Strange memories images / dizziness

[pedroconforti]

Hi there,

first of all, please excuse my english...

I have been experiencing lately a very strange feeling, that usually starts like if I was having an idea or "remembering" something, like an object or situation, but immediately after it starts to connect to other images that seems like they were hidden somewhere in my mind, and I could not get to them before. It is very difficult to explain, but I cannot tell for sure if these imagens and memories, that seem very real, really happened to me or if I am creating them on the fly, but to make things worse, this wave of strange images is always followed by a deep dizzyness and confusion that obligates me to sit down and breathe deeply, so I can avoid getting really sick (like on motion sickness). Then, if I wait about a minute, I get better and can make this horrible sensation go away

It happened about 4 or 5 times on the last 3 weeks, and I am clueless about what is going on. I do not use drugs nor strong medications (well, I smoke some marijuana here and there, but no more than twice a month or something like that).

Some weeks ago I had some strange headaches too, that came and went away quickly, and it felt like something sharp was being introduced in my brain. These pains happened for about 2 weeks and then went away. Not sure if it has something to do, anyway.

Thank you for any advice,

Pedro

[ggreg]

Dear Pedro,
Not to deter you from your recreational use of weed, but unless you grow it yourself, you cannot be sure if it has been laced with an unpredictable drug that causes hallucinations or what chemicals were put on it in the growing process.

Not only should you see a neurologist, but you should also seek a top-knotch psychotherapist/psychiatrist group.  What is so bothersome about your mental changes is the negative and unpredictable quality of them.  If any fear accompanies this drifting thought sensation, you have got to have one of those people supporting you.

But an easy explanation of your strange episodes could be lack of quality sleep, which can do a number on your awareness states, and many different things can disrupt sleep, stuff you wouldn't necessarily be aware of.  Start keeping a little journal, just do it short-term for two weeks, reporting for yourself all sleep patterns and timing, also when and what you eat, when you smoke pot, any visual abnormalities occuring from motion in a car or strong light or even using a computer.  Then go back and see if you can find commonality.

I hope you will be seeing at the very least a squeeze-in family physician appointment this week.  I do not like the sound of the pain in your head possibly being related to the odd changes in your mental processes.  Just my two cents.
GG

[pedroconforti]

Hi again... been reading about migraines on wikipedia, and it says  that smoking "regular" cigarrettes can trigger migraines. Their description in fact do have resemblance with what I feel, and I have been smoking a lot of cigarrettes lately, as never been before, during these last weeks, and it seems that it may be the cause. I'll drop the habit for a while just to check it out.

Thanks again, and best regards.

[Cricket779]

Hello,
I just wanted you to know the danger of marijuana because my family has suffered greatly from my brothers past use. He has been clean 4 years now but the results are still effecting us.
My brother is a Paranoid Schizophrenic with psychotic tendency's and we have no family history. His Schizophrenia was drug induced and his drug was pot and he is now in prison due to acting on his delusions.
Please reconsider quiting.

[pedroconforti]

Hi there,

Thank you, I will visit a neurologist and explain it all to him. But, regarding the marijuana, I sincerely cannot believe that this is the problem. I have been smoking sparsely for the last 12 years, and the symptoms I feel do not seem connected AT ALL with the times I use it, neither with what I feel when I use it, which is and have always been rare events (maybe once or twice a month). It is hard to pin the cause, but have a strong feeling that it is related to something else

Anyway, thanks again for your help.

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

First of all, you should immediately stop smoking marijuana. Your symptoms can be similar to hallucinations that could be caused by this substance.

Your headaches may or may not be related to your present symptoms and it would be hard to ascertain that they did since they have already resolved. Did the headaches occur simultaneously with the other symptoms you experienced?

How often do you get these episodes? A seizure disorder is a possibility, especially with this clinical presentation. A vestibular, ocular, or cerebrovascular disorder cannot also be ruled out at this time.

It would be advisable to consult a physician as soon as possible for a complete evaluation of your symptoms.

Good luck.

[vega1318]

You should try and see a neurologist and explain these symptoms to him / her.   These symptoms can sometimes be a sign of migraines  - and should be treated as such - but can also indicate possible seizures.   In the meantime, you should try and stop smoking pot all together and see if these symptoms get better too.   But make an appointment with a neurologist for now.    Try not to drive until you get a clear answer as you seem to get confused during these episodes and it may be dangerous.

Good luck!