Lost and confused

[chris31915]

I have been experiencing strange symptoms for three months that include fatigue, eye floaters, sudden dizzy spells, heart palps, shortness of breath and slight vertigo. There were usually triggers involved like driving or being in a public place etc. There also seems to be a numb pressure point on the left side of my head that moves around and doesn't seem to go away. These episodes scared me and I went to the E.R. several times and everything looked fine. I've been to the cardiologist (had pericarditis 5 months ago) and everything is fine. I had an MRI of the head done w/out contrast and Sinusitus showed but nothing else. However, I was diagnosed with silent migraine or migraine equivalent by my neuro. I was given Topiramate and Maxalt. The Maxalt did absolutely nothing and the Topiramate put me through two weeks of constant dizziness and vertigo not to mention a couple of panic attacks. I quit the Topiramate and had severe withdrawal symptoms that put me in the E.R. Blood work, urinalysis, chest xray, and head CT w/out contrast all checked out fine. I then had a follow up with the neuro who looked extremely puzzled. I told him that I think that anxiety may be the root of my problems. Was it right for me to tell him this? Is it possible for worry and anxiety to really mess someone up this bad? He gave me free Lexapro but I refuse to take it. Would the CT and MRI both w/out contrast have picked up an aneurysm? I am confused, tired, and wanting to return to normal.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
Thank you for your update. It could be a medicine side effect and it should resolve after a few days. However, if these persists, further evaluation may need to be done. Electrolyte imbalance and vertigo should also be ruled out. Continue eating healthy as well as  avoiding caffeinated drinks. Take care always. Best regards.

[compnet]

The typical magnesium at stores is magnesium oxide.  You may notice some benefits from this.  But it's not as absorbable as other formulas and it can cause loose bowels.  Some of the safer and more effective formulas include: Taurate, Glycinate, and Citrate (latter can be laxitative, so try with food).  I'm also reading good things about Magnesium Orotate.  The Taurate formula seems the best and the least to affect bowels.

[chris31915]

Thank you for your comments. I've had strange symptoms again this morning and this evening with shooting sensations down my neck, in my left leg and strange head sensations with dizziness. This could be my body reacting to what is left of the Topiramate. I went and got some magnesium pills today. I eat three meals a day and drink plenty of water and no sodas. I used to be a heavy coffee drinker but have cut down to maybe a cup in the morning occasionally since this all began  :)

Thanks again

[compnet]

Also, how is your eating?  Do you eat every few hours and drink fluids?  Sugar imbalance can cause the dizziness and floaters.

[compnet]

It sounds like your electrolytes, even though tests looked "normal".  I suspect Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, Sodium.

With the vertigo, I've read people overcame it with potassium.

The anxiety and panic can be from a magnesium deficiency.

http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/231043/Magnesium-For-Anxiety?personal_page_id=1012978

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? I'm sorry to hear what you have been through for the past three months, It is good that the tests done were fine. If this is anxiety-related, it would respond to Lexapro or other anti-anxiety medication. Imaging studies such as CT scan or MRI would pick up any vascular abnormality such as aneurysm.  Hang on and  talk to your doctor about this. Discuss the management best suited for you. Take care and do keep us posted.