unable to focus when reading, foggy and feeling of being disconnect

[Ranger01]

I've been experiencing some odd symptoms over the past few years and they have since gotten worse and now concerning to me.  My vision is constanly bothering me and I have a hard time focusing on words when reading.  In the past I've had spells of blurred vision followed by a lathargic state and then a pounding headache.  This headache sometimes lasted for more than 24 hours.  About 3 years ago, I had an MRI done and all came back clear.  I recently had bloodwork done and thought Diabetes was the case, but all results came back clear except my liver count (elavated AST and ALT).  I'm still going through some tests for the liver, but already had an ultrasound and Hep A,B,C test which were all clear. The blurry vision/foggy feeling has me concerned since I have recently been to the eye doctor and all was good. He simply gave me computer glasses and sent me on my way. The feeling is almost like being intoxicated and being disconnected. When I have conversations with people, it's hard to concentrate on that subject and even hard to remember what was talked about earlier. I'm a 31 year old male (6'1 210lbs) and in relatively decent shape.  I drank alcohol somewhat heavily on the weekends in college, but have 3-6 drinks a weekend at the most now.  

It's gotten to the point that I'm stressing about it and searching the internet for any clues.....If you have the same symptoms and hopefully a suggestion, please let me know. Any help is appreciated.  It seems that doctors have shrugged it off and I'm desperate for answers.

[Golfer01]

Hi

I don't usually respond to these medical sites but i thought I would on this occasion. Unfortunately I am not a medical person who can offer you advice, just someone who suffers from similar problems to youself but in fact a lot worse.  However I have given up on finding a cause although I am still undergoing investigative procedures.  Because off the symptoms however no one believes a thing I tell them.

Even writing this email is causing me issues at this moment as not only my vision is effected but also my hand coordination.

I have problems with my vision, jumpy eyes, reading, typing (finger coordination), dizziness.  I also have problems with thoracic back pain between my shoulder blades, neck pain, burning feet and groin problems which I won't go into although I believe that all the problems are related in some way as they all started within a month of each other.  I believe the problems basically relate to 6 weeks of Chiropractic treatment I received a few years back.  I was in agonysing pain for around a year after the treatment and in fact was only having minor pain beforehand.

The vision, jumpy eyes, puch drunk feeling, coordination problems, dizziness, ONLY seem to be really bad when either my neck gets very stiff and sore or especially when I get an extreme pain between my shoulder blades, almost like a large burning knot.  I initially had the symptoms continuously for a period of 3-4 months but then the back pain eased off along with a reduction in the vision problems etc.

However I only need to bend the wrong way or lift something to heavy and the centre of my back feels like it is on fire and all my vision issues start up again.  I basically find it hard to function at work at all when this occurs.  My short term memory also suffers terribly.

I have had MRI scans of my back except for my neck.  They show some kind of shadow between my shoulder blades which they believe is a "schmorls's node" (excuse the spelling if I've got it wrong).  However they say it should not cause these problems.

Currently awaiting a MRI scan of my neck which although is causing me a lot of pain recently, I am sure it is the centre of my back that is the root of the problem.

Only really replying to find out if you experience any of the other symptoms I get, especially back or neck probelms.

As I said earlier just writing this email has been difficult as I am having vision/coordination problems at the moment.  I have made at least 30 typo errors which I have had to correct in the few sentences I have written.

Hope to hear from you.  Hope things get better for you.

I have given up and basically just try to live for the days when I do not feel as bad.

Thank

Barry

[expatandconfused]

Barry,
I also understand your problem.  I suffer from blurred/ double vision, dizziness and balance problems. I cannot focus my eyes, and sometimes I feel like it's hard to talk or type or think clearly. I won't even get started on the pain/pressure in the back of my neck. When I turn my neck I feel like there is sand there, and sometime the pain radiates in my right arm. I cannot focus at work and I get extremely tirred very fast. At night I see halos around lights (yet a slit lamp test revealed no glaucome or cornea problems)and generally speaking I have really weird vision in which I don't have good clarity of what is close and what is far away. Doctors have put the following diagnoses: migraines with aura, ocular migraine, anxiety and stress, depression, neurosomatic disorder, very dry eyes. If you ask me, they have no clue what they are doing. The only depression and stress I have is the one inflicted by their incapacity for offering a proper diagnosis. I am 23 , young female and very healthy until 4 months ago. I am waiting now for an MRI.
Barry take care and don't give up. Never give up - I have had stress in my life but never ever felt this way. Doctors sometimes say things to get you off their backs cause they don't know what's wrong and they won't admit they have no clue.

[Golfer01]

Hi Expatandconfused

Sorry to hear you have so many problems at such a young age.

I'm 47 and my problems started just under 2 years ago, so I have had a reasonably healthy life until then. I was a fairly young looking, active, happy go lucky type of guy.  

How things have changed. Losing weight, bags developing under my eyes etc. Like yourself I do feel stress and depression but as you say these are caused by the symptoms and the lack of interest from the medical profession to investigate the cause of the problems.

Also like youself I get problems when turning my neck although more of a continuous cracking sound than gritty sand feeling.  I also get pain radiating down both arms and into my hands.  Feels as if the pain is right in the bone sometimes.

I assume like me you are awaiting an MRI of your neck area.  

I do feel that the dizziness, lack of concentration, coordination problems are related to the spine but in my case although the symtoms do get worse with the sore neck, they get much worse, as they are at the moment, when I get the burning pain between my shoulder blades.

I am currently undergoing a form of treatment to try and resolve the burning pain in my feet.  The last time I visited the consultant my back pain and neck pain were not to bad but lo and behold a month later and they are as bad as they have ever been.  Hopefully when I see him again in a couple of months he will investigate the problem.

I hope that your MRI shows something that can be treated.

Take care.

[Diamond Jersey]

Oh my God! I can't beleive there are others out there with these same problems I am having. I am 33 and very healthy, but for the past 2 years I haven't been feeling very good at all. I to have had these spells where I'm sitting there and suddenly my eyes go blurry then my eyes are blinded for about 60 seconds more or less and when I come out of it i have to go lay down and sleep, it drains me and this is the first time it has happened this year just last week. In 2006 this has happened 3 times but I thought it was just my eyes, so I got frustrated and went to an eye doctor and he tells me my vision is prefect and that I needed to see a neuroligist. He said that I may have some either blocked or clogged artiers and that the blood may not be flowing to the brain normally. So anyways I had to go to the hospital 2 days ago,they did give me pain medication because my head has a bad pain in it the whole back I can't even touch it and the pain is getting worse sitting here typing but I want to try and finish, the hospital also got me in today to see a doctor (Neurology) he checked me over asked me about how I was feeling. Dizziness, blurred vision, eyes not stabble in the morning or anytime I sleep, numbness and tiggling in my legs, feet and toes, major pain in my head, fever, my vision is the worst and then he checks me over and says I need a MRI on my neck, what the neck? I'm thinking I have no idea whats thats about because there is no pain in my neck. I also have chronic lower back pain and had an MRI done for the lower back for at least 6 years now. I'm so sorry I will need to come back another day my head really hurts, I can't do this anymore, but I feel where your coming from it's very scarey to feel this and not know whats going on. I will pray for an answer for all of us.

Take care.

[Diamond Jersey]

Oh my doctor asked me today if I was undergoing any treatment for my back and I told him no he said DON'T even start because things will get alot more worse and said if I was having any treatment of any kind not to bother at all.

[ac1895]

I been having all the same problems as everyone and its makes me nuts this all started in the end of feb i was bowling and a threw a bowling ball down the lanes and all of a sudden i felt dizziness foggy my vision was all screwed up and i have problems concertrated this is now july and its still here i have been threw every test mri stress test artiries check ecog inner ear test and nothing the only thing i have left to check is my neck and back people are telling me its depression but i know for a fact its not cause its happens to me in places i love like the bowling alley and atlantic city also i have notice that light bother me if anyone can help me please reach out and for those people who are like me please dont give up and be strong thanks for listening My name is Anthony

[medco]

that sounds like depersonalization, particularly the "feeling disconnected part." you should look into it.

[CaliChiarian]

After reading - at times just trying to make out the words- what you have all described, it is also what I have been dealing with, along with a lot of pain and headaches.  I had an MRI of my cervical spine after a car accident in 2004, but even then, the radiologist did not write about what I DO have.  I have been diagnosed with Chiari Malformation.  It is rare and there are only a few doctors that specialize in Chiari.  Chiari is a herniation of the Cereberal (sp?) tonsils past the Foramen Magnum.  Look into it and ask your doctor.  Most heard about Chiari in Med school but like my PCP who has been in practice over 30 years, I was the first case he had seen.

Hope this helps someone.

www.chiairchamps.proboards77.com

[stonem]

[stonem]

[stonem]

I think you may have a mild traumatic brain injury which often go undiagnosed for years.  You don't necessarily even have to hit your head to sustain one.  Even a whiplash type of accident can cause a mild traumatic brain injury.  In some cases the damage is caused by your brain hitting against your own skull, much like shaken baby syndrom (syndrome).  Try calling the help line at the Brain Injury Association of America or go to www.mybrainconnections.com for helpful information and links.

[Eldo87]

hey stonem you mentiones mild traumatic brain injury, i have been experiencing what i think are panic attacks, it starts what a weird feeling in my stomach that spreads through my chest and my heart starts to beat really fast and i begin to sweat, then after that i feel very weird like i he says " disconnected" and i have experienced a lot of sleep paralysis while trying to go to sleep and some after waking up. Now i know it can either be panic/anxiety attacks or temporal lobe seizures but i remember when i was like 12 years old i got banged pretty good in the back of the head playing around with my brother, so could i have a traumatic brain injury? my family thinks im a hypocondriac or how do you spell that?...please help me this is really stressful. thanks

[Delta Elise]

Eldo87, it sounds like the classic panic attacks. I was born with them as well as depression, agoraphobia and ocd. Through the years, the dominant symptoms seem to change. It's hard to live with, but we can. I have found that group therapy and a low dose of xanax help. I take the xanax only when having a panic attack and it helps. I refuse to take anti depressants anymore though.

[Delta Elise]

Firomyalgia is a possibility but Drs. are leary of that diagnosis

[Eldo87]

Hey delta thanks for the response, you think they are panic attacks?...im so relieved i thought it was something more serious even though a panic attack feels very bad. can this happen during sleep? i remember i was dreaming something then i felt this fear surround me but i didnt wake up at that time, then when i woke up i tried to go to sleep again and just as i was falling asleep it happened again, i couldnt move or anything but this fear surrounded me again and i was conscious the whole time, then i remember some kind of shaking and then i could move like nothing happened...is this something i should be worried about?

[Delta Elise]

When I had the worst panic attack of my life back in 1999 and they put me in the hospital, I had yet to be diagnosed even though I had been going to Drs. asking why I had those symptoms since I was a young girl. Anyway, a Dr. finally took the time to find out why I was having these awful symptoms. He gave me all kinds of tests to rule out other things like hypothyroidism, or this and that and he found nothing wrong with my blood work that could cause the symptoms so he sat down and talked to me and I told him how I felt. He said I was suffering from major depression and panic attacks go hand in hand with that. He gave me prozac and xanax. As time went by, I began to feel a little better then it all hit me again and he said I needed to go to the mental health center. I went and I still go to this day. I was diagnosed with major depression, panic and anxiety disorder, agoraphobia and ocd. After six years I quit the prozac because it began to work against me and now I only take xanax when I need one. I will always have this and have to accept it, but knowledge is power so realizing what is wrong helps me to not feed the fear and make the attacks worse. It's a long hard battle especially since I am now suffering from several physical problems as well along with chronic pain.
My advice to you would be to go to your Dr and tell him what you suspect about the panic attacks and ask him to give a few tests to rule out other things that may mimic the same symptoms, then you can work from there. Most communities offer mental health services free of charge if one cannot afford them. There are sites that can tell you the symptoms and how to work through the panic attack. Good luck and try to get the tests done to rule out any other causes :)

[Shunes]

I too have been suffering from alot of these same symptoms for about 4 years now. Started out as fatigue and blurred vision and escalated on to hallucinations and severe fatigue coupled with headaches and back aches. I went to my PCP and he told me that I had developed an allergy to the city air (I come from a suburban environment). I started taking medication immediately and the problem seemed to subside. Now lately it seems to have returned even worse than before. I have tunnel vision, blurred vision, lack of hand-eye coordination, inability to keep my train of thought and I am always fuzzy. It is as if I were tipsy all of the time. I wake up this way and it just gets worse through out the day.

I am 33 and in relatively good shape, no history of neurological problems in my family or diabetes. I do have lower back problems from sitting all of the time at work and I have seen a chiropractor about it. I do have mild sciatica if that is important. This problem has me at the end of my rope. My doctor doesn't believe it is anything more than allergies but no matter what I do I cannot make it stop. The worst part is that my short term memory is completely shot and I am unable to focus at work. Any other thoughts on this issue are definitely apprecated.

[Nazareth434]

Good golly- The more I read this site, the more I realize that others are experiencing what I thought were just wierd unexplainable problems and which I feel stupid trying to explain to hte Docs along with the myriad of other symptoms- so I just don't mention them to Docs- don't want htem thinking I'm just a hypocrondriac, but am concerned about htem anyways. Yep- vision is really wierd- hard to focus on both near and far things- then when I do get them in focus, they blur, shimmer, and wobble. Like others here- eye examines show 'perfect vision, no glaucoma or other eye problems.' Another thing I'm experiencing lately is a very pronounced, disorienting 'strobe lite-like effect and when I look at something, it it like seeing it through a fisheye lens and the thing I'm looking at is flashing like a strobe light- it can last about 20 minutes or so, then it dissappears. It's very intermittent, and only happens about 2-4 times a month- but some months it doesn't happen.

It's very hard to concentrate, and to follow written words, and the cognitive issues just seem like trying to think with a bad flu- like your brain is trying to wade through mud- or trying to think rationally when your overtired and your mind is exhausted and can't htink striaght. Not bragging here- but I have a high IQ, and was always a sharp thinking person with a near photographic memory- never had to 'study'  for quizzes/exams in school- only had to very quickly skim the reading material and could recall the pages, paragraphs and words- could see them in my mind just as htough I had the book open infront of me. Now however, I imagine talking to me is like talking to someone who is whacked out on drugs and isn't too coherent- I can't seem to explain things well anymore, can't follow directions anymore, when someone tries explaining things to me, their instructions get all jumbled up, and I lose track of what they had previously said.

Sorry for gooing on about that- But yeah, the vision  thing is a wierd symptom to be sure, and you're not alone in that- Sure would like to find a Doc who has experienced patients with similar problems such as this because most docs just look at you funny when you try to explain somethign like 'wobbling vision' to them. Reading has become a real chore because of this- I was always an avid reader too- now, I just can't concentrate and forget what previous sections were about, and just lose track of what the subject is about, and have to struggle to even keep what I'm reading in focus- I was always a very fast reader, and comprehended what I read, and could see what I'd read in my mind afterwards- Now, that's all gone from me- Short term memory shot- even long term memory seems somehow distant and surreal, and I wonder if I'm even recalling htings correctly anymore- and I feel like a dolt trying to explain this to docs. As they say, of all the things I've lost before, I miss my mind the most! And my clear vision as well-

Thing is, the vision thing isn't quite bad enough to affect things liek driving, walking, but it seems like it will progress to that point at anytime, but visoin docs don't find anything wrong- very frustrating having htese symptoms and not knowing what is causing htem and not knowing what to do to treat the problem.

I'venoticed over hte years though that some nutrients/herbs will seem to help slightly- Things likej Ginkgo Biloba for sharpening htem ind seem to help clear the vision up slightly- the problem will still be there, but less pronounced- but it only works for a short time- this tells me that there must be a physical problem going on- not a psychological one- These nutrients will physically alter something (like increase blood flow or whatever some of htem do) and it will help symptoms like the blurry vission- so there must be a physical connection to the problem somewhere along hte line- But docs it seems don't liek to be bothered with obscure problems like this and don't inverstigate, and will instead write it off as being 'depression related' and prescribe anti-depressents, just to get us to stop mentioning somethign to htem that they can't explain I guess. Sorry, but I'm not into taking anti-depressents just so I can become an apathetic emotionless dolt who is too drugged up to question anythign anymore!

[fayzee1]

Have you seen a Rheumatologist? Fibromyalgia possibly?

[fayzee1]

Have you seen a Rhematologist? Possibly Fibromyalgia

[sloach]

Hi My name is Shirley and I have had this for the last 8 years. flicking vision, wobbling up and down left and right.  it starts it stops especially when I am either trying to read something or see anything in the distance.  Worse when I am tired or very hot.  Look up nystagmus though docs dont think I have got this but what do they know.  one doc said that even though no one can see my eyes move, they could be moving but only slightly not visible to the naked eye but it would be enough to muck up my vision.  The name for the wobbling vision is opsolopsia (or something like that) meaning swinging vision.  People with MS get this problem also people with sticky blood apparently.  This is the only website where people have described exactly what I have been experiencing for years.  Magnesium helps to calm it down I have found but it makes you feel a bit buzzy.  I am currently on vitimins and minerals to wake me up and now I am taking a low dose asperin a day just incase I have the sticky blood.  It got so bad lately I couldn't see my computer to do my job.  Due another brain scan soon.  Will let you all know the results.  

There's was a point where the wobbling improved over the years but they still flicked every day and now they have started up again.  If anyone finds any answers please let this forum know....
Shirley x  

[JMilton]

god bless you all.. ive been scared sh**less over the past 3 months for feeling all of the same symptons you guys have had and been getting nowhere with multiple, and sometimes seemingly apathetic doctors... im taking notes from this forum and have my first neurologist appointment next thursday.. wish me luck..

[sloach]

Best of Luck JMilton ... Let us know how you get on...Try and write down any questions you want to ask and take with you as I find I forget them when I get in there.    

[sloach]

Oh and I keep getting lost... Even though I have been somewhere many times before.  I also get a cracking sound at the back of my neck then I get a worsening of symptoms for a few days after.  I explained this to my chiropracter and he said it is air popping (doesn't sound like this to me though).  I paid loads of money for xrays of my spine and neck which he says are subscul.... dont know long work anyway in the wrong position and he could correct it.  I paid then more money and was on the table for no more than 2 minutes.  He really hurt the back of my head when he pushed his thumb somewhere.  I then went on holiday and had neck ache for 2 weeks.  I haven't been back yet as I am not sure I want to and I am not sure I trust him.  Anyone else seen a chiropracter  ?

[Menteith]

It's reassuring to know that there are others out there that suffer from what I am suffering from as well.

I'm only 21years of age, student journalist, 6'3" 185pounds, somewhat healthy, I don't drink or smoke.

I've had small series of the same dizziness/unable to focus/flickery vision symptoms listed here with many of you throughout the last few years.

Only within the past week the symptoms have not gone away...this is the longest they’ve persisted and I'm worried they will be here to stay.

I've had very little done for this, over the upcoming x-mas break I have a blood appointment and an eye appointment as well.

In the past I was diagnosed with tourettes at a very young age, maybe 4-6years old. I was at the age of seven then told that I did not have tourettes anymore and I have had no such symptoms of tourettes since then.

I've also been told that my blood pressure is very low. This stunned my mother at the time becuz I eat more salt than almost anyone I know.

I'm continuously in need of being on the computer and this limits my abilities to write drastically.

I'll be very honest, I'm extremely scarred that this will persist for the rest of my life...and that it is one of those things that cannot be cured.

...I guess I'll just have to see how the tests go, and hope for the best.

It seems that most of you here have had more tests done than I can imagine having over the next year...

...any advice?

Thanks,

Sincerely,

Caithness

[LLWB]

Your symptoms sound a lot like fibromyalgia. It is very difficult to diagnos. They have to rule out other diseases first. Do you have tender points on your body when you press them? There are 18 spots on the body that have to be tender, you need 11 out of the 18. It also causes fatigue, sore muscles, and BRAIN FOG. You might also consider cronic fatigue, or chronic fatigue immune deficiency. These can be very debilitating., You need to see a good rheumatologist or neurologist for diagnosis.  It is not all in your head, nor are you crazy.

[Menteith]

I have no real tender spots that I am aware of.

I am fairly sleepy though lately when the dizziness starts, I'm unsure if it is simply becuz I shut down due to my inability to function.

Thanks for the advice though i will look into it.

[Nannyduck]

I am a mother of 3 and 45yrs.of age and I have had these symptoms since I was 12 and
fell from a bridge railing into a dry creek, I was told that the vertebra at the top and the skull had been fractured and that my skull would some times become misalligned and cause pressure in the brain and brain stem thus causing all the same issues you all have talked about PLUS I can not bend from the waist to do anything because if I do
I either pass out or get disoriented to the point of feeling constantly off center.Now i'm not saying you all have the same but a friend had a chiropractor that ended up causing the same thing in her because he manipulated her neck to far and quick.
Think on this and ask your neuro. docs. if it possible.   Nannyduck

[llousley1]

Two weeks ago my husband started having these symptoms.  He has been to the emergency room two times with problems, the PCP twice and two eye doctor visits.  All want to treat his anxiety with either a GAD or a simple sleeping pill.  I am frustrated because everything he explains to me doesn't make any sense, in terms of a common medical disorder or illness.  What I am wondering now is that there may be a common thread in any heartburn medications everyone or anyone is taking?  My husband was taking Nexium a few years ago, but due to insurance coverage we switched to a generic, omeprazole (sp?).  Anyway, that is really the only drug he takes on a daily basis.  What about anyone else?
It feels better knowing there are other cases out there, but WHY HASN'T ANYONE BEEN DIAGNOSED?  llousley1

[pacificagreyghost]

After going through a three year long process of getting properly diagnosed, I have finally found out that I have a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury that did not show up in the MRI when I was admitted following a car accident.  Only as my cognitive, memory, sensory and vision symptoms worsened was I sent to neurology for an eval.  If you have a mild head injury and appear high functioning (which I did) and unless a neurologist has enough experience to recognize your symptoms, they sometimes minimize or suggest that you are making it up!  I was seen by 3 different neurologists before another doctor sent me to a neuropsychologist for testing which consists of a battery of paper/pencil testing that can identify what areas of the brain are affected.  
Other mecial conditions can complicate getting a full diagnosis. They also found that I had lupus, sjogren's and fibromyagia.  Some autoimmune symptoms can overlap or mimic TBI (i.e. lupus creates a "brain fog", sjogrens's causes blurriness/dry eyes).
IF YOU HAVE EVER HAD A HEAD INJURY OR CONCUSSION (even if slight, the symptoms resolved with time or if a catscan or MRI showed  no signs of a head injury), or if symptoms showed up later)  google Traumatic Brain Injury and look at the symptoms list.  Get a neuroloical eval and insist on neuropsych testing.  Compile a list of all symptoms so that any other medical conditions can be diagnosed.  TBI can take on many different appearances depending on the area of the brain that was injured.  PARTIAL SYMPTOM LIST: dizziness, headaches, vision changes, ringing in the ears, balance/vestibular problems, memory/cognitive changes (problems with spelling/simple math such as balancing your check book, slowed thinking, difficulty learning new things, remembering phone numbers, where you put your car/car keys) spatial disorientation and problems following directions, loss of smell/taste, extreme mental fatigue, lack of concentration/focus, change in executive function abilities (disorganization, decision making), lack of body sensation, and depression.      

[Michael243]

I have very similar problems. One morning in April of 2007 I woke up feeling "foggy." It didn't make any sense because I hadn't been doing anything stressful or difficult lately. I had been living a happy life as I always had until this morning. It's been a year now and my symptoms still persist, and if anything they have gotten worse over time. I have had numerous tests run including a cat scan, EEG, sleep study, MRI, seeing and hearing tests, and many others. All of the tests have come back normal. This foggy, detached, tired state of being makes everything seem twice as hard. I can't think clearly, and I find myself forgetting things. I feel very stupid and drugged. I feel as though I'm trapped, and whatever I do I can't get out. Until April 2007 I never had any of these problems. I do have Tourette Syndrome, and it causes me to make involuntary jerks with my head and neck. It is possible that this gave me a concussion or whiplash. However, none of my tests so far have proven that. Tourette Syndrome waxes and wanes, and last April mine hadn't been too bad, which also led me to think that this was something else. Before the day this all started, I was very happy and successful. It just doesn't make sense for this strange feeling to come on so suddenly. I am very healthy otherwise, and I do not drink or smoke. If anyone has similar problems, please let me know, because this persistent, detached feeling is unbearable.

[JLOSSRN]

WOW..  I just did a search on my symptoms and you all have basically the same thing. It truely is amazing that if so many people have this that they havn't found a common diagnoses or cause.  I have the vision issues. I have had lethargy, the headaches. the pain in my neck and mid back. the short term memory loss, confusion to the point of getting lost for 30 seconds and then i'm back again. Math issues,  At first I was actually diagnosed with possible Fictitious disorder (making things up) duh. Yeah right. I choose to be this way so I cant work. I'm making less than half my income prior to being sick.  Eventually Someone decided to do a sleep study. Turns out that I have narcolepsy.  I am currently taking Xyrem and my symptoms have improved but I still have the memory loss and confusion at times. I'm still lethargic but my dizziness is gone.  So if you have not had a sleep study. its worth a try. Poor sleep even if you think your sleeping can cause alot of these symptoms.

[catlyn]

Was out shopping today, went into a bookstore. Was standing there looking at some magazines on the rack probably about 5-6 feet in front of me.  All of a sudden my eyes became unfocused, had the feeling like they were "crossing". I was unable to see in a straight focused fashion for several seconds. I had to force my eyes to get focused again, {if I was able to force it, I don't know, I tried to do so and thought I did}. Anyway, I got them focused and it scared me so bad, I sat down there on the bench, and called out for my grandson who was in the store with me, but he wasn't close. Then my eyes got unfocused again just for 2-3 seconds and I felt like I was able to stop it that time before it went longer.
Scared me so bad. I've never experienced anything like that before in my life. I am 55 y/o, am nearsighted and do wear glasses. Came home, got on the internet and searched for "eyes crossing, unable to focus" and found this message board.
Thx for reading all, I want to see a doctor and get a professional medical opinion on this.  

[suziwillpower]

I'm having these same issues.  Burning feet, burning in between my shoulder blades, blurred vision, dizziness, migraine headaches, ringing in the left ear, etc.  I look on the internet to see if anyone else has these issues, and lo and behold, there are many like myself.

Today, Sept. 21, 2008, is the first day that i have decided to catalog my "symptoms" to see if there is a cycle.  I hope that all of you would do the same to see if they are coherent with one another.  

Here is my litany of complaints:  First, I have an overwhelming feeling of dizziness, then as I was drive home (like last night), my eyes become increasingly blurred.  Upon driving home, I almost pass out due to a dizzy spell.  I make it home, and the moment I sit down next to my husband, I slip out of the chair and onto the floor (sounds like "On Top Of Spaghetti... All Covered with Cheese...).  Hubinator then takes me into our bedroom, and helps be into bed.  I black out for about five minutes, then get up like nothing is wrong, completely energized.  I have a great sleep.  The next day seems normal until night time. On my way home, the migraine comes back.   I take prescription meds to help ease the pain, but that doesn't even touch the dizzy pounding in my brain, and when I sit still, my body literally starts to throb.

I have been living like this since I was born.  I remember the first time my eyes "blacked out", when I was five, and I thought I went blind, but then everything "fuzzed" back into place.  I also have aural migraines, hallucinate (see ghosts, spirits, etc), and have a burning pain in my shoulders, and burning feet.  I get dizzy at the most inopportune time, and also get very sleepy when I'm reading, and when I finish reading, my vision is very blurry.  Could this possibly be dehydration, and poor diet, or are we all just waking up to the fact that this is how it will be for the rest of our lives?  I don't like it one bit.  

I also hear a "whining" sound in my left (and sometimes right) ear.  
Go to:  http://www.****.***
to listen to the sound I hear all the time...
(BTW) I know that some of the stuff on the website above is a little far fetched.

[dany_19]

hi!  one question. have you tested for ear infections? they can cause dizziness, headaches, whining and balance problems (like falling off a chair). i too have problems with reading but it's only normal that your vision will be blurred after an hour of seeing black lines on white paper. as for the rest of the symptoms like back pain I can't help you but i'm sure a neurologist can. take care and good luck!

[scarlet16]

I'm glad to find this forum. I've had dizziness, foggy feeling in my brain, an inability to concentrate for long on anything....along with anxiety and short panic attacks for about two weeks. My doctor told me I have vertigo in the form of a virus and that it will clear up in a few weeks...but I'm so scared by the symptoms at the moment because I don't feel like myself at all. I'm usually quite confident but suddenly I'm afraid to go outside the door. It's like, as someone else said, being tipsy all the time...and feeling strange and unfamiliar. It all started with a dizzy spell out of the blue at home about a week and a half ago.
I've been tested for ear infections but got the all clear. The other factor is blood pressure but that's ok too. Waiting for blood test results now.

[Lana21]

I am a 21 year old female. I fit and healthy, I drink socially at weekends and smoke lightly. I have been experiencing blurred and jumpy vision for only a few days but I know something is wrong. My eyes are crossing, jumping, twitching and I can't keep my lids from closing.
I have worked long periods with computer since 16 and have had glasses for computer work for 3 years. If I put my glasses on right now it makes the problem 10x worse. The problem only seems to occur when reading or using a computer.
I am concerned as in the past I have had black outs and momentary loss of vision. Doctors suggested I take an iron supplement as my iron count is a little low and I havent had an episode like this for app 8 months.
My co-ordination has deteriated considerably. I havent been having to much problem with typing ( I normally touch type 80-90 wpm) but i have noticed that i am not as fast and make more mistakes. My ability to spell and do simple maths in awful and I can not find the correct words when in conversation.
My mothers birth mother experienced vision problems for several years (bear in mind this was 48 years ago before all the medical break throughs) and died from a blood clot on the brain of which the cause was never determined. There is also a history heart problems and cancer in the family (including current family members).
I don't want to worry my family or over react but I am very concerned.

[Please_Help950]

I am 17 almost 18 years old and I have been having the same problems only worse for about 4 yrs. now. It just started off as my vision began to slowly become blurry. The doctors keep saying that is just caused by stress! I DON'T Believe It. They act as if I am lying/crazy. I see weird colors in my vision 24/7 as well as I have a very odd feeling in my head like I'm not here 24/7. My problem seems to keep getting worse year by year and I am getting very worried.My MRI and all of my tests seem to be fine now. I did have a Chari Malformation in 2007 which I had surgery to cure. I also have Fibromylgia (fibromyalgia). If anyone has any information on what may be wrong with me, please don't hesitate to respond! I can't stand this feeling anymore!!!!!!

[sonn]

I have officially lost hope.  I just did a search and found this post.  I've had similar symptoms since I was 16, and it has completely screwed my life for the last 12 years. Yes, 12 freaking years.  And it hit me so suddenly.  I still remember what I was doing when it happened.  I've done almost everything stated here, and all it has done is taken money out of my pocket.  I tell myself that I can just ignore it, but I can't.  Not for someone like me.  The symptoms just keep getting worse.  Imagine the feeling when you come out of the pool and one of your ears is filled with water and you can't hear from it at all.  It has a similar feeling, but it's affecting my eyes.  But it's more than just the eyes, it's my ability to concentrate.  

[Cardcase]

Probably many of you have been tested for these things, but if not, try:

1.  Thryoid (FT4, FT3 TSH...ALL OF THEM...and TSH over 2.5 or 3 is suspect and watch the ranges of FT4 and FT3 as well)
2.  I agree with the sleep study one...I read it often takes up to 10 years for someone to find out that they have a sleeping problem....until then all other test are done and found normal...perhaps the sleep study should be done sooner.
3.  Hormones...especially females....monthy times, peri-menopause time and menopause time...males not sure but may be worth a check
4.  Diet:  glueten and wheat and other sensitivities....this you can check yourself with elimination...I find that pasta sends me over and fresh bread made with yeast...dairy sometimes
5.  I suffer too, still have not check out everything on the list I wrote here!  Stress does make it worse....

[moe53]

check your blood pressure this might have something to do with your symptoms.

[Cardcase]

if you have low blood pressure, what can be done?

[Wetmango]

By: Garrett: Hey i am 20 years old and have been experiencing the same symptoms as a lot of people on these forums . I use to always have good grades in school. Now when i try to focus in on letters, or if i'm talking rapidly in a conversation, i completely lose track of where i'm at and forget everthing that i'm trying to explain. I get this blurred vision that is hard to explain because even though the eye doctors say i have 20/20 vision, letters and other details seem to have this weird glowing effect where the bottom of the letter shows a a reflection or shade of light coming off of each letter. It's like i can see the letters but they don't appear sharply or precisely. When i'm watching tv for a certain period of time, i start noticing that it's very difficult to focus in on the picture because my eyes start hurting. It's like i have to constantly move my eyes in other directions before i can move them back in towards the television. it's just the weirdest symptom to have because not only does it affect my vision, but my brain as well because if i can't see the image clearly, then i can't intrepret and process the image in my brain. It really plays a huge role in terms of memory because if i can't see things clearly in my brain, then how can i remember them from the day before. I also have this weird stoned feeling that makes me feel like i'm not part of reality but like im dazed off in a cloud(daydreaming.) If anyone has any advice please write me back thanks.

[kipton]

Maybe it's too much of something...computers for instance, cell phones. The body is an amazing unit full of electrical signals, sensory input, and receptor system. Who knows how the environment truly affects us. I was looking for information about nystagmus and saw your concerns. Maybe it is BPPV for some of you.
Take care.

[Samsen]

These kinds of symptoms have plauged me most my life. I've just learned to live with them.  I have also had the frustration of not being able to lose weight like other people.  Basically running 40km a week doesn't do a thing for me.  I can't focus on a page for long periods making reading very tiring.  I've also had jittery nerves, can't speak when I want, don't handle stress very well sometimes... sometimes...Though I'm fit but have to watch what I eat I've felt my whole life that things are just too hard.  

I recently came accross the term "Carbohydrate Intollerence" or "Insulin Resistance", and to cut a long story short, all these symptoms are caused from INSULIT SPIKES.  
Try this.  Have a big feed of pasta or any processed carbohydrate, cereal, eat bread and then try to focus.  Do you bloat up, feel uncomfortable around the waste, have difficulty concentrating and shortly tired?  Do you feel it there all day, can't seem to digest that meal of carb.  Carbs aren't bad, I'm not saying that.  

Now eat a steak or some meat only meal.  Eat a large meal then see if you have the same symptoms.  I believe some poeple just handle carb better.  Insulin resistance is genetic in allot of cases and is, as I understand it a step before diabetes.   This is the cause of the discomfort and diffuculty on focusing etc.  I know it well.  
You wont' pick this up in a simple diabetes test either.  I check out fine.

There are some theories on this.  The Atkins diet touches on it but there's a book called "Eat Right for your type" on the market which leans towards this subject well.  It explains that we aren't all carb eaters and especially the O blood types.  I'm O Negative and do well on meat.  Basically the author explains that ever blood type has a suited diet and eating outside this doesn't necessarily work for you.  

Since I've turned to a high protein diet, I've cut back my excercise to a couple of tims a week.  I run about 15km a week as opposed to 40 and have lost weight.  I concentrate better, and can eat a decent sized meal without getting fat.  I have injuries that have healed very fast since I started this diet.  I also eat allot more fat now and my cholesterol has dropped considerably.  My life long back pains don't occur after meals anymore and don't bloat up from eating breakfast .  I don't eat breakfast cereal anymore.  Have gone off bread and pasta and don't eat processed carbs at all.  Plenty of veg, sometimes oatmeal and for the first time in my life I'm starting to feel how I know I should have my whole life.  It's exciting because I really feel that we have our diet thing all wrong.  

Think outside the box for a second. How could we have been made to feel like this.
There is definetly something wrong and I'm 100% certain now its what we eat.  I believe its different for everyone though so think carefully about which foods feel right for you, maybe your body is telling you what you need to hear.  I thoroughly recommend looking at the book I mentioned above.  It's not gospil but its the closest thing to a theory on why we feel the way we do.  

I really hope this helps somebody, discovering this has changed my life.

Good luck.

[Samsen]

Sorry. I wrote INSULIT Spikes. I meant INSULIN SPIKES.
Thanks

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
The most probable causes for such symptoms of headaches , difficulty concentrating and fatigue are – Temporal arteritis , Common migraine and Brain cancer .  Increased levels of ALT and AST can have a large number of clinical implications. Elevated levels might involve hepatocellular disease, active cirrhosis, metastatic liver tumor, infection or toxic hepatitis, severe burns, pancreatitis, myocardial infarction (heart attack), trauma, acute hemolytic anemia, crushing injuries, gangrene or shock. Please consult a gastroenterologist for the treatment plan . Please consult a neurologist for the neurological symptoms . Hope this helps you . Take care and regards !

[BBDUTCH]

I too have the same symptoms.....for the past 6 years or so...started off with the sound of my heart beat in my right ear...pulsates constantly..i have noticed this gets worse when i put on more weight...then my eyes started....could lose sight for a few seconds then would find it extremely hard to focus and my sight would wobble like crazy...it did go away but is now back with a vengence....cant focus on words..telly, people...especially when i turn my head to look at someone or something it goes mad and refuses to stop jumping.....ive been to opticians and doctors and neurologists but all have sent me on my way without a reasonable explanation...so frustrating. i've also had severe neck and upper back pain....it just felt so stiff and wouldn't relax no matter how hard i tried...i'm at my wits end with this..but have found comfort in knowing im not alone.

In the past ive had my nose broken....actually a girl punched me square in the face and knocked me out...since then ive had two more operations on my nose to get it straigtened,....im wondering if this could count as a mild head traumar kind of thing...

Im thinking also that someone referenced salt intake and im a bugger for it....i have to stop with my salt and im now on a diet that has no carbohydrates in it...im also at the opticians in two days to see if they can see anything. altho in the past they haven't been able to see the spasms in my eyes...if anyone gets a diagnosis please post it.....
btw im a 27 year old female at my wits end....im currently 11st 7 and am hoping getting the weight off and hoping eating healthly will help with everything..ill let you know if my symptoms get any better with a change of lifestyle....take care everyone....love kym.xx

[Edith_Schuetze]

Do you have any amalgam fillings in your mouth, or did you have your amalgam fillings removed lately? If yes, then I would suspect this being the cause, as amalgam fillings consist of 50% mercury, and an alloy of lead, copper and titanium - all extremely dangerous materials. I had my mouth full of amalgam fillings and developed a myriad of symptoms out of nowhere, to the point where I came down with paralysis and chronic fatique, and practically nothing was functioning in my body after 3-4 years.

Having your fillings exchanged for white fillings puts an extra load of mercury and toxic substances on your system, which can be enough to provoke symptoms like the ones you are mentioning, and is considered responsible for ALS, dementia and MS.

Another place to look would be your teeth, especially if you had a new dental crown lately, which is composed of incompatible dental materials, or if you have old root canals or wisdom teeth extracted, which can set up infections in other parts of your body. Contact Clifford Consulting & Research, Inc., CO for material reactivity testing of your dental materials at [phone] and consult Dr. Robert Evans at Groton Dental Wellness Spa for checking on problems from your teeth. Robert Evans is a very advanced holistic dentist, and he saved my life. I had oral surgery carried out in a number of affected areas in my jaw, which revealed a blot clot. I got my life back after clearing the mercury toxicity from my amalgam fillings with DMPS-treatments, restoring my mouth with white fillings according to a protocol, and removing the blood clot. It was a 5-year process to survive this, and the first 4 years I was not sure if I would live or die.

However, contact a specialist before doing this, as it is dangerous to remove your amalgam fillings all at once, as it adds a further load of toxicity to your body. Ask more questions, if you need to. I am a survivor, whereas most people die of mercury toxicity. What saved me was that I read somewhere that if you can actually cope with the resulting diseases, such as cancers, ALS, etc. etc. until your mercury level has decreased to a point where your immune system can start to function by itself again, you will survive. I survived through multiple cancers, a malignant tumor, blood clot etc. and finally got restored, except for chronic trigeminal neuralgia,

If you have not yet suspected your teeth as the cause, I would suggest to look here. Read Hulda Clark's Book "The Cure for all Diseases", but only the part where she speaks about the dental clean-up (look in the index for that and read that part first). It will tell you everything about dental clean-up, and is also a good book in all other respects. It will talk about ALS as well.

I wish you the best of luck - and should you require further information, feel free to ask.

Kind regards,

Edith

[BBDUTCH]

yes hi, well i have been to the opticians today and had many different tests done on my eyes and nothing nada absolutely silch..they said my vision is fine and that the problem must be to do with something else....its interesting reading the above post, but where would anyone start with something like this....ive just recently had 5 fillings litterally 2 months ago....how would i prove this is whats causing my eye/ear problem? how would i know that its not a result from having my nose broken 3 times...one time knocked out..i feel like i have no power with whats happening to my body...nobody wants to flippin help....so whats next dentist or doctor?? neurologist?? i might just admit defeat and try and get use to it....take care everyone. Kym xxx

[bowpeep34]

i have been having issues very much the same as everyone is describing. my right eye blurrs constantly. i blink every couple  of seconds to re focus. i have had neck pain for years as well as pain in the muscles between the spine and shoulder blades. i lose my train of thought frequently, make stupids mistakes when writing and have trouble concentrating on whatever i'm reading or the conversation i'm engaged in. the eye issue started 6 months ago and also accompanied by pain and headache. i went to the ER thinking it was a stroke , they sent me to an eye specialist who sent me to an endocrine Dr. and have also seen my family MD who sent me to a spine clinic. all my results thus far have shown nothing. which is a bitter sweet moment each time. I don't want to find out I have something wrong with me but at the same time I want to know why this is happening to me. I am 43 years old, female, 5'2" 120lbs. i appear much younger than my actual age. i don't drink or smoke. I am healthy other than seasonal allergy.   confused