Strange concentration/focus/mental issues

[jayhawkbrandon]

Hi,

I have had these problems on and off for a few years. I have seen a doctor for it once, but did not get any help.  I am an active, healthy 25 year old male.  Basically, I am feel almost as if I am passing out for the slightest instant or losing focus and being startled back to concentration.  Thus feeling is very hard to explain, so I will provide some examples:

1) When driving, especially for long periods of time, I will suddenly feel like I have a lapse in consciousness for a split second and I am startled back to attention.  Usually I am drinking caffeine.  I don't feel tired, but it does come in waves.

2) While studying for my engineering final exam, I would feel the same thing.  For almost a month I was scared to drive home because I was having these momentary lapses.  This happened after about 5 hours of class. I had drank caffeine, typically drink the night before (3 or 4 drinks).

3)  At work I have a similar feeling if someone talks to me for over a few minutes. This happens especially in fluorescent lighting as I try to concentrate on them.  I will feel like I momentarily not there and will be startled back.

4) I have similar problems with night driving. I am scared to drive.

I know this is very hard to understand, and trust me, it is very hard to describe.  Could this be a blood sugar issue? Blood pressure? A result of drinking 3 or 4 stiff drinks the night before? Related to caffeine?

Anyone have any ideas.  I am so healthy normally that this scares me.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Since it is happening mainly during driving, it can be from driving anxiety, claustrophobia of being in car, carbon mono-oxide leakage (get this checked at a mechanics), subluxation of C1-C2 vertebra (a MRI of this spine should be done). Sometimes it is due to fluid in the cochlear canals of the ear.
Caffeine, alcohol, certain drugs, sleep disorders can also be the culprit.
Since I cannot examine you and know other related conditions you may be having, nor is a detailed history possible on net, I have listed the various possibilities that should be looked into. Please consult your PCP to run tests and examination to clinch a diagnosis.
Take care!

[jayhawkbrandon]

Thanks to both of you. I think that you are both right. Caffeine might be an issue, but maybe the alcohol at night too. Maybe drinking at night isn't allowing me to sleep deeply.  My diet is pretty good. I eat a healthy breakfast, eat more protein because I lift some.  I do take vitamins and omega 3.  

[Weffette]

Hi Jay,
I agree the coffee drinking at night isn't allowing you to get deep sleep at night. Try and limit the coffee to 2 cups in the morning. Also...what has your diet been like?  Fast foods and high carbs can add to "brain fog". Perhaps you should take vitamin B complex and B-12, also garlic supplements. Eating right will do wonders for your mental health. Try not to burn yourself out on studies and work. Pace yourself and eat more green veggies! Frozen...not canned...FRESH is even better!
Good luck!!

[sid850]

u are giving answers in your own question,CAFFEINE-this thing is the reason,stop drinking it,for further help u can ask me agn...........chk hw much caffeine shuld u take in a day,i only drink tea wich has very less caffeine but still sumtymes my brain goes numb,i was told tht it was tea who was causing disturbance..............u can ask me agn fr ur problems