Panic Scare - Need Help

[rll154]

Recently, my significant other had an episode which I think was a panic attack (I have a Psychology degree and the doctor's results have been inconclusive).  The episode began when he was at work.  His mouth began to tingle, progressed to his entire face, arms and chest.  He had trouble breathing, a racing heart rate and in minutes, he lost muscle control in his face.  He was rushed to the ER where they gave him muscle relaxers in order for him to regain movement in his face.  Does facial paralysis occur in extreme panic attacks?  Can a lack of sleep, malnutrition and excessive drinking (daily and in large quantities -- a new habit in his life) on top of extreme stress trigger anxiety?  This was the first episode that has occurred.  

[nursegirl6572]

Does he have ANY history of anxiety issues?

Anxiety causes a HUGE variety of symptoms...different in each person.  MOST of it sounds like it COULD be anxiety...but the facial paralysis is a bit peculiar to me.  He actually physically could not move part of his face?  What kinds of tests did they do?  You said they didn't really give him a diagnosis?  Did they at least speculate?

I think a visit to a Neurologist is order, personally.  I think ruling out a physical cause (JUST to be on the safe side, ya know?) would be a good start.

The extreme stress, drinking and sleeping issues certainly cannot be helping....so possibly anxiety treatment is in order anyway?  

Good luck and let us know how it turns out, okay?

[MrGreen]

Panic attacks can hit anybody going through tough times. Lack of sleep, lot of drinking and the likes wouldn't exactly enhance anybody's lifestyle. But symptoms of panic attacks can vary from person to person. Lack of breathing is a major symptom. People do experience tingley feelings. Some experience numbness. Others don't. I suffered from panic attacks for years but never once had the facial paralysis as a symptom. But I am not ruling it out. Because you would get many symptoms off many different people would might reply to this post. His lifestyle, I would assume, triggered the attack off. We all need sleep. Plus too much drink is never good for you. And that is coming from an Irishman. Rare that we say that. But you are in the right place to get answers. Maybe others experienced the facial effects during panic attacks. So hang on in there. Don't give up. The answer might be a simple one come the end of the day.

[nursegirl6572]

I wanted to add...it's great that he has you.....a psychologist at the ready.  But itsn't it funny how you can treat and diagnose anyone in the world...but when it comes to a loved one...ALL of that education goes right out the window?

LOL....I find myself perplexed at some of my kid's boo boo's but yet can handle 8 patients at a time, with any given disease, medications, treatments, etc.....all concurrently.

While he gets a Neuro work-up, or follow up with his PCP...maybe talk him into seeking some professional help?  Seems like he has a lot on his plate, and the plate is getting smaller and smaller eh?  Plus, excessive drinking, as of course you already know...can cause severe depression.  Not a good combo.  I hope it all works out okay!

[MrGreen]

If he does have to go on medication that might take him off the drink though. As the two never ever mix. So it could be a wake up call for him. You might end up with a non drinker soon enough. Can only wish you both well.