Concerns Regarding Unexplained Episodes
Hello, I'm a 25-year-old female and I’m quite anxious about some unusual events I've encountered around five to six times over the last two to three years. To provide some background, I have a medical condition called syringomyelia; however, it is relatively small and situated in a location that is unlikely to be linked to these episodes. Additionally, I am managing diabetes (possibly MODY) and am on both long-acting and meal-specific insulin. I also deal with mental health challenges, for which I take Vraylar, Viibryd, and Seroquel as needed, along with a newly introduced low dose of Adderall. Furthermore, I regularly take omeprazole and use an inhaler for my asthma. I have an MRI scheduled soon, and I recently underwent an EEG. I’m currently awaiting the results, so I would greatly appreciate any insight or perspectives from those who might have experienced similar symptoms. I’ve scoured the internet in search of answers but have yet to find someone who describes what I’m undergoing. For the past few years, I’ve been facing episodes that resemble seizures, during which I retain full awareness. I recall the events clearly, and each episode can extend up to an hour. My muscles contract throughout my body, resulting in shaking and an inability to stand; I must lie down during these spells. While I can manage to speak a bit, the discomfort is intense, and outwardly, I likely resemble someone having a grand mal seizure. The last incident, which occurred a couple of weeks ago, felt particularly prolonged, and towards the end, I found myself gasping for air. This prompted me to insist on a referral to a neurologist since my concerns had not been taken seriously previously. I’ve considered the possibility of focal aware seizures, but I recognize that many individuals with that diagnosis report experiencing an aura or some form of partial awareness or confusion beforehand. In my case, that’s not true; I’m entirely lucid. The sole precursor I perceive is a sudden wave of nausea before the episode begins. I’m genuinely unsettled by this situation. If anyone has dealt with similar experiences or knows someone who has, your input would mean a great deal to me. Any assistance or information would be incredibly helpful. Thank you so much!
Answers (1)
8/20/2025, 6:15:24 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing concerning episodes that resemble seizures, which can understandably be very distressing, especially given your existing health conditions. It’s good that you’re scheduled for an MRI and have recently had an EEG, as these tests can provide valuable insights into what might be happening.
Explanation
Your symptoms, which include muscle contractions, shaking, and a sense of lucidity during episodes, could suggest a few possibilities, such as focal seizures, conversion disorder, or other neurological conditions. The wave of nausea you experience could also be a significant clue. It's important to note that seizures can have various presentations, and individual experiences can differ widely.
Syringomyelia itself is known to cause neurological symptoms, but you’ve mentioned that it’s small and unlikely linked to these episodes. It's good that you're keeping your medical team informed, as they can help rule out any direct connections and diagnose the underlying cause.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Your Episodes:
- Keep a detailed diary of your episodes, noting the duration, symptoms, what you were doing before they started, and how you felt afterwards. This information can be incredibly helpful for your doctors to understand your condition better.
-
Follow Up with Your Neurologist:
- Once you receive the results from your MRI and EEG, schedule a follow-up appointment with your neurologist to discuss them immediately. Bring your diary to this appointment to provide them with comprehensive information.
-
Manage Anxiety:
- Since you have stated that these episodes cause considerable anxiety, consider exploring relaxation techniques (such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or gentle yoga) to manage your anxiety between episodes. Regular physical activity, while ensuring it's appropriate given your conditions, can also help reduce stress.
-
Stay Hydrated and Nourished:
- Make sure you are managing your diabetes effectively by monitoring your diet and hydration. Keeping stable blood sugar levels can sometimes help mitigate the occurrence of seizure-like episodes.
-
Educate Yourself:
- While it's important to avoid excessive internet searching that might exacerbate your anxiety, some reputable resources can help you understand seizures better (such as the Epilepsy Foundation). This might help you feel more informed and empowered when discussing your symptoms with your healthcare providers.
Remember, it’s crucial to be patient with the process of diagnosis, as neurological symptoms can sometimes take time to uncover. Your proactive approach in seeking help is commendable, and you are taking the right steps towards understanding and managing your situation. If new symptoms arise or if your episodes worsen, address those with your healthcare provider promptly.
Related Questions
Unexplained Bruising and Numbness on My Foot
After stepping out of the shower, my foot went numb. At first, it felt as if something was adhering to the sole, despite nothing being there. Then, I began to experience pain, particularly in the area where the phalanges meet the metatarsals. Shortly thereafter, bruising appeared, affecting both the top and bottom of my foot. This isn’t the first incident I’ve faced; a couple of years ago, I experienced similar intense discomfort for no apparent reason after standing barefoot on a tile surface, followed by bruising without any swelling. I have a connective tissue disorder that makes me prone to bruising, although my blood tests, including a coagulogram, have come back normal. I'm not taking any blood-thinning medications; the only prescription I have is budesonide for asthma management. Should I seek emergency medical attention for this issue?
Guidance on Faecal Impaction
Hello, I’m 15 years old, and I just received a diagnosis of faecal impaction yesterday. This weekend, I plan to take the prescribed "clean out dose" of Miralax, which involves consuming 8 doses mixed with 64 ounces of liquid over a span of 4 hours. I have to admit, I'm feeling a bit anxious. Is it possible that the Miralax won't completely dissolve the impaction, or can I count on it to be effective?
Seeking Guidance for Sudden Episodes
Greetings, I’m reaching out to share my husband’s situation. He is a 30-year-old man who experienced an episode of atrial fibrillation earlier this April, leading to a prescription for metoprolol and low-dose aspirin. Following that, he underwent a home sleep study, which resulted in a diagnosis of sleep apnea. Lately, he has been experiencing unusual episodes that last around 20 seconds. When he’s on his feet, he seems to move as if he’s under the influence, reminiscent of a tipsy sailor; picture a character like Johnny Depp. When seated, he attempts to stand but struggles with his balance and typically ends up falling back into his chair. We visited the emergency room, where all tests and a CT scan yielded normal results. We are now awaiting referrals for a neurologist, a cardiologist, and further sleep studies. Meanwhile, I’m looking for any insights or suggestions during this waiting period. Thank you for your assistance!
Addressing Indentations Following Direct Brow Lift: Can Combining CO₂ Laser and PRP Help Minimize Impressions?
Greetings, I'm a 40-year-old man who underwent a direct brow lift about a year ago. Since the procedure, I've noticed some indentations above my eyebrows. Although these indentations are generally not very prominent, they are still a concern. According to various medical professionals, these could be a result of the suture technique creating voids or possibly linked to the makeup of my tissue. There are differing perspectives on how to address this: some recommend the use of fillers, stating that it's a safe option with a cannula that poses no risk of necrosis, while others advocate for laser treatments combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). What options might effectively reduce the visibility of these indentations?
A Side-Splitting yet Awkward Mammogram Experience
Before I dive into the story, I want to emphasize that I am a firm believer in the importance of mammograms, and I’ve always been diligent about keeping my appointments. Back in 2001, our quaint little town was fortunate enough to host a mobile mammogram unit that visited us for two days each month. They would set up their equipment in the urgent care section of our local hospital. Due to the high volume of mammograms that needed to be performed in that short time, speed was crucial. Patients were required to change into a standard hospital gown in the privacy of a room and then wait in the urgent care corridor for their names to be called. It's worth noting that men were also in that waiting area for urgent care services! Just picture how uncomfortable that scenario would be for a woman, clad only in a flimsy gown and lacking a bra, sitting mere feet away from a man she might even be acquainted with. Anyway, when my name was eventually called, I entered the examination room for my turn. As a natural busty woman wearing a size 48 F bra, I was acutely aware of my stature. The technician pulled down one side of my gown, glanced at me, and without a word, she swung the door open slightly and hollered down the hallway, "Hey Sue! We need the big plate!" This moment unfolded in front of a crowd in the waiting area. Apparently, I had exceeded the capacity of the one they had on hand—like dough spilling over a bowl. You can only imagine the bewildered looks I received as the door swung back open after my mammogram… all eyes were on me, especially the men, eager to figure out who the woman with the sizable assets was. 🙄 While I can chuckle about it now, I can’t help but acknowledge what an egregious breach of privacy this was, not to mention the blatant HIPAA infraction! The embarrassment was palpable!