Oxygen Depravation or Panic Attack

[1carpe]

Last week in CO on Trail Ridge Rd I experianced something which has NEVER, EVER happened before.  I was driving up the trail when I started experiancing what I can only describe as an "abject fear."  I kept slowing down more and more and moving across the center line.  Was able to pull off road in a couple hundred feet so wife could drive.

I had no shortness or breadth, heart rate was normal ( I do have an occasional rapid heart beat problem), nor any other symptoms that generally accompany oxygen problems or panic attacks.

We were above 10k feet.  It lasted about 30 minutes.  When we stopped at an overlook, I had no problem with vertigo, etc.

Experianced it again 2 days later to a lesser degree at about 6400 feet.

I have a physical next month and am thinking about mentioning to my Doctor.

Any advice or specific questions I can ask?

[caregiver222]

I think most readers won't realize that parts of Colorado are at an altitude where the Federal Aviation Agency recommends oxygen if you are flying in an airplane.

If you live up there one becomes acclimatized to the lowered concentration of oxygen.

Low P02 can trigger a primordial reaction that could be chacterized as "fear".

It happens to pilots who venture at high altitudes for extended periods without oxygen.

It's impossible to really know what triggered your state of mind, but your guess that the altitude had something to do with the problem is not an unreasonable hypothesis.

[patient13]

Before the 'abject fear' began were you thinking of death scenarios like rolling down a cliff, bear attack, snow storm, hypothermia? Maybe previously when you were on the trail you thought you were invincible but now you're realizing you're mortal just like everyone else? Remember " Be strong and of good courage, be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." - Joshua 1:9

[Hunny1986]

carpe, the only thing I can think of when I read this is maybe your equilibrium is off. I have had similar symtoms like this and when I went in that was the diagnosis. Maybe you could ask your doctor to perform a few short simple tests to see if that may be the problem. The tests are noninvasive and painless so it would'nt hurt to try.  The doctor sent me home with some medication to help my equilibrium balance back out and it did. I hope this helps you and wish you the best at your next doctor's visit.

                                   -Hunny1986

[lyce]

you should ask the doctor what was the cause of it and if it continues to happen is there a type of medication to relax you...and just continue to take it easy