Help me someone!

[28andgreat]

Sorry for the dramatic title, I honestly don’t know what a suitable title would be.

it’s a health (I think) related one, and I know the logically thing is go to the Drs but I don’t know how to put into words what is going on so I’m going to try and articulate it best I can.

for the past 6 months or so I’ve been having these ‘episodes’ through lack of better wording. I probably sound insane, but please bear with me.

it begins with a thought, sometimes it feels like a memory but I don’t remember the person in it, or the scenario. It’s never clear in my head, but as soon as I think of their voice or face - I get that rush of anxiety/terror you get when you get horrific news. I then go woozy, hot and light headed. All of this happens within 10/20 seconds and I feel okay again.

I don’t know who this person is that I think of, I don’t recognise the face, the voice or the scenario and I can’t always think of it (it happened 5 mins ago and I couldnt tell you what actually happened in the thought that triggers this reaction )

I know I sound insane, and extremely vague - hence why I’ve never gone to the doctors because I have no idea how to describe it. But the physical effects are very real, I’ve had to pull over when driving as I felt unsafe.

I can go weeks with nothing, then had 3 episodes in an hour. I’ve tried to study triggers, and I do seem to have them more when I’m stressed. I do suffer with anxiety but not hugely, and not medicated.

does this sound familiar to anyone? Am I going insane?!

Some type of seizure is my first thought.

Maybe PTSD? Definitely see GP.

This must be awful for you!

You really must see your doctor about it - show them your post if you're concerned you won't be able to explain it.

Maybe a panic attack/flash back/seizure. Definitely warrants medical investigation.

It could be panic attacks, it sounds as tho there is a subconscious trigger which your mind is protecting you from remembering. I had similar issues and tried hypnotherapy which uncovered the highly unpleasant incident I had consciously forgotten.

As a previous poster has said it could of course be physical but if a doctor doesn’t find anything wrong, you might find alternative therapies helpful.

Sending you virtual hugs.

It could relate to past trauma but if you haven't had that it could be seizures. You can get visual hallucinations in seizure auras. I used to get this thing where everyone and everything goes miniature. It's a neurological thing. My hearing, sight and sometimes bladder and bowel would fail. In a petty Mal seizure.
See the GP and they can refer you to neurologist. Or if it relates to something bad that happened I hope you can seek therapy.

Are you sleep deprived? The brain does funny things when it doesn't get enough sleep.

I did this when pregnant and thought it was a seizure but it was a one off

Could be intrusive thoughts that you’re describing. See your GP and explain that you’re not sure what’s happening to you.

I feel quite emotional reading this because I frequently get something I would describe in very similar terms! Sensations, duration, the lot. I can go ages without one, then bang. It's nearly always when I'm crossing the road, though, so I guess I have a slightly clearer idea of my trigger. It makes no sense as I've no reason to associate crossing the road with anything traumatic. I've never been to the doc about it, but it's frightening. It's kind of like a very physically pronounced, panicky deja vu, does that resonate?

You are not medicated for anxiety, neither am I, but maybe you should be? Go see your GP and don't feel worried about trying to explain things. A few posters have suggested panic attack, and I don't think that is an unreasonable assumption, but imagine what a doctor might know if the general public can give decent diagnoses - don't worry about trying to explain anything, it will come naturally, and if it doesn't the doctor will be making assessments.

Thank you for your kindness, i am truly terrified it’s something serious.

I don’t think ive had anything traumatic happen to me - although if i am suppressing it i guess I wouldn’t remember. I’ve never had PTSD, but I would say it sort of feels like how people describe it but I don’t understand what it could be from.

@BrightSnail this sounds very very similar to like dreamy Deja Vu that feels me with fear.

I’ve never lost consciousness or anything close, I’m fully coherent. I’ve had panic attacks before but they haven’t felt similar. More of a can’t breath, rapid breathe type.

I know I need to go to the doctors, you’ve made me feel less insane so thank you all

@28andgreat For what it's worth (and assuming it's the same thing which of course it might not be), I've had them for decades and am otherwise very healthy and of sound mind! I know it's easy to say but try not to panic.

It sounds like a focal seizure to me. I have had these previously and mistook them for panic attacks because the “aura” beforehand was a feeling of intense fear/ dread. I was still aware during it but would lose the ability to read or speak. I was aware of thoughts passing through my brain during it but would not be able to articulate it afterwards. But it can manifest differently in everyone. I ultimately had a tonic close mic seizure in my sleep and was referred to Neuro. It was only after that that I recognised the “panic attacks” had been focal seizures. Hope you get a diagnosis and sorted.

I would bet money on these episodes being seizure. Please, contact your GP first thing tomorrow morning and get seen. If they don't fit you in or take you seriously, contact 111.

You're not insane x

Just want to give you a hug really. Don't feel too worried, your brain is just letting you know that you need to take care of yourself. Please don't feel worried about going to the doctors (total hypocrite because I too was nervous, I thought I'd be carted off to a looney bin) but they are very good and get you seen by a specialist. First step is just an online request form to your doctors! You've got this!

Another one coming in to suggest focal seizures. Try to get in to see your GP tomorrow. In the mean time sending a hug.

The description of it feeling like deja vu does sound like a partial seizure to me. Have you kept a note of how often this has been happening? Please do make an appointment with your GP . If you need to give the receptionist a reason I would say "concerning neurological symptoms". Then describe to your GP how you have here.

I don't want to worry you, but this is how my epilepsy started when I was much younger. It is fully under control though and I have been well for a very long time.

I have these- like really unpleasant de-ja-vu-
A wave comes over you, and it's like you feel when you wake up from a bad dream.

Am being seen by neurology at the moment. I think that they are focal seizures.

Hi op, that’s sounds scary I hope you are ok. It makes me think of early warning signs of psychosis. I only say this as you speak of a voice/person/face. But I am not a medical professional
could also be ptsd too.
Hope you get on ok, you got this !

Thank you for your support. I forget sometimes how wonderful MN can be.

It terrifies me that it could be a seizure. My Toddler is currently refusing bedtime so don’t have time to research focal seizures but I will soon.

it is terrifying, these comments have made me very emotional that something could be wrong and I’m terrified of bad news.

but I know ignorance isn’t the answer. Thank you all x

Oh - we didn't mean to scare you!
It'll be fine - really!
Best to know what's going on.
All the best with it.

I’ve just been reading up on focal seizures and the ‘Psyshic’ symptoms are exactly how it feels.

Im calling my Drs in the morning, thank you all xx

This sounds exactly like what is happening. How are you doing now? Are you medicated?

I take the lowest dose of anticonvulsant x2 per day (Keppra/ Levetiracetam). I haven’t had any breakthrough seizures since then (5 years).