metallic taste/smell before a panic attack

[becthewreck]

My youngest son experiences an unusual smell/taste before he suffers a panic attack or a seizure.  He has difficulty describing the exact feeling.  He states that it is undiscribable.  My concern led me to this website.
Does anyone have a professional (medical) answer to the symptom I just described?  I would sincerely appreciate
your response.

[becthewreck]

Thank you for your insight!!  I greatly appreciate it...!!  He has already had a complete workup by a two neurologists...They could not find a thing wrong...I am considering taking my son to an "Amen Clinic" at Walter Reed Hospital to get a spect scan on his brain.   The MRIs and EEGs have come up with negative results.  He has been suffering Gran Mal Seisures ever since a motorcycle accident....But the metallic taste and smell show up before he has a severe panic attack.  I know it has to do with his brain chemistry.  The neurologists have prescribed him Lyrica....But now, when he doesn't take it for a few days he becomes sick....Its a process I suppose...I am going to leave a post in the MH section...Again thank you...Namaste

[29sillygirl]

Sorry your son is having difficulties.  As we are not professionals (doctors) the best we can do is share experiences.

I don't know about seizures, but can tell you that panic attacks release a strange taste in my mouth.  A dry mouth is usually a first warning; then fear (fight flight) kicks in.  

In the case of severe anxiety, the body is busy manufacturing chemicals, which can cause a huge range of body reactions.  In a primal sense, we are producing odors to scare away whatever it is that bothering us.  This doesn't help you but just thought I'd mention.

You can contact a doctor on MH.  Believe you get a quick response for a small fee.   You might want to check the Epilepsy Forum.  I just did, and quite alot of people post there.

[ILADVOCATE]

Before a seizure a person can experience what is called an aura which is a neurological phenomena that indicates a person is about to going into a seizure. However only a doctor could determine what you are describing is. Seizures and anxiety attacks are of course completely different but some manifestations of some classes of seizures can appear psychiatric. Is he seeing a doctor? They would need to do a complete physical including an EEG and if he is diagnosed with a seizure disorder (such as epilepsy) provide the proper treatment (which would generally be anti-convulsants). A neurologist would then further follow up. If he is diagnosed and in treatment this should be called to the attention of his neurologist. Only a doctor can diagnose and suggest treatment for what is occuring but is is of concern and he should see one right away if he doesn't.