Temporary paralysis

[Hrachal]

What is causing my temporary paraylsis? I just had the 5th episode the other night. My body become very heavy and lethargic until I go into complete paralysis. It is at times difficult to speak but I usually have no problems with speaking or with eye movement. I am like a rag doll. The first 4 episodes lasted between an hour and an hour and fifteen minutes. This last one ended up lasting over 2 hours. I went to the ER and they tested my blood, urine and also did a CT scan and chest x-ray. Everything looked great and the ER doctor was just left scratching his head. There have never been any common situations leading up to the paralysis besides the extreme fatigue and heaviness that comes over my body right before the attack. There are no seizures involved as well. I am trying to get an appointment with a neurologist, but does anyone out there have any other suggestions, etc...?

[Dr Sharma]

Dear Hrachal, welcome to the medhelp forum. These episodes of temporary paralysis could be transient ischemic attacks causes by loss of blood flow to part of brain, usually reversibly decreased flow and not infarction. This can result in contra lateral weakness in the body, and other stroke like symptoms lasting for few hours and resolving on their own. This should be treated as a stroke warning and necessary investigations and interventions carried out. History, physical examination and CT, MRI brain and ultrasound neck, ECHO studies are done. You also need to be investigated for a genetic condition called as periodic paralysis causing weakness from triggers like cold, stress and physical activity. An exercise electromyography and DNA testing may be required. Check with your neurologist for a clinical assessment. Best regards.
.

[Hrachal]

By the way, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 3 1/2 year ago. The temporary paralysis started happening after I was diagnosed. Not sure if there is a correlation between the two.