Aa
Severe Brain Fog
Hi All, you seem to have a nice Community here, so I'm jumping in, and as this is my introduction post, it will be a bit long, with my personal and medical background, but I'm mostly interested in those of you that suffer from severe "Brain Fog" Numb Face, Distorted vision.
Also... I am creating this post with line breaks... I see there's quite a problem in this forum, and I have trouble reading a lot of the posts, so, if this is all bunched together when you're reading this, I'll be researching how to edit my posts, recognizing my line breaks.
Well... My condition / History....
- 3 years ago, left foot went numb for 6 months, then got better, I didn't think much of it.
- 2 Years ago left leg had MASSIVE attack, all muscles seized, shooting electrical pains, lost use of it for 3 days, most pain I've ever been in my life, leg was mostly numb for 6 months, then it got better,
- Last year.... In the middle of nowhere, I thought I was having a stroke, face went flush, room got 1000 feet away, I collapsed, and from the moment I stood up, my leg was numb again, my face was numb, vision distorted, felt like I was extremely faint, weak, falling, distant, and although some days have been tolerable, this general feeling hasn't gone away for a year. the Brain Fogginess the worst / lingering symptom.
- 2 Weeks ago - another "Attack" of sorts where I felt like I was "Hitting the dirt" it was like someone dimming the lights, and throwing me off a building, more of a Falling then spinning (Not vertigo)
This relapse / attack, has been 2 weeks of hell, the numbness in my face I can feel all the way deep, from my neck, to in behind my ocular socket, my leg completely numb, center of my back is numb, Arm / pins n' Needles, elbow joint VERY tender, vision distorted, but the brain fog.. Ugh, it's overwhelming.
It feels like I'm in an altered dream state, of an altered dream state, but not happy and euphoric... it's a distorted, drugged feeling nightmare.
I've been in bed 3 Days, I got up for 5 hours today, (To go to the doctor), and now I'm back in bed, writing this.
A Bit about me.... I'm a musician / music producer at the very top levels. I'm a kind, passionate driven alpha / leader, that has allowed me to build a career, with clients that sell some of the most unit sales on the planet.
My "Position" being a creative in the business, does not make me rich, or even "Comfortable" - I have to work very hard for my keep, but I love everything I work on, and the people I work with, so the passion that drives it, never has me feeling stressed, or run down.... till this year.
Although not stressful to me (In the past) some of my Job descriptions are to Fly to NYC to play guitar on a talk show, or even fly to Tokyo for the weekend, to produce & mix to air, a simulcast concert, performed in front of 25000 people, broadcast to 14 Million, live, to air, no safety net, etc...
There's NO way I could ever put myself, or my clients in those positions, with this condition, I can't even make eye contact with people, as I'm anxious they'll see the panic in my eyes, as I feel like I'm being thrown off a building, and they're getting further and further away.
I am a strong character, and I'm overwhelmed with fear with this condition.
I have So many Q's however, I should divide them out over several posts / threads, this being my 1st, I'll try to focus on my Biggest concern..... My cognitive ability to "Stay in the room" with people, and be emotionally / passionately engaged in what is going on.
I can deal with bad vision, numbness, but my mental state (As I'm sure is everyone's primary concern) is the only thing that allows me to do, everything that I am qualified to do.
Medical Findings (Or lack Thereof)
1st Neurologist went down an Inner ear, Meniere's / BVVP / Migrane / path, and kind of "Gave up"
2nd Neurologist tested me for EVERYTHING, a year of tests, blood work, MRI's, EKG, CT's, and disqualified virtually everything I could find, including MS.
The ONLY test with results, was a tilt Table test, which my blood pressure dropped 25 minutes into standing on the table. The MRI's showed no lesions on my brain or Spine (They didn't do a Contrast)
I recently looked up MS,(Found this forum) and it's the 1st condition disease I've found, that I have all the symptoms, and the description of it "Showing up suddenly" struck a nerve with me (Pardon the Pun) However, this is the 2nd neurologist that insists this is not MS, and we're continuing to try different meds relating to the Neurogenic Syncope and hypotension displayed on the Tilt table.
He says the Absence of lesions on the MRI's in combination, that MS would not cause a drop in Blood pressure, make him certain this is not MS.
My thought, is that there is NO Spinal disc trauma, this is all Nerve related, there is nothing wrong with my blood work, (He even said today, almost as though getting angry at me, "Well your symptoms simply aren't Jiving with what I'm seeing in the test results)
So I'm thinking, even if this is not MS, but my injuries / symptoms are exactly the same, I wonder if similar treatment would 1. Help alleviate the symptoms during this relapse / attack. 2. Help prolong remission if I ever get there again.
Now for the "Brain Fog Q's to the group"
- Are there any success stories with specific meds that help take the edge off of what i'm describing, for those that feel this symptom?
- How do you cope? keep your jobs? I've been in bed for 3 days, and I'm trying to rest as much as I need, but I don't know if I'm making it worse, so I'm forcing myself to go for pretty long walks, but that's wearing me completely out. I Literally tried to work for 20 minutes today, and just went for a walk, grabbed some steamed vegetables, and laid back in bed, to write this novel, after only being up for 5 hours today.
- Permanent Damage, I've read a lot about MS, and it's basically stating that during relapse, some permanent damage is being done, I have an example with "Most of my leg" coming back, but the Knee Cap always being Numb for 2 years... I'm so afraid, as this "Brain Fog" hasn't "Completely lifted" in a year... that this is permanent damage, and that now, in this last 2 weeks, where I can barely see straight, and I'm completely zoned / effected / that this is causing permanent Brain damage.
Inconclusive tests and meds, while this feels like it's spinning out of control.
I have a couple of travel dates coming up on the Calendar, I'd like to be able to keep my career, and I don;t know if I should "Push through till I fail" or weather or not I need to withdraw... then that opens a whole other discussion on Depression / Imagining not being able to connect with people, interact, work, keep a decent quality of life. Those thoughts get really bad at night, and wake me in the morning, then, for the most part, I force myself into what ever I'm able to do for that day, trying to live one day at a time.
Anyways... Wow, that's enough for now... I hope everyone is doing well. thanks for your time.
Also... I am creating this post with line breaks... I see there's quite a problem in this forum, and I have trouble reading a lot of the posts, so, if this is all bunched together when you're reading this, I'll be researching how to edit my posts, recognizing my line breaks.
Well... My condition / History....
- 3 years ago, left foot went numb for 6 months, then got better, I didn't think much of it.
- 2 Years ago left leg had MASSIVE attack, all muscles seized, shooting electrical pains, lost use of it for 3 days, most pain I've ever been in my life, leg was mostly numb for 6 months, then it got better,
- Last year.... In the middle of nowhere, I thought I was having a stroke, face went flush, room got 1000 feet away, I collapsed, and from the moment I stood up, my leg was numb again, my face was numb, vision distorted, felt like I was extremely faint, weak, falling, distant, and although some days have been tolerable, this general feeling hasn't gone away for a year. the Brain Fogginess the worst / lingering symptom.
- 2 Weeks ago - another "Attack" of sorts where I felt like I was "Hitting the dirt" it was like someone dimming the lights, and throwing me off a building, more of a Falling then spinning (Not vertigo)
This relapse / attack, has been 2 weeks of hell, the numbness in my face I can feel all the way deep, from my neck, to in behind my ocular socket, my leg completely numb, center of my back is numb, Arm / pins n' Needles, elbow joint VERY tender, vision distorted, but the brain fog.. Ugh, it's overwhelming.
It feels like I'm in an altered dream state, of an altered dream state, but not happy and euphoric... it's a distorted, drugged feeling nightmare.
I've been in bed 3 Days, I got up for 5 hours today, (To go to the doctor), and now I'm back in bed, writing this.
A Bit about me.... I'm a musician / music producer at the very top levels. I'm a kind, passionate driven alpha / leader, that has allowed me to build a career, with clients that sell some of the most unit sales on the planet.
My "Position" being a creative in the business, does not make me rich, or even "Comfortable" - I have to work very hard for my keep, but I love everything I work on, and the people I work with, so the passion that drives it, never has me feeling stressed, or run down.... till this year.
Although not stressful to me (In the past) some of my Job descriptions are to Fly to NYC to play guitar on a talk show, or even fly to Tokyo for the weekend, to produce & mix to air, a simulcast concert, performed in front of 25000 people, broadcast to 14 Million, live, to air, no safety net, etc...
There's NO way I could ever put myself, or my clients in those positions, with this condition, I can't even make eye contact with people, as I'm anxious they'll see the panic in my eyes, as I feel like I'm being thrown off a building, and they're getting further and further away.
I am a strong character, and I'm overwhelmed with fear with this condition.
I have So many Q's however, I should divide them out over several posts / threads, this being my 1st, I'll try to focus on my Biggest concern..... My cognitive ability to "Stay in the room" with people, and be emotionally / passionately engaged in what is going on.
I can deal with bad vision, numbness, but my mental state (As I'm sure is everyone's primary concern) is the only thing that allows me to do, everything that I am qualified to do.
Medical Findings (Or lack Thereof)
1st Neurologist went down an Inner ear, Meniere's / BVVP / Migrane / path, and kind of "Gave up"
2nd Neurologist tested me for EVERYTHING, a year of tests, blood work, MRI's, EKG, CT's, and disqualified virtually everything I could find, including MS.
The ONLY test with results, was a tilt Table test, which my blood pressure dropped 25 minutes into standing on the table. The MRI's showed no lesions on my brain or Spine (They didn't do a Contrast)
I recently looked up MS,(Found this forum) and it's the 1st condition disease I've found, that I have all the symptoms, and the description of it "Showing up suddenly" struck a nerve with me (Pardon the Pun) However, this is the 2nd neurologist that insists this is not MS, and we're continuing to try different meds relating to the Neurogenic Syncope and hypotension displayed on the Tilt table.
He says the Absence of lesions on the MRI's in combination, that MS would not cause a drop in Blood pressure, make him certain this is not MS.
My thought, is that there is NO Spinal disc trauma, this is all Nerve related, there is nothing wrong with my blood work, (He even said today, almost as though getting angry at me, "Well your symptoms simply aren't Jiving with what I'm seeing in the test results)
So I'm thinking, even if this is not MS, but my injuries / symptoms are exactly the same, I wonder if similar treatment would 1. Help alleviate the symptoms during this relapse / attack. 2. Help prolong remission if I ever get there again.
Now for the "Brain Fog Q's to the group"
- Are there any success stories with specific meds that help take the edge off of what i'm describing, for those that feel this symptom?
- How do you cope? keep your jobs? I've been in bed for 3 days, and I'm trying to rest as much as I need, but I don't know if I'm making it worse, so I'm forcing myself to go for pretty long walks, but that's wearing me completely out. I Literally tried to work for 20 minutes today, and just went for a walk, grabbed some steamed vegetables, and laid back in bed, to write this novel, after only being up for 5 hours today.
- Permanent Damage, I've read a lot about MS, and it's basically stating that during relapse, some permanent damage is being done, I have an example with "Most of my leg" coming back, but the Knee Cap always being Numb for 2 years... I'm so afraid, as this "Brain Fog" hasn't "Completely lifted" in a year... that this is permanent damage, and that now, in this last 2 weeks, where I can barely see straight, and I'm completely zoned / effected / that this is causing permanent Brain damage.
Inconclusive tests and meds, while this feels like it's spinning out of control.
I have a couple of travel dates coming up on the Calendar, I'd like to be able to keep my career, and I don;t know if I should "Push through till I fail" or weather or not I need to withdraw... then that opens a whole other discussion on Depression / Imagining not being able to connect with people, interact, work, keep a decent quality of life. Those thoughts get really bad at night, and wake me in the morning, then, for the most part, I force myself into what ever I'm able to do for that day, trying to live one day at a time.
Anyways... Wow, that's enough for now... I hope everyone is doing well. thanks for your time.
MS doesn’t always show up in the scans or tests. Well that is what my specialist told me. He watched me declining over a year and determined MS. I have your symptomology but since treating my tick borne infections my MS symptoms have changed, but alas not gone.
Brain fog and cognitive decline. Yep I hear you! So the things I have done to relieve these symptoms and improve my cognitive function are:
1. Lymphatic drainage, especially the head, face and neck https://youtu.be/QA-wi0d7-Ro
2. 30 drops of Red Root Tincture up to 3 times a day; but I have found once a day is plenty to improve drainage and clearance of lymphatic system. It will clear any blocked nodes. Blockages cause pressure build up. This helped relieve my head and eye pressure. http://au.iherb.com/pr/Eclectic-Institute-Red-Root-2-fl-oz-60-ml/5333
3. Vinpocetine 10mg x 3 daily this really helps with brain fog and eye pressure http://au.iherb.com/pr/Source-Naturals-Vinpocetine-10-mg-120-Tablets/1503
4. Getting back your mental clarity and higher functioning abilities. I drank 3 cups of herbal tea daily and it cleared away my body pain and improved my cognitive function. I took it every day for 2 years. I felt the improvements after 2 weeks. I am using supplements now of one of the herbs but I don’t feel it will have the same effect on you as the tea. http://au.iherb.com/pr/Now-Foods-Andrographis-Extract-400-mg-90-Veg-Caps/21322
** I am not a doctor and what I will share with you is what helped me personally. Please do not just take herbs without understanding them and consulting your treating doctor.
I was desperate when I started because my prognosis was not too good. So I just went for it. The herbs I used will increase the effects of other medications you are taking. So if you are on heart meds or antidepressants then you will need to monitor them ie. You may need to lower the dosage so you don’t overdose.
Herbal Tea Recipe … I get my organic dried herbs from here
http://www.herbsarespecial.com.au/contact_us.html
In a 3 cup pot add 2 heaped teaspoons of both dried Herb Robert and dried Gotu Kola per cup. Only add 1 level teaspoon King of Bitters ( Andrographis ) into the pot. Build up to 1 teaspoon or you will get a shocking headache. I know, as I mentioned I learned the hard way.
Also add into the pot 2 foot-long fresh comfrey leaves - chopped. This tea is bitter so add something you like such as a celestial seasonings Sleepytime tea bag or a small piece of liquorice root.
Use purified water only and never reheat in microwave. I make mine and store it in a thermos. Handy if on the move :) if you find it too strong - Just add some boiled water and dilute until you can tolerate the flavour and let the extra tea cool and store overnight in the fridge.
Reheat on the stove but do not let it boil or you lose its properties. Never keep it longer than 1 day in fridge.
* If you leave out the fresh comfrey it will travel better and taste better. Comfrey makes the tea very dark and strong and if kept for the next day can be hard to swallow. But still healthy. You can add other herbs to the pot to tailor it to your health needs. Like a little Brahmi, the memory herb or garden Rosemary, the students study companion.
Let me know how you get on. And good luck with your career.
Brain fog and cognitive decline. Yep I hear you! So the things I have done to relieve these symptoms and improve my cognitive function are:
1. Lymphatic drainage, especially the head, face and neck https://youtu.be/QA-wi0d7-Ro
2. 30 drops of Red Root Tincture up to 3 times a day; but I have found once a day is plenty to improve drainage and clearance of lymphatic system. It will clear any blocked nodes. Blockages cause pressure build up. This helped relieve my head and eye pressure. http://au.iherb.com/pr/Eclectic-Institute-Red-Root-2-fl-oz-60-ml/5333
3. Vinpocetine 10mg x 3 daily this really helps with brain fog and eye pressure http://au.iherb.com/pr/Source-Naturals-Vinpocetine-10-mg-120-Tablets/1503
4. Getting back your mental clarity and higher functioning abilities. I drank 3 cups of herbal tea daily and it cleared away my body pain and improved my cognitive function. I took it every day for 2 years. I felt the improvements after 2 weeks. I am using supplements now of one of the herbs but I don’t feel it will have the same effect on you as the tea. http://au.iherb.com/pr/Now-Foods-Andrographis-Extract-400-mg-90-Veg-Caps/21322
** I am not a doctor and what I will share with you is what helped me personally. Please do not just take herbs without understanding them and consulting your treating doctor.
I was desperate when I started because my prognosis was not too good. So I just went for it. The herbs I used will increase the effects of other medications you are taking. So if you are on heart meds or antidepressants then you will need to monitor them ie. You may need to lower the dosage so you don’t overdose.
Herbal Tea Recipe … I get my organic dried herbs from here
http://www.herbsarespecial.com.au/contact_us.html
In a 3 cup pot add 2 heaped teaspoons of both dried Herb Robert and dried Gotu Kola per cup. Only add 1 level teaspoon King of Bitters ( Andrographis ) into the pot. Build up to 1 teaspoon or you will get a shocking headache. I know, as I mentioned I learned the hard way.
Also add into the pot 2 foot-long fresh comfrey leaves - chopped. This tea is bitter so add something you like such as a celestial seasonings Sleepytime tea bag or a small piece of liquorice root.
Use purified water only and never reheat in microwave. I make mine and store it in a thermos. Handy if on the move :) if you find it too strong - Just add some boiled water and dilute until you can tolerate the flavour and let the extra tea cool and store overnight in the fridge.
Reheat on the stove but do not let it boil or you lose its properties. Never keep it longer than 1 day in fridge.
* If you leave out the fresh comfrey it will travel better and taste better. Comfrey makes the tea very dark and strong and if kept for the next day can be hard to swallow. But still healthy. You can add other herbs to the pot to tailor it to your health needs. Like a little Brahmi, the memory herb or garden Rosemary, the students study companion.
Let me know how you get on. And good luck with your career.
Hi I hope you're doing okay. Have you heard of Pseudo Tumor Cerebri? I was diagnosed with it about one month ago and a lot of the symptoms you describe are similar to what people with this experience also. No one knows exactly how you get it and for me it also came out of nowhere.
I hope your appt today was encouraging. You sound like a strong person who has done some pretty amazing things. I hope you find answers and relief soon!
NB
NB
COMMUNITY LEADER
I'm so sorry for not being able to complete my responses, totally disrupted my train of thought, i'll do my best to get it back again and actually try to make everything come together...
[btw congratulations, 20 yr history of sobriety is no small feet!]
It's really important that you make a point to keep an open mind on what is causing you these symptoms, it honestly will do you no good getting too focused and convincing yourself on it being a neurological condition like MS, when it genuinely might not be the same as what your thinking it is....the cognitive issues your dealing with and are most concerned about, to me are not the same or sound similar enough to be consistent with a neurological condition like MS, something is definitely not right but what's causing all your symptoms will require some MS suggestive-consistent diagnostic evidence and not the abnormal tilt test evidence that you've mentioned, so please open your mind.....
Information:
"Neurocardiogenic fainting usually occurs while standing. Emotional stress, stressful condition and pain may trigger an episode, especially among the young (Shah, Gupta & Lokhandwala, 2003). The onset may be abrupt or associated with warning symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, nausea, sweating, pallor, visual disturbances, abdominal discomfort, headache, pins-and-needles, lightheadedness or vertigo (Deering, 2003). Presyncopal patients may also complain of palpitations, vomiting, disorientation, and difficulty speaking clearly or coherently (Grubb & McMann, 2001, p. 60.). Other symptoms that may present before a faint include feeling either warm or cold, tremors, yawning and having a bluish/purple or red coloring to the skin (Alboni, Brignole, Menozzi, Raviele, Del Rosso, Dinelli, Solano & Bottoni, 2001).
During the faint "seizure-like" activity may occur (Grubb, Gerard & Roush, 1991). This convulsive activity is thought to be distinct from a seizure disorder.
Patients are sometimes symptomatic after a faint as well. Patients may complain of symptoms including nausea, clamminess, lightheadedness, headache and malaise (Deering, 2003). Patients may also experience vomiting, abdominal discomfort, weakness, tremors, cold or warm feelings and confusion (Alboni et al., 2001). Patients who experience frequent neurocardiogenic syncope may report symptoms between faints as well, such as chronic fatigue, headache, chest pain, exercise intolerance, heart "flip flops" and an inability to tolerate prolonged standing."
http://www.dinet.org/index.php/information-resources/ncs/ncs-general-information
You said.....My extreme 100% of the time 24/7 "Brain fog / light headed / falling / loss of internal balance / distorted vision" is the source of most of my anxiety / depression / fear, and it's whats making my days seem overwhelming.
JJ / Supermom, I'm assuming that is the "Abnormal Neurological Clinical signs" I might have, as well as all of the numbness with no signs of injury or "Incident" .....you're misunderstanding the difference, this would all be your 'symptoms' and not your actual 'abnormal neurological clinical signs'.
I'll try to briefly explain numbness in relation to MS and the typical abnormal 'clinical signs' that would be suggestive/consistent with a neurological causation.
note; The symptoms you have mentioned are generally not particularly suggestive of a neurological causation, basically these types of subjective symptoms have a very wide potential cause and also keep in mind they're still within the symptomatic profile of neurogenic syncope - autonomic dysfunction (as indicated by your tilt test results) and your anxiety and depression would have to be mixed up all in there too.
'Numbness' is a term that has slightly different meaning to people, often people lump together all the abnormal sensory changes they are more familiar with when limbs go to sleep ie tingling, pins and needles, hot/cold, no feeling at all-dead as a door nail numb and label what they're feeling as 'numbness' but typically what they experience isn't a complete or partial loss of sensation (numbness).
The medical term for abnormal sensations would be 'paresthesia' which includes the abnormal sensation of hot, cold, wet, prikling, tingling, pins-needles, bug crawling, itching etc. Chronic paresthesia is often but not always a 'symptom' of an underlying neurological disease or nerve damage, still there are various medical issues that can cause paresthesia which need to be ruled in or out because paresthesia is very common, the underlying cause is significant to dx and any treatment plan. Your dx medical history, neurological physical examination (clinical), and all your lab tests narrow it down and or identify the more likely conditions.
i've got to post this in 2 parts because of the new word count restrictions....
[btw congratulations, 20 yr history of sobriety is no small feet!]
It's really important that you make a point to keep an open mind on what is causing you these symptoms, it honestly will do you no good getting too focused and convincing yourself on it being a neurological condition like MS, when it genuinely might not be the same as what your thinking it is....the cognitive issues your dealing with and are most concerned about, to me are not the same or sound similar enough to be consistent with a neurological condition like MS, something is definitely not right but what's causing all your symptoms will require some MS suggestive-consistent diagnostic evidence and not the abnormal tilt test evidence that you've mentioned, so please open your mind.....
Information:
"Neurocardiogenic fainting usually occurs while standing. Emotional stress, stressful condition and pain may trigger an episode, especially among the young (Shah, Gupta & Lokhandwala, 2003). The onset may be abrupt or associated with warning symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, nausea, sweating, pallor, visual disturbances, abdominal discomfort, headache, pins-and-needles, lightheadedness or vertigo (Deering, 2003). Presyncopal patients may also complain of palpitations, vomiting, disorientation, and difficulty speaking clearly or coherently (Grubb & McMann, 2001, p. 60.). Other symptoms that may present before a faint include feeling either warm or cold, tremors, yawning and having a bluish/purple or red coloring to the skin (Alboni, Brignole, Menozzi, Raviele, Del Rosso, Dinelli, Solano & Bottoni, 2001).
During the faint "seizure-like" activity may occur (Grubb, Gerard & Roush, 1991). This convulsive activity is thought to be distinct from a seizure disorder.
Patients are sometimes symptomatic after a faint as well. Patients may complain of symptoms including nausea, clamminess, lightheadedness, headache and malaise (Deering, 2003). Patients may also experience vomiting, abdominal discomfort, weakness, tremors, cold or warm feelings and confusion (Alboni et al., 2001). Patients who experience frequent neurocardiogenic syncope may report symptoms between faints as well, such as chronic fatigue, headache, chest pain, exercise intolerance, heart "flip flops" and an inability to tolerate prolonged standing."
http://www.dinet.org/index.php/information-resources/ncs/ncs-general-information
You said.....My extreme 100% of the time 24/7 "Brain fog / light headed / falling / loss of internal balance / distorted vision" is the source of most of my anxiety / depression / fear, and it's whats making my days seem overwhelming.
JJ / Supermom, I'm assuming that is the "Abnormal Neurological Clinical signs" I might have, as well as all of the numbness with no signs of injury or "Incident" .....you're misunderstanding the difference, this would all be your 'symptoms' and not your actual 'abnormal neurological clinical signs'.
I'll try to briefly explain numbness in relation to MS and the typical abnormal 'clinical signs' that would be suggestive/consistent with a neurological causation.
note; The symptoms you have mentioned are generally not particularly suggestive of a neurological causation, basically these types of subjective symptoms have a very wide potential cause and also keep in mind they're still within the symptomatic profile of neurogenic syncope - autonomic dysfunction (as indicated by your tilt test results) and your anxiety and depression would have to be mixed up all in there too.
'Numbness' is a term that has slightly different meaning to people, often people lump together all the abnormal sensory changes they are more familiar with when limbs go to sleep ie tingling, pins and needles, hot/cold, no feeling at all-dead as a door nail numb and label what they're feeling as 'numbness' but typically what they experience isn't a complete or partial loss of sensation (numbness).
The medical term for abnormal sensations would be 'paresthesia' which includes the abnormal sensation of hot, cold, wet, prikling, tingling, pins-needles, bug crawling, itching etc. Chronic paresthesia is often but not always a 'symptom' of an underlying neurological disease or nerve damage, still there are various medical issues that can cause paresthesia which need to be ruled in or out because paresthesia is very common, the underlying cause is significant to dx and any treatment plan. Your dx medical history, neurological physical examination (clinical), and all your lab tests narrow it down and or identify the more likely conditions.
i've got to post this in 2 parts because of the new word count restrictions....
1 Comments
continued part 2...
You initially said "3 years ago, left foot went numb for 6 months, then got better, I didn't think much of it."...IF your foot had actually lost sensation and was 'numb', your foot would usually be difficult to impossible to ignore....
"Numbness refers to the partial or complete loss of sensation. People with numbness may be unable to feel light touch, pain, temperature, or vibration or to know where parts of their body are (position sense). When people do not know where parts of their body are, they have problems with balance, coordination, and walking." http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/brain,-spinal-cord,-and-nerve-disorders/symptoms-and-diagnosis-of-brain,-spinal-cord,-and-nerve-disorders/numbness
This is typically evident during your neurological clinical exam and or specific tests ie nerve conductor tests, pinprik, gate assesments ie walking heel toe etc etc IF your associated neurological tests are 'normal', it absolutely doesn't mean these sensation aren't real, it's just that it's less likely to be caused by an underlying neurological condition if there isn't the neurological abnormalities corroborating what your feeling, if you don't know if your exam's are normal or not, it might be a good idea to get a copy of your neurological records.
You said "2 Years ago left leg had MASSIVE attack, all muscles seized, shooting electrical pains, lost use of it for 3 days, most pain I've ever been in my life, leg was mostly numb for 6 months, then it got better,"
This is also the left side but now it's progressed to include the entire leg and not just your left foot, I'd expect you couldn't ignore an entire leg this time, so you'd have to of had a medical exam and some type of tests run eg nerve conductor tests, MRI's, blood tests etc *what did your exam and test results find and what was this dxed as?
If you think about it, what first started happening a year ago and has mostly continued through to today, is very different to what you'd experienced previously, so it's either not connected or it has totally changed, with it no longer being an issue with just your left leg "thought I was having a stroke, face went flush, room got 1000 feet away, I collapsed, and from the moment I stood up, my leg was numb again, my face was numb, vision distorted, felt like I was extremely faint, weak, falling, distant, and although some days have been tolerable, this general feeling hasn't gone away for a year. the Brain Fogginess the worst / lingering symptom. "
IF there isn't enough oxygen or blood getting to your brain or heart, your brain basically goes into survival mode and focuses on trying to keep life sustaining organs working, everything else is totally unimportant so it's not unusual to experience mental confusion, distorted vision, paresthesias, faint, feel dizzy, loose balance, weakness, fatigue etc chronic hyperventilation syndrome, anxiety attacks, panic disorders, lung conditions, heart conditions, complicated migraines etc etc can cause fairly similar symptoms too.
In the last 2 weeks, what you've indicated as symptoms that you've constantly been living with over the last year, has unexpectedly worsened..."the numbness in my face I can feel all the way deep, from my neck, to in behind my ocular socket, my leg completely numb, center of my back is numb, Arm / pins n' Needles, elbow joint VERY tender, vision distorted, but the brain fog..." you've also mentioned trialing a number of different medications and nothing so far has helped, you didn't by chance stop, start or adjusted your medication(s) 2 weeks ago or experience something around that time to have triggered the worsening eg virus, chest or sinus infection, heavy lifting, air travel, diet changes, stressful event etc anything that could of been a trigger?
lol i've really run on and on, hopefully something in there does help.......JJ
You initially said "3 years ago, left foot went numb for 6 months, then got better, I didn't think much of it."...IF your foot had actually lost sensation and was 'numb', your foot would usually be difficult to impossible to ignore....
"Numbness refers to the partial or complete loss of sensation. People with numbness may be unable to feel light touch, pain, temperature, or vibration or to know where parts of their body are (position sense). When people do not know where parts of their body are, they have problems with balance, coordination, and walking." http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/brain,-spinal-cord,-and-nerve-disorders/symptoms-and-diagnosis-of-brain,-spinal-cord,-and-nerve-disorders/numbness
This is typically evident during your neurological clinical exam and or specific tests ie nerve conductor tests, pinprik, gate assesments ie walking heel toe etc etc IF your associated neurological tests are 'normal', it absolutely doesn't mean these sensation aren't real, it's just that it's less likely to be caused by an underlying neurological condition if there isn't the neurological abnormalities corroborating what your feeling, if you don't know if your exam's are normal or not, it might be a good idea to get a copy of your neurological records.
You said "2 Years ago left leg had MASSIVE attack, all muscles seized, shooting electrical pains, lost use of it for 3 days, most pain I've ever been in my life, leg was mostly numb for 6 months, then it got better,"
This is also the left side but now it's progressed to include the entire leg and not just your left foot, I'd expect you couldn't ignore an entire leg this time, so you'd have to of had a medical exam and some type of tests run eg nerve conductor tests, MRI's, blood tests etc *what did your exam and test results find and what was this dxed as?
If you think about it, what first started happening a year ago and has mostly continued through to today, is very different to what you'd experienced previously, so it's either not connected or it has totally changed, with it no longer being an issue with just your left leg "thought I was having a stroke, face went flush, room got 1000 feet away, I collapsed, and from the moment I stood up, my leg was numb again, my face was numb, vision distorted, felt like I was extremely faint, weak, falling, distant, and although some days have been tolerable, this general feeling hasn't gone away for a year. the Brain Fogginess the worst / lingering symptom. "
IF there isn't enough oxygen or blood getting to your brain or heart, your brain basically goes into survival mode and focuses on trying to keep life sustaining organs working, everything else is totally unimportant so it's not unusual to experience mental confusion, distorted vision, paresthesias, faint, feel dizzy, loose balance, weakness, fatigue etc chronic hyperventilation syndrome, anxiety attacks, panic disorders, lung conditions, heart conditions, complicated migraines etc etc can cause fairly similar symptoms too.
In the last 2 weeks, what you've indicated as symptoms that you've constantly been living with over the last year, has unexpectedly worsened..."the numbness in my face I can feel all the way deep, from my neck, to in behind my ocular socket, my leg completely numb, center of my back is numb, Arm / pins n' Needles, elbow joint VERY tender, vision distorted, but the brain fog..." you've also mentioned trialing a number of different medications and nothing so far has helped, you didn't by chance stop, start or adjusted your medication(s) 2 weeks ago or experience something around that time to have triggered the worsening eg virus, chest or sinus infection, heavy lifting, air travel, diet changes, stressful event etc anything that could of been a trigger?
lol i've really run on and on, hopefully something in there does help.......JJ
COMMUNITY LEADER
We are honestly an open community, we all need help and support from other people regardless of being diagnosed or not, we clearly understand....
Firstly i wanted to bring to your attention the huge pink elephant you have riding on your shoulders, when you fear a situation, your fears are more likely to make things worse, you externally and internally behave differently than you normally do when you are without fear.
You Said "I'm living 1 day at a time, trying to allow myself to get in the room with people, and not completely retreat, I'm so spun out, I'm stuttering, and pausing, losing thoughts and words, and I feel like I'm fading away.
I was in the room for a brief meeting of peers and colleagues, briefly today, trying to keep my **** together.. many who know me, were asking if I was alright (I am not public about this)
Nevertheless, as much of a soldier as I "Think I'm Being" it's definitely visible now. "
Fear of communicating in social/professional situations is one issue thats practically impossible to hide, :D ask any Aspie (i've got 4 close family dx ASD). Your saying you believe this, what ever it is, is "escalating, getting tremendously worse" but 'what if' your dire thoughts-beliefs-reactions-predictions-etc are being fueled by your anxious fears and what's actually escalating and getting tremendously worse is primarily your mental health situation.
Think about it for a moment, as an artist i know you'll understand how your creativity is negatively or positively affected by your emotional health and in that same way a physical injury or disability can seem worse or not so bad by the state of your mental health.....so before your anxiety and depression control your life completely, take a step back, stay in the moment and breath....
You will not regret getting help for your mental health, just about everyone in our community would recommend the additional help and support when in medical limbo or if dxed so you are doing what's best for you in this moment [oops i've just noticed the time lol it's 1.45am over my side of the world so i better tootle off to bed and finish this when i can tomorrow]
Firstly i wanted to bring to your attention the huge pink elephant you have riding on your shoulders, when you fear a situation, your fears are more likely to make things worse, you externally and internally behave differently than you normally do when you are without fear.
You Said "I'm living 1 day at a time, trying to allow myself to get in the room with people, and not completely retreat, I'm so spun out, I'm stuttering, and pausing, losing thoughts and words, and I feel like I'm fading away.
I was in the room for a brief meeting of peers and colleagues, briefly today, trying to keep my **** together.. many who know me, were asking if I was alright (I am not public about this)
Nevertheless, as much of a soldier as I "Think I'm Being" it's definitely visible now. "
Fear of communicating in social/professional situations is one issue thats practically impossible to hide, :D ask any Aspie (i've got 4 close family dx ASD). Your saying you believe this, what ever it is, is "escalating, getting tremendously worse" but 'what if' your dire thoughts-beliefs-reactions-predictions-etc are being fueled by your anxious fears and what's actually escalating and getting tremendously worse is primarily your mental health situation.
Think about it for a moment, as an artist i know you'll understand how your creativity is negatively or positively affected by your emotional health and in that same way a physical injury or disability can seem worse or not so bad by the state of your mental health.....so before your anxiety and depression control your life completely, take a step back, stay in the moment and breath....
You will not regret getting help for your mental health, just about everyone in our community would recommend the additional help and support when in medical limbo or if dxed so you are doing what's best for you in this moment [oops i've just noticed the time lol it's 1.45am over my side of the world so i better tootle off to bed and finish this when i can tomorrow]
2 Comments
continued...
nor will you regret getting a cardio consult, though if you've worn a heart monitor and tried all blood pressure medications etc it's 'possibly' unrelated to your heart.
My mother was dx with hypertension a few years ago even though her halt monitor results wasn't abnormal. Medicated my mother experienced light headed, foggy brained, fuzzy vision and fainting, she changed dr's recently and the original symptoms that were supposedly heart related have now been dx-ed as a combination of arthritis and her anxiety, all the add on issues she was dealing with have gone since she's stopped taking the meds that were lowering her blood pressure below normal and dropping her with head movements.
I didn't have as much time as i thought sorry, i'll have to try again later...
nor will you regret getting a cardio consult, though if you've worn a heart monitor and tried all blood pressure medications etc it's 'possibly' unrelated to your heart.
My mother was dx with hypertension a few years ago even though her halt monitor results wasn't abnormal. Medicated my mother experienced light headed, foggy brained, fuzzy vision and fainting, she changed dr's recently and the original symptoms that were supposedly heart related have now been dx-ed as a combination of arthritis and her anxiety, all the add on issues she was dealing with have gone since she's stopped taking the meds that were lowering her blood pressure below normal and dropping her with head movements.
I didn't have as much time as i thought sorry, i'll have to try again later...
Thanks so much for all of your replies, I have my 1st Psychiatrist Appt. Tomorrow, with a specialist that deals with chronic illness and depression...
Again, although I am "Totally exploding" in here, I am completely with you 100% on the importance of this, and had already booked therapy before I came on here, it took a very long time to get the appointment.
Nevertheless, I'm completely of the mindset that I make my life, what ever experience I choose, by how I react to it. I am 20 years clean and sober (Heroin / Cocaine / Alcoholic) and I only got to where I am today, by completely trusting in help, advice, perspective, humility, vulnerability.
I know I'll be empowered tomorrow, on my 1st, of many meetings to come, I'm not a stranger to motivational mentors in my life, changing my perspective, therefore my experience, I've also booked a psychologist for the end of the month, and my Cardio appt. is coming up.
I know having these symptoms hover for a full year, and relapse out of nowhere, has also thrown me into a panic, this is a shift to me, although I have empowered myself in the past, to take control of my mental perspective, I was always the "One in control"
It was always my choice to either "Do the heroin, or Sober Up" and when I did the work, the problem was resolved,
This is a very big shift for me, having no control over what my body, and brain lets me do, or when I'll end up in the ER from the Syncope episodes.
I'm looking forward to having a little therapy support, and a dialog with tools to help cope, being a "Control Freak" with no control over this (Which is the real issue)
I really just hope I can get a diagnosis soon, so i can get some kind of treatment idea, options, and I'm not spending so much time completely untreated.
Anyways, I appreciate the conversation and support on here, thank-you again.
Again, although I am "Totally exploding" in here, I am completely with you 100% on the importance of this, and had already booked therapy before I came on here, it took a very long time to get the appointment.
Nevertheless, I'm completely of the mindset that I make my life, what ever experience I choose, by how I react to it. I am 20 years clean and sober (Heroin / Cocaine / Alcoholic) and I only got to where I am today, by completely trusting in help, advice, perspective, humility, vulnerability.
I know I'll be empowered tomorrow, on my 1st, of many meetings to come, I'm not a stranger to motivational mentors in my life, changing my perspective, therefore my experience, I've also booked a psychologist for the end of the month, and my Cardio appt. is coming up.
I know having these symptoms hover for a full year, and relapse out of nowhere, has also thrown me into a panic, this is a shift to me, although I have empowered myself in the past, to take control of my mental perspective, I was always the "One in control"
It was always my choice to either "Do the heroin, or Sober Up" and when I did the work, the problem was resolved,
This is a very big shift for me, having no control over what my body, and brain lets me do, or when I'll end up in the ER from the Syncope episodes.
I'm looking forward to having a little therapy support, and a dialog with tools to help cope, being a "Control Freak" with no control over this (Which is the real issue)
I really just hope I can get a diagnosis soon, so i can get some kind of treatment idea, options, and I'm not spending so much time completely untreated.
Anyways, I appreciate the conversation and support on here, thank-you again.
Thanks for commenting all... Yes, I actually have therapy / Neuro Psych eval, as well as physio appointments booked, and I'm forcing my self on long walks to try to get centered, even though this seems to be progressing, not letting up.
My extreme 100% of the time 24/7 "Brain fog / light headed / falling / loss of internal balance / distorted vision" is the source of most of my anxiety / depression / fear, and it's whats making my days seem overwhelming.
JJ / Supermom, I'm assuming that is the "Abnormal Neurological Clinical signs" I might have, as well as all of the numbness with no signs of injury or "Incident"
Although I'm also realizing that 2 months before my 1st episode (The leg) I was vaccinated with every inoculation known to mankind for my Green Card (Which I mentioned to my neurologist, with no concern)
As for the complete returning loss of the feeling of part of my left leg, with this recent relapse, (I can literally put a pin, way into my Knee and not feel it at all / completely numb) and the tingling / partially asleep hand, foot, face, I don't really care, it's all about the "State" my brain is in, I feel very horrifically stoned, fatigued and weak.
I do actually have a Cardio follow up, booked at the end of the month (I've already been tested extensively, wearing heart monitor pack for 48 hours, Echo of my heart, my Blood pressure always reads "Perfect" when I'm in the ER, or the Neurologist, only dropped on the tilt table.... My Neurologist said that it's likely Neurogenic Syncope, where the nerves aren't communicating the proper regulation / request for blood flow.
Neurogenic Hypotension.
They have tried exactly 17 different meds so far, all Blood Pressure, Steroid, Salt retension, Diuretics, sleeping pills, andti depressants, last round was Fludrocortozone, Mitodrine, and Mirtazapine, for Salt retention, Blood Pressure regulation, and sleep.
It all made things seem worse. the Prednisone before that (Made me take 2 rounds) seemed to make things worse... it all just feels a little toxic, so I'm really trying to switch off the meds, as soon as I don't see an improvement in a few days, especially if there's a decline... and there's been a steady decline.
Nevertheless.... I'm living 1 day at a time, trying to allow myself to get in the room with people, and not completely retreat, I'm so spun out, I'm stuttering, and pausing, losing thoughts and words, and I feel like I'm fading away.
I was in the room for a brief meeting of peers and colleagues, briefly today, trying to keep my **** together.. many who know me, were asking if I was alright (I am not public about this)
Nevertheless, as much of a soldier as I "Think I'm Being" it's definitely visible now.
I just wish there were some pre meds, that generally helped me through this condition, into the next remission (if I ever get another one) the biggest problem for me, is this escalating, getting tremendously worse, without any test result indications, so I'm not undergoing ANY treatment for my condition.. the only treatment I'm getting is for one side effect (Syncope on the tilt table)
The things I read about things being a little more "Manageable" these days, are largely because of the treatments, so, what ever condition I have, just left to progress, and worsen, I might as well be in the 1800's.
Man, I hope everyone out there is doing well. I know everyone out there is suffering, and to take the time, to give me advice, with my suffering, is not lost on me, you are all incredible people for participating in these conversations, and forming a sense of community, I hope everyone is well, and feeling strong, and overcoming.
I'm "Exploding" on here, and "Showing my fear", As I feel I may be losing the faculties to communicate / participate in my life, but I am, for the most part, living one day at a time, and pushing myself to do as much as I can.
I've given everything thus far to my career, and in the end, haven't ended up married, with kids / family / intimacy / support, And I'm never going to let my dear ol mom worry about me... so, my posts, and your responses are my only real interactions, I apologize if they're a little intense.
Everyone have an amazing weekend!
My extreme 100% of the time 24/7 "Brain fog / light headed / falling / loss of internal balance / distorted vision" is the source of most of my anxiety / depression / fear, and it's whats making my days seem overwhelming.
JJ / Supermom, I'm assuming that is the "Abnormal Neurological Clinical signs" I might have, as well as all of the numbness with no signs of injury or "Incident"
Although I'm also realizing that 2 months before my 1st episode (The leg) I was vaccinated with every inoculation known to mankind for my Green Card (Which I mentioned to my neurologist, with no concern)
As for the complete returning loss of the feeling of part of my left leg, with this recent relapse, (I can literally put a pin, way into my Knee and not feel it at all / completely numb) and the tingling / partially asleep hand, foot, face, I don't really care, it's all about the "State" my brain is in, I feel very horrifically stoned, fatigued and weak.
I do actually have a Cardio follow up, booked at the end of the month (I've already been tested extensively, wearing heart monitor pack for 48 hours, Echo of my heart, my Blood pressure always reads "Perfect" when I'm in the ER, or the Neurologist, only dropped on the tilt table.... My Neurologist said that it's likely Neurogenic Syncope, where the nerves aren't communicating the proper regulation / request for blood flow.
Neurogenic Hypotension.
They have tried exactly 17 different meds so far, all Blood Pressure, Steroid, Salt retension, Diuretics, sleeping pills, andti depressants, last round was Fludrocortozone, Mitodrine, and Mirtazapine, for Salt retention, Blood Pressure regulation, and sleep.
It all made things seem worse. the Prednisone before that (Made me take 2 rounds) seemed to make things worse... it all just feels a little toxic, so I'm really trying to switch off the meds, as soon as I don't see an improvement in a few days, especially if there's a decline... and there's been a steady decline.
Nevertheless.... I'm living 1 day at a time, trying to allow myself to get in the room with people, and not completely retreat, I'm so spun out, I'm stuttering, and pausing, losing thoughts and words, and I feel like I'm fading away.
I was in the room for a brief meeting of peers and colleagues, briefly today, trying to keep my **** together.. many who know me, were asking if I was alright (I am not public about this)
Nevertheless, as much of a soldier as I "Think I'm Being" it's definitely visible now.
I just wish there were some pre meds, that generally helped me through this condition, into the next remission (if I ever get another one) the biggest problem for me, is this escalating, getting tremendously worse, without any test result indications, so I'm not undergoing ANY treatment for my condition.. the only treatment I'm getting is for one side effect (Syncope on the tilt table)
The things I read about things being a little more "Manageable" these days, are largely because of the treatments, so, what ever condition I have, just left to progress, and worsen, I might as well be in the 1800's.
Man, I hope everyone out there is doing well. I know everyone out there is suffering, and to take the time, to give me advice, with my suffering, is not lost on me, you are all incredible people for participating in these conversations, and forming a sense of community, I hope everyone is well, and feeling strong, and overcoming.
I'm "Exploding" on here, and "Showing my fear", As I feel I may be losing the faculties to communicate / participate in my life, but I am, for the most part, living one day at a time, and pushing myself to do as much as I can.
I've given everything thus far to my career, and in the end, haven't ended up married, with kids / family / intimacy / support, And I'm never going to let my dear ol mom worry about me... so, my posts, and your responses are my only real interactions, I apologize if they're a little intense.
Everyone have an amazing weekend!
I think most will admit to brainfog "lay down for quiet time.
Few yrs ago I was paralized for a week. dr thought I had a stroke.
right now one eye blurry. eye dr sent it's ms the damage can't clear up with glasses.
when things are foggy...I play "The Preachers Wife"dvd it calms me. I seem to get better at 7pm. yes I'm in a wheelchair.
Few yrs ago I was paralized for a week. dr thought I had a stroke.
right now one eye blurry. eye dr sent it's ms the damage can't clear up with glasses.
when things are foggy...I play "The Preachers Wife"dvd it calms me. I seem to get better at 7pm. yes I'm in a wheelchair.
Hi. I'm also new to this group and this is my first time posting a comment. I can relate to many of the frustrations/symptoms you describe. I am not a Dr or therapist, but I think super mum has given you good advice. I can relate to much of what you describe.
I have been dealing with vertigo/dizziness since 1999. I was diagnosed with Meniere's and struggled with it for 11 years before having a labrynthectomy (surgical removal of the inner ear). When the balance issues resurfaced 2 years later, I was diagnosed with MS. My brain MRI had always shown lesions consistent with MS, but the definite diagnosis of Meniere's kept possible MS in the background until vestibular issues were definitively not the culprit any longer.
My point is that vertigo and balance issues can have many different causes and can be difficult to diagnose. This is extremely frustrating for the patient. I also experience that feeling of "losing it", feeling like I'm not really there, and needing to sleep it off (which could take days). I have felt like I was a crazy person and I've been asked if I was drunk when I certainly wasn't.
I am currently on a DMD for MS, but I also take an antidepressant and I do talk therapy. The anxiety and depression and uncertainty of it all can make physical symptoms worse, for sure. It's hard to feel so crummy and not have a diagnosis, but normal test results are also important information as they eliminate certain illnesses or conditions.
It's not a journey we choose, but we're on it anyway. I am sympathetic to what you are going through. I hope you will find relief, even if not explanations. It's hard; I get it. It's more manageable with help, so don't overlook whatever options you have for mental health assistance. Might as well take advantage of that, because the medical process can be really long.
Best of luck to you. You're not alone.
-SnapNB
I have been dealing with vertigo/dizziness since 1999. I was diagnosed with Meniere's and struggled with it for 11 years before having a labrynthectomy (surgical removal of the inner ear). When the balance issues resurfaced 2 years later, I was diagnosed with MS. My brain MRI had always shown lesions consistent with MS, but the definite diagnosis of Meniere's kept possible MS in the background until vestibular issues were definitively not the culprit any longer.
My point is that vertigo and balance issues can have many different causes and can be difficult to diagnose. This is extremely frustrating for the patient. I also experience that feeling of "losing it", feeling like I'm not really there, and needing to sleep it off (which could take days). I have felt like I was a crazy person and I've been asked if I was drunk when I certainly wasn't.
I am currently on a DMD for MS, but I also take an antidepressant and I do talk therapy. The anxiety and depression and uncertainty of it all can make physical symptoms worse, for sure. It's hard to feel so crummy and not have a diagnosis, but normal test results are also important information as they eliminate certain illnesses or conditions.
It's not a journey we choose, but we're on it anyway. I am sympathetic to what you are going through. I hope you will find relief, even if not explanations. It's hard; I get it. It's more manageable with help, so don't overlook whatever options you have for mental health assistance. Might as well take advantage of that, because the medical process can be really long.
Best of luck to you. You're not alone.
-SnapNB
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi and welcome,
The most important issue you need to seek immediate help for is the mental health issue you acknowledge as a problem too, that in no way dismisses everything that you've been dealing with as a mental health issue.....you are dealing with high levels of depression, fear and anxiety which is affecting your personal and profession life and that alone requires professional medical attention before it potentially gets any worse!
It's not hard to understand why mental health is very important, how you react, accept and cope is significantly affected by the state of your mental health....depression and anxiety can make anything seem completely overwhelming, a major component of depression is fatigue, the condition robs you of your energy, desires and motivation. Just putting one foot in front of the other is exhausting when your dealing with depression and when you add disrupted sleep because of your anxious, fearful thoughts with worst case projections etc your mind is constantly spinning, so it's no wonder cognitive issues eg foggy brain, decision making, avoidance, impulse control, creativity, concentration etc etc are also a part of dealing with mental health issues too.
Please don't wait, pick up the phone and make a mental health appointment and be proactive in changing your tomorrows!
In regards to MS, please try not to focus your thoughts onto a neurological condition like MS, the likely hood that your symptoms are neurological caused when you don't have any suggestive or consistent diagnostic evidence, honestly means other medical explanations are realistically just more likely.....
Keep in mind that with MS, 'contrast' is basically used to distinguish old demyelinating lesions from the new ones, new demyelinating lesions will light up like Christmas tree lights with contrast, but new lesions will still show up on non-contrast MRI's...IF you have had multiple brain and spinal MRI's and no lesions have ever shown without contrast, running contrast MRI's wouldn't of changed those results.
Part of determining the potential neurological causation are your clinical signs, what abnormal clinical signs you have will help distinguish causation....you've mentioned sensory symptoms (pins-needles, pain and numbness) and if there wasn't an injury or event to explain it, it still should of been diagnostically evident during your neurological assessments eg true numbness is a complete loss of feeling which is typically evident on the sensory, reflex and various gate assessments, do you know what abnormal neurological clinical signs you have?
If the only abnormal test results you have is the failed tilt table, it would be worth considering getting the opinion of a cardio specialist...."If your blood pressure drops and stays low during the test, you may faint or feel lightheaded. This can happen either with an abnormally slow heart rate or with a fast heart rate. That’s because your brain isn’t getting enough blood for the moment. (This is corrected as soon as you are tilted back to the flat position.) Your heart rate may not be adapting as the table tilts upward, or your blood vessels may not be squeezing hard enough to support your blood pressure.
Feeling lightheaded or fainting may be caused by taking certain medicines, severe dehydration, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), prolonged bed rest and certain nervous system disorders that cause low blood pressure."
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/DiagnosingaHeartAttack/Tilt-Table-Test_UCM_446441_Article.jsp
I'd highly recommend you shift your focus away from thinking about and treating a medical condition that you may never be diagnosed with and redirect your focus towards getting more complete information, understandings and treatment of what you absolutely know to be factually true today and go from there...
hope that helps.........JJ
The most important issue you need to seek immediate help for is the mental health issue you acknowledge as a problem too, that in no way dismisses everything that you've been dealing with as a mental health issue.....you are dealing with high levels of depression, fear and anxiety which is affecting your personal and profession life and that alone requires professional medical attention before it potentially gets any worse!
It's not hard to understand why mental health is very important, how you react, accept and cope is significantly affected by the state of your mental health....depression and anxiety can make anything seem completely overwhelming, a major component of depression is fatigue, the condition robs you of your energy, desires and motivation. Just putting one foot in front of the other is exhausting when your dealing with depression and when you add disrupted sleep because of your anxious, fearful thoughts with worst case projections etc your mind is constantly spinning, so it's no wonder cognitive issues eg foggy brain, decision making, avoidance, impulse control, creativity, concentration etc etc are also a part of dealing with mental health issues too.
Please don't wait, pick up the phone and make a mental health appointment and be proactive in changing your tomorrows!
In regards to MS, please try not to focus your thoughts onto a neurological condition like MS, the likely hood that your symptoms are neurological caused when you don't have any suggestive or consistent diagnostic evidence, honestly means other medical explanations are realistically just more likely.....
Keep in mind that with MS, 'contrast' is basically used to distinguish old demyelinating lesions from the new ones, new demyelinating lesions will light up like Christmas tree lights with contrast, but new lesions will still show up on non-contrast MRI's...IF you have had multiple brain and spinal MRI's and no lesions have ever shown without contrast, running contrast MRI's wouldn't of changed those results.
Part of determining the potential neurological causation are your clinical signs, what abnormal clinical signs you have will help distinguish causation....you've mentioned sensory symptoms (pins-needles, pain and numbness) and if there wasn't an injury or event to explain it, it still should of been diagnostically evident during your neurological assessments eg true numbness is a complete loss of feeling which is typically evident on the sensory, reflex and various gate assessments, do you know what abnormal neurological clinical signs you have?
If the only abnormal test results you have is the failed tilt table, it would be worth considering getting the opinion of a cardio specialist...."If your blood pressure drops and stays low during the test, you may faint or feel lightheaded. This can happen either with an abnormally slow heart rate or with a fast heart rate. That’s because your brain isn’t getting enough blood for the moment. (This is corrected as soon as you are tilted back to the flat position.) Your heart rate may not be adapting as the table tilts upward, or your blood vessels may not be squeezing hard enough to support your blood pressure.
Feeling lightheaded or fainting may be caused by taking certain medicines, severe dehydration, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), prolonged bed rest and certain nervous system disorders that cause low blood pressure."
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/DiagnosingaHeartAttack/Tilt-Table-Test_UCM_446441_Article.jsp
I'd highly recommend you shift your focus away from thinking about and treating a medical condition that you may never be diagnosed with and redirect your focus towards getting more complete information, understandings and treatment of what you absolutely know to be factually true today and go from there...
hope that helps.........JJ
2 Comments
Not a mental Issue! MS in a very hard disease to to figure out.
The most important issue you need to seek immediate help for is the mental health issue you acknowledge as a problem too, that in no way dismisses everything that you've been dealing with as a mental health issue.....you are dealing with high levels of depression, fear and anxiety which is affecting your personal and profession life and that alone requires professional medical attention before it potentially gets any worse!
The most important issue you need to seek immediate help for is the mental health issue you acknowledge as a problem too, that in no way dismisses everything that you've been dealing with as a mental health issue.....you are dealing with high levels of depression, fear and anxiety which is affecting your personal and profession life and that alone requires professional medical attention before it potentially gets any worse!
sandraeb; i'm not exactly sure why you quoted part of what i wrote, i think you might have misinterpreted my response to SuperReverb if what you got out of it, was me saying that it was a mental health issue, i thought i'd made it clear that i wasn't saying that.
Mental health issues can be a sensitive subject for people to talk about, yet it is a very serious and life altering issue that can happen to anybody, regardless of MS or not!
Anyone who is dealing with depression and or anxiety as described by 'SuperReverb' should be proactively placing their mental health at the very top of their medical list of priorities.
To not seek professional help and support for a medical situation like anxiety and depression is understandably not in anyone's best interest, just like any other medical condition, anxiety and depression honestly can get worse if you don't seek medical help and support.
When ever someone is brave enough to mention their mental health situation, i genuinely feel it honesty deserves to be respectfully acknowledged as part of the discussion, just like we would with any other topic we openly discuss in our Medhelp MS community.
Hope that helps.....JJ
Mental health issues can be a sensitive subject for people to talk about, yet it is a very serious and life altering issue that can happen to anybody, regardless of MS or not!
Anyone who is dealing with depression and or anxiety as described by 'SuperReverb' should be proactively placing their mental health at the very top of their medical list of priorities.
To not seek professional help and support for a medical situation like anxiety and depression is understandably not in anyone's best interest, just like any other medical condition, anxiety and depression honestly can get worse if you don't seek medical help and support.
When ever someone is brave enough to mention their mental health situation, i genuinely feel it honesty deserves to be respectfully acknowledged as part of the discussion, just like we would with any other topic we openly discuss in our Medhelp MS community.
Hope that helps.....JJ
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