It could be possible that you have had several TIA's-Transient Ischemic Attacks also called mini strokes that actually started in August and was exacerbated by the night or drinking. The symptoms of TIA's are the same as you mentioned except they usually disappear in less than 24 hours. The length of time the symptoms lasted however makes me wonder whether the one the night you were drinking was a TIA or Acute stroke-which has the same symptoms, but symptoms last longer than 24 hours. TIA's are Big Warning signs that the person needs to change their lifestyle, diet, exercise, smoking, drinking, lower high blood pressure etc. or risk having a major stroke that generally includes the same symptoms that usually doesn't go away and does not aways show up on MRI or CT scan.
The sore knee and neck pain makes me wonder if you also happened to fall the night you were out drinking. The neck pain could possibly be related to Acute Stroke as well but I'm thrown off by the sore knee unless a fall occurred?
Cognitive changes and MS like symptoms that have lasted for 5 weeks kind of rules out TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) by definition. The ischemic changes related to stroke, most likely would have shown up on an MRI. Since you didn't mention anything about you height, weight, BP, general health, other blood work, etc. there is kind of a lack of data to work with. 20 years old, in college, on the East coast of the US in Late summer....did one of the lab test include a Lyme's titer? Lyme borreliosis can mimic MS, Mono, Strep, etc. It can also cause a stiff neck, single or mutliple joint pain/swelling, etc. Have you had a circular rash in the last 6 months? If you are a healthy active 20 year old and have been in the woods, swamps, tall grasses, etc. on the East Coast in any area where there are deer, Lyme borreliosis needs to be ruled out or at least considered for treatment. Treatment is typically 30-60 days on Doxycycline.
(When you hear hoof beats, think horses; not zebras -- William of Ockham)
Bob
Not to be rude, you don't have a history of illicit drug use?
The night you were doing all these drinking, there is no possible way someone could have tampered with your drinks?
OR
The other possibility is this could be something viral.
Was the MRI done with contrast or without?
Lastly, I would recommend consulting a Neurologist.
Thank you all for your help. To follow up, I do not use drugs. The MRI was done without contrast, which makes me wonder if going back for one with contrast would be beneficial. I have family history of MS but was told my clean MRI rules MS out. Also a little information about myself, I'm 6'0 180 lbs. I exercise constantly although I do drink fairly heavily being in college. I did not have any bad falls or anything like that the night I was drinking, and I also noticed the tiredness before this night. Lyme tests negative. Mono and strep have been ruled out. I just do not know what to do anymore, my social life is non existent. I have had to withdraw from my college semester putting a hault on my career. I am a very good student and being out of school is something that is hard for me to swallow. Nobody can seem to help me or figure out whats going on I would love if anybody had any additional suggestions as I am becoming extremely desperate. Thank you all again for your help.
Also, everytime my blood pressure has been measured it has been around 118/70, however once I get up after laying down for a few minutes I become extremely dizzy. I am aware this is somewhat normal, but this is to an extreme. I have passed out multiple times from this. I am more than willing to offer any further information that you feel would help. Thanks again.
I would recommend having the MRI repeated WITH contrast and add an MRA too. An MRA focuses on the vessels in the head exclusively. Also, consult a Neurologist.
i have had the same problems passing out feeling like i have been drugged, I don't do drugs or drink, the doctors I talked to never checked nothing like that or tried to help, did you get this solved? I need to now as well what is up with this, thanks
There's been suspicion of lyme, but I haven't figured anything out yet - I'll keep you posted.
Can anyone else offer advice or assistance? Everything is just getting worse..i've been debilitated for 3 months now..