What's Wrong?

I was with a friend making flyers for a concert when all of a sudden I felt extremely exhausted and my vision became blurry, my heart was racing and I felt lightheaded and couldnt breathe. I thought perhaps it was a Panic attack, but when this persisted for days I went to the doctor and she said I had a Mycoplasma infection. I took atibiotics but the symptoms have been getting worse. Everyday I have a headache. Sometimes I go to sleep with it and wake up with one. Constant lightheadedness, Sensitivity to light, my vision seems foggy at times, on occasion i will feel a pain in my back and then my arm goes numb. I started takign meds for anxiety and my vision has improved, but im still getting the headaches and a bit lightheaded. I was bit by a tick in croatia about 8 onths ago but im not sure if that is anything. I dont know if i had mycoplasma and it triggered panic attacks and not knowing what was wrong caused anxiety and depression or if i really have something. But i cant function when i feel constantly lightheaded and have these headaches. I am a 20 year old female, by the way. This has been going on for about 2 months straight. Anyone have any ideas?

[crambone]

tics as you know carry lymes disease,but i dont see the symptoms comming on that strong...have they given you a good line up of antibiotics?
you should have a ct scan on your brain and upper lumbar region.
for it to all hit you like that,,while your mind was on something totaly oppisite,,id say its not panic/anxiety attack either!
im kinda leaning twards possible herniated disc/bulging disc up in your nech,,this would explain the vision thing,and the pain in the back,and the arms even...headaches too.
worth checking into.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
I read through your post. Based on the information provided by you, I think you are suffering from ‘benign intracranial hypertension’  (BIH). This happens due to impaired CSF absorption. A generalized throbbing headache worst felt in the morning and last thing at night. This headache is generally relieved on standing (consistent with raised intracranial pressure). It is aggravated by straining, coughing or a change in position. You have a similar headache.
The second most common symptom is visual defect, which you too have. Antianxiety medications are helping you; this again goes in favor of this problem.

You need a prompt evaluation by a neurologist. Hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, adrenal insufficiency are a few things I would recommend you get investigated for. These can precipitate BIH. A spinal tap is a must both to diagnose the condition and to treat it.

I agree with crambone that you do not have symptoms of tick borne diseases.

The only other thing I would be concerned about in your case is transient ischemic attack wherein the blood supply to brain is temporarily cut off. The episodes last for a maximum of 24 hours and then resolve or a new symptom starts. To diagnose this you need a prompt evaluation (within 60 minutes) to identify the cause and determine appropriate therapy. CAT Scans or MRI done later or when you are fine will not reveal anything.
Ofcourse! If it is none of the above mentioned problems, panic attacks are a plausible explanation.
Hope this helps. Do consult a neurologist ASAP. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!