medications include quetiapine, venlafaxine, prazosin, and salbutamol. I've experienced these symptoms since I was at least 14 years old. I have diagnoses of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), which may all be connected to this issue. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
7/12/2025, 5:01:15 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to seek clarity on your experiences, especially given the complexities of your medical history. What you're describing may involve episodes of altered consciousness or dissociative states, possibly linked to your existing conditions, but I'll outline some insights and suggestions to help you better understand and manage your symptoms.
Main Points:
- Possible Phenomenon: Your experiences may be related to dissociation or a non-epileptic seizure, particularly given your diagnoses of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and the context of extreme stress or medical issues.
- Connection to Conditions: Your symptoms could be influenced by your existing health issues, notably your diagnoses and medication management.
Explanation:
Your reported episodes of losing consciousness and being unresponsive while maintaining some awareness can be concerning. Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) can manifest with symptoms like these in response to physical or emotional stress. Given your complex medical background, including hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and ME/CFS, these episodes might be a response to exertion, dehydration, or medication effects.
It's notable that you experience these episodes with varying triggers. While they appear alarming, many individuals with FND have similar features, which often improve with careful management.
Next Steps:
- Document Episodes: Keep a detailed diary of these experiences. Note the triggers, duration, and any associated symptoms. This will help you track patterns or potential triggers.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you're consistently hydrated and maintain stable blood sugar levels with regular, balanced meals. Extreme fluctuations can exacerbate your symptoms.
- Medication Review: Given that you are on several medications, consider whether they could be contributing to your experiences. Reviewing your medications with a healthcare provider can help rule out any adverse effects.
- Follow Up on FND Management: If you haven’t done so already, explore therapies specific for managing FND, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), physical therapy, or relaxation techniques.
- Monitor Physical Strain: Pay attention to how your body responds to physical exertion. Gradual pacing and minimization of intense activity might help reduce the likelihood of these episodes.
Please reach out to a healthcare provider who understands your medical history and current symptoms to ensure you're receiving appropriate guidance tailored to your needs. It’s important you feel supported in managing these experiences, and there are effective strategies to explore.
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