Navigating Seizure Concerns
I’m a 25-year-old female, and I recently received a diagnosis of vasovagal syncope through a POTS test. The nurse at the clinic suggested reducing my blood pressure medication. I’ve begun tapering off Fludrocortisone and have noticed my blood pressure remains stable since increasing my salt intake. However, I am experiencing severe brain fog and confusion. For instance, I mistakenly expressed gratitude to a patient by saying, "thank you, amen," and I texted a question to one patient when I meant to reach out to my colleague. I’ve also been misplacing items frequently. Could this mental haze be linked to the reduction of my medication? I’ve found myself struggling to articulate words; just last Friday, I couldn’t say "clinical lead" and ended up saying something like "flincal Kleed," which is unusual for me since I typically communicate with confidence. This entire experience feels quite strange. Despite getting ample rest and maintaining a healthy diet with minimal caffeine, I’m concerned. I do have a past of seizures that occurred when I was on Wellbutrin six years ago, but they subsided once I discontinued the medication. The nurse from my cardiologist's office indicated that my current symptoms shouldn’t be associated with the medication reduction and advised me to head to the ER immediately. However, I am out of town for work today and unable to do so. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
8/18/2025, 9:03:20 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're feeling concerned about your recent symptoms, especially given your medical history and the context of your medication changes. The combination of brain fog, confusion, and communication difficulties can be unsettling, particularly after a diagnosis related to vasovagal syncope and recent adjustments to your blood pressure medication.
Key Points:
- Your symptoms may be related to medication changes or underlying conditions.
- Close monitoring of your symptoms is crucial, especially with a history of seizures.
- Immediate action is important if symptoms worsen.
Explanation: The brain fog and confusion you're experiencing could be influenced by several factors, including the tapering off of Fludrocortisone, changes in blood volume or pressure from increased salt intake, or even anxiety about your health concerns. Vasovagal syncope can affect your overall neurological function, potentially leading to symptoms like confusion. While the nurse indicated that your symptoms might not be medication-related, every individual reacts differently.
Additionally, your past history with seizure activity when on Wellbutrin raises valid concerns about neurological symptoms and warrants careful observation.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, including when they occur, their duration, and any triggers you can identify. Note any new or worsening symptoms like severe headaches, increased confusion, or any unusual behaviors.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you're staying well-hydrated and eating a balanced diet, as this may help stabilize symptoms and improve cognitive clarity. Maintaining adequate salt intake, as per your cardiologist's advice, can also assist with blood pressure stability.
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Immediate Action: If you experience any alarming symptoms such as severe headaches, vision changes, or loss of consciousness, seek immediate medical assistance, even if it means finding the closest healthcare facility while out of town.
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Plan for Follow-Up: Once back to your regular environment, consider scheduling a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and possible adjustments to your medication plan. Continuity of care can help clarify what adjustments may be beneficial.
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Seek Support: Engage with trusted colleagues or friends to discuss your concerns and experiences during this time. Having a support system can help you manage the stress associated with these symptoms.
Please take care of yourself, and don't hesitate to reach out for help if you feel your situation is becoming unmanageable. Your health is the priority.
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