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Visual auras/streaks, disorientation, balance issues, fuzzy, buzzing, vibrating feeling in head, numb tongue, slow/slurred speech

I am doing research on behalf of my 28 year old brother who has been experiencing a complex array of medical issues over the past year and a half. These are becoming completely debilitating and he is desperate to find a physician who can help diagnose him.

His symptoms include the following: He has visual issues, seeing aura-spots or streaks; feels disoriented; has difficulty speaking (articulating) and thinking; is dizzy and often can’t walk w/o stumbling; is unable to hold his head up; has a numb tongue; has teeth chattering; breaks out in sweat despite a low baseline temp; has pain in his head as well as a fuzzy, buzzing, vibrating, pulsing feeling. He also has a lowered body temperature, rapid pulse rate, and slow/slurred speech.

He has seen neurologists and ENTs and has tried acupuncture and chiropractic care. He has had a CT for his Sinuses, MRI on his, Inner Ear Testing ,Allergy Testing, an X-Ray on his Neck, an EEG, and has had an EKG, Sleep Study, Spinal Tap, and Neuro Psych Testing, as well as many blood and urine tests.

He has been diagnosed with anxiety and it seems many of the doctors want to attribute all of this to anxiety. He had the anxiety prior, and it has been exacerbated only because he can't function normally and doesn't know what is happening to him and why. He has just recently tried antidepressants/antianxiety medication, which helps a bit with those symtoms only.

If anybody has any insights or thoughts as to what might be going on or what other directions he might pursue, we would be so grateful. My brother does not know where to turn next...Thank you!
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Avatar universal
A related discussion, Buzzing head feeling after Head injury was started.
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Avatar universal
I experience visual auras.  In my case i see nothing but black, like a black out. Lately these have changed to a sort of frame around whatever i'm looking at at the time.  i am doing a research project ro summer school health on visual aruas but I'm having troulbe finding information.  I f you know some one who can help please post somthing
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Avatar universal
Thanks so much for your sharing your experiences, Jewjew, and for your checking in, tdk. As of now, the doctors are telling my brother that his symtoms are migraine related, and made worse by his sleep apnea, which causes sleep deprivation. He has a c-pap now, which doesn't seem to be working as well as was hoped yet, and he takes depakote and lamictal (generic form). His symptoms are better in general, but still present. We're hoping that maybe if the sleep issues can be sorted out that that will help signifciantly in his treatment, but we'll see. I can see from this forum that most are finding real difficulty getting answers to their conditions whith symptoms like these. I really feel for those suffering and looking for help!
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Avatar universal
How is your brother going?  Have you found out what he condition he is suffering from?
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Avatar universal
I have the same exact symptoms. It happens to me about once or twice a year.  I have had a Seizure disorder and Migraines my entire life. I have only had 3 seizures in my life all were severe. When I first had this my doctor told me that it was a migraine and I was treated with migraine medication. After 20 years of no seizures and 15 no seizure medication I had a seizure and since have been taking Depakote and Keppra for my seizures. These Medications have controlled my seizures and migraines for 3 years now. No migraines and no seizures. Last month I had the symptoms you are describing though followed by a bad headache not as bad as I had in the past but pretty bad for the first time in 3 years (since I started the medication). The doctor has told me that it may all be some sort of seizure and that the migraines may have been mini seizures. I have also been told that those are stroke symptoms. It's really hard to get any answers when it comes to the brain. I really hate it. I hope you figure this one out and I would like to know what they tell you.  Good Luck!  Hope I was some help.
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Avatar universal
Hi,
My wife experiences similar symptoms.
We believe it is a form of Hypoglycemia, and the brain does
not receive enough glucose. Unfortunately, traditional
treatments have had no effect on her.
Good Luck to you and God Bless.
MDavidson
Helpful - 0
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum! I am so sorry to hear about your brother.

I think he is suffering from Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, which is a “chronic low-grade (indolent) type of lymphoma due to a malignant clone of plasma cells. These plasma cells multiply out of control, invade the bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen, and characteristically produce huge amounts of a large-sized antibody called macroglobulin or IgM. The excess IgM causes the blood to be hyperviscous (to thicken).” Please refer: http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=14347

I know I have introduced something new to you. However it will be advisable to discuss this with your family doctor and consult a cancer specialist. Presence of huge amounts of a large-sized antibody called macroglobulin or IgM is the key to diagnosis. Do let me know if there is any thing else you want to know. Hope this helps. Take care!

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Avatar universal
I really feel for your brother.  How awful for him.

Has your brother been assessed for Susac's Syndrome?  It is a condition that mainly affetcs women... but could you ask your doctor to consider this?

Have a look at the following web pages:

www.medhelp.org/tags/show/31267/susacs-syndrome
ehealthforum.com/health/susac-s-syndrome-symptoms

It might give you something to go on.

Good luck!

tdk
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