Wierd issue

[crswin]

While driving down the road the other day, I literally had a blackout.  It only lasted milliseconds.  After everything returned, my heart was racing.  I did not get a number for my heart rate because it was too fast to count.  Has anyone had anything like this happen?  Is this an MS related event?  
Some of you may remember that I went to the doc in Aug. with a problem of a racing heart after showering- heart rate reached 210+.  He said that it was anxiety and put me on lexapro.  I felt more anxiety and crazy thoughts on the darn meds than I have at any point in my life and went off them after just 2 days of no sleep, terrifying dreams, and heart palpitations.  From Aug. until last weeks I did not have any heart racing events.

[wishforchange]

Hi, don't think we've spoken.  Sorry about your event driving.

I always say this to anyone who has a strange episode behind the wheel, until you have an answer, or are confident it really was a one off, please please don't drive.  That momentary blackout can be all it takes to cause a terrible accident.

I know it is easier said than done for those who depend on their cars for whatever reason, but I get very scared when people say they are having momentary changes in consciousness behind the wheel.  If you have to drive, then you have to get this symptom addressed urgently.  Just keep yourself and others safe while you are looking into this, you may end up with more problems if you have an accident, or the guilt of huritng another.  I really hope you get this sorted and are back in control very soon.

Keep well and keep safe

Wish

[Fluffysmom]

I think it's a good idea to see a cardiologist.  I had PSVT, a benign type of tachycardia, but as my heart rate would get really high with some runs of tach. in certain conditions, I started to feel like I would black out.

I had an electrophysiology study and ablation, where they found the little node that was causing the issues and heated it up and stopped its bad act.  I won't go into the specifics.

I think its important to investigate whether you are experiencing some type of tachycardia that can cause blackout; you didn't feel it until after you "came back".  
I agree with Lulu that a heart should not beat that fast!  Anxiety, bah!

Please get in to see a good cardiologist as soon as you can, or see if your doctor changes his tune if you tell him about blacking out.  Aw, heck, if you can, skip right to the cardiologist.  Even if it's something that is caused by MS or something else, a cardiologist should be able to help you figure it out.

Does anyone know of a good cardiologist in the area where crswn lives?

Good luck, and be careful driving.

Kathy

[JulesL5S1]

I am currently in limbo land and I am not a doctor.  However, you may want to read my postings on narcolepsy with cataplexy.

Your driving black out may have been cataplexy.  (again I am not a doctor)  Look at my simple explanations for how it affects me and search on line for more details.

Narcolepsy occurs about 1 in 2,000 times in the US and 1 in 600 times in Japan.... So it is very common but rarely dx.  Nowadays people have lots of options to manage symptoms - i.e. many caffeine sources.

The cataplexy is a subset of narcolepsy.  

It is thought to be caused by lesion in the brain that impairs the process of a key .....

Lesion in the brain sound familiar?

I have been so focused on trying to get a dx of MS that when my new neuro said this I was stunned.  

Hang in there.  Keep pusing for answers.  

[Wobbly]

oh wow...I would make sure to tell a specialist about this...and I've never heard it re: MS... let someone know asap..

take care and let us know what happens...


wobbly
undx

[Lulu54]

good evening,
I am wondering if you saw a cardiologist for your heart racing?  I would definitely ask to be seen by a cardio and have a full work up done.  Even if it is anxiety based, the heart should not pump that fast and you need to be checked out.

And you obviously know the dangers of a blackout, now matter how brief.  Please get in to see a cardio (ask around for referrals to a good one) as soon as possible and keep us posted.
Be well,
Lulu