flushing, diarrhea, and seizures

[34Miami]

I have been experiencing these "episodes" for exactly one year.  Out of nowhere,my heart will start racing,my face gets flushed,and my body gets extremely hot. I then have extreme diarrhea until everything has been expelled from my body. During the diarrhea, I go into a "seizure" rocking back and forth, breathing heavy,making grunting noises. When the seizure is over, I come to and my body becomes cold and chills and shivering occur.  Episodes last about 2 hrs total.  I have been tested for Chrone's disease, carcinoid syndrome, mastocytosis, pheochromocytoma,and acute intermittent porphyria.  I have had a CT Scan and MRI of the brain, an ultrasound of the stomach,a colonoscopy, a bone marrow biopsy, a bone scan, and every blood test imaginable.  Everything comes back negative.  I am being passed from Dr to Dr with no answers.  These episodes occur about once every 5 weeks or so. I am taking the following medications: Nexium, Cyclessa (birth control), and Dairy Care (for lactose intolerancy).  If anyone has any ideas of what this could be or if you have had a similar experience, please help me out!

[rediranch]

A related discussion, Flushing episodes - Vagus Nerve problems? was started.

[Gaburrea]

Have you ever been tested for VIPOMA?

Features of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) syndrome include watery diarrhea (100%), hypochlorhydria (70% in adults), hyperglycemia (20-50% in adults), hypercalcemia (20-50% in adults), and flushing (20% in adults).
Extensive fecal loss of potassium and subsequent hypokalemia may cause ECG changes, muscle weakness, and nephrosis.

Flushing is occasionally observed.

[pattyb123]

I have episodes just like yours and have been having them for years!  My first one was when I was pregnant with my son and he is now 23!!!  That was small, but they are getting worse.  The last one I had also involved numbness of a few of my toes and my hands were stuck in a 'clawed' position for a minute or two during it. I have no idea what it is and before I read your article I have never been able to put it into words. Paramedics have been called when I have done it in public restrooms, but by the time they get there the episode is over or almost over and then I am fine.  They have mentioned something to do with my vagus nerve, but not sure what that's about. Please let me know if anyone has any idea what this is??  In addition to the diarrhea I also vomit until everything is expelled as well.  I also pant, like short rapid breathing.  Do you do that too??   patty

[teachFLA]

I have thosesymptoms!  I've had a CTscan and MRI too, and my doctors never know what the cause of the seizures are.  I'm 36 and the seizures began about 2 1/2 years ago. I'm a third grade teacher and my last seizure was at school!  I need answers!  

Michele

[jcarstensen]

I know this is a long shot, but I thought I would post anyways.  My mother has been experiencing similar symptoms for several years.  I have finally decided to do some research myself because she has resigned herself to this misery.  I hate to watch these "episodes".  I am wondering if anyone has any leaqds or suggestions.

[boninclyde]

Have you had your hormone levels tested? Just a thought.