CT came out negative, but something was definitely wrong

[melissa743]

A few years ago, I was having a twisting feeling in my chest after taking Celexa.  During that time, I had a really intense pain in my right arm and neck- I literally couldn't move my arm or neck without feeling terrible pain.  That same night I felt a weird, indescribable feeling in the middle of my head and simultaneously my eyes opened.  The next thing I know I felt this electric shock go down from my neck to my legs.  I couldn't move anything but my neck for two days.  For a period of time, my speech was slurred and I had trouble putting together sentences.  People had trouble understanding what I was saying. I even had trouble remembering relatives, crossing the street, distinguishing the difference between sizes, and putting batteries into a remote. Years have gone by and I am now able to function-but not the same.
     Two to three years after the incident, I got a CT and MRI scan from a workman's comp doctor that came out negative. Yet I can't believe nothing is wrong.  I want to find out what happened and why.  Can you offer any suggestions? Thank you

[melissa743]

When I started to heavily bleed (during my periods) from the citalopram, the psychiatrist told me to get off the drug immediately.  That same night is the time I felt something change in the middle of my head and I couldn't  move.  

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Citalopram, just like other medications, does have side effects. Some people may experience somnolence/fatigue, anorexia, anxiety, agitation, difficulty concentrating, confusion, migraine, and even have episode of amnesia. Other side effects include rashes, sexual dysfunction, abdominal pain, tremor, paresthesias, nausa, and sweating.

The inability to move is concerning. Did you have an MRI performed of your cervical spine? Are you still symptomatic from this? Are you still taking citalopram? I suggest that you discuss your concerns with the physician who prescribed citalopram and determine if an alternative would be indicated. Also, if you are still experiencing symptoms and an MRI of the cervical spine was not performed, it may be worthwhile performing to evaluate for other possibilities such as transverse myelitis. Additional testing, such as a spinal tap, may also be recommended.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.