Ended up in the ER last night.

DS3

New Member
So I've been having these 'episodes' (twice in the past), where I feel tingly all over, break out in a cold sweat, and get a little light headed. Never passed out before last night. Went to walk from the stove to my sink since I felt like I was going to vomit, and never made it. All of my blood-work etc. came back normal so they released me and told me to check in with my doctor. I have a nice bump on the back of my head where my ceramic tile floor caught me, and my shoulder seems to have taken most of the impact as it hurts like hell. I've been eating and what not. So they couldn't really tell me what caused this. It happens sparatically and kind of hits out of no-where. So we shall see what the doctor says when I see her. Just would be nice to know why I'm having these 'episodes'. I'm not a diabetic, no history of seizures, etc. Any thoughts?
 

Mattsmom277

Active Member
That sounds awful. Glad it's not major but scary none the less especially falling and the potential for hurting yourself as you pass out.

My first thought was low blood pressure. I had it happen for about a year and it was much as you described. It kept getting worse over time until we figured out that out of nowhere my blood pressure would just bottom out. There wasn't much they could do either but I was told to increase sodium which helped and now it's rare it happens. I had pretty much been eating sodium free so it was awful to suddenly salt my food but it made a major difference. Any chance your BiPolar (BP) is doing sudden drops?
 

hearts and roses

Mind Reader
Wow, scary. My first thought was low blood pressure also. Definitely follow up with your regular Dr - there are things they can test your blood for that don't come back in the time you're sitting in the ER. Let us know how it goes.
 

buddy

New Member
does this happen when you go from laying to standing or sitting to standing? Or bending over then standing up...like were you bending at the stove? Or just out of the blue. I get like that with low blood sugar. Really nauseated and fuzzy and then feel like passing out. Also with blood pressure changes (orthostatic hypotension). Cant go as fast as normal people going from lying down to sitting/standing. Is time of day a pattern (Like before breakfast or after a meal?) Did they test for diabetes? Can also have an middle or inner ear issue affecting the balance mechanism.

For sure a follow up thing if it is more than one, I just had a BiPolar (BP) worry too and it did make me feel better to have it checked out. I didn't want to but it lowered my stress just to know. Stay safe! Will be thinking of you, Buddy
 

DS3

New Member
They said my BiPolar (BP) was running low all last night. This is the third 'episode' over the last few months, but like I said, first time passing out. They checked the glucose, and it was fine. Soonest the doctor can get me in is Saturday. So we shall go then and see what she says. Seems to be a BiPolar (BP) thing though. Will be interesting to see what they say. Thanks for the warm thoughts. :)
 
T

TeDo

Guest
That does sound very scary. If they said your blood pressure was a little low, did they give you an explanation as to why it might be? I would maybe try the salt thing like mattsmom said until you can see your doctor on Saturday. It can't hurt and who knows, it might even help like it did her.

{{{{(((HUGS)))}}}} and I will be thinking of you so please keep us posted.
 

TerryJ2

Well-Known Member
Ouch! That is scary. I have no advice, either. Heal quickly. And I hope those doctors figure it out asap.
 

gcvmom

Here we go again!
It sounds a little similar to my husband's autonomic seizures, which are classified as simple partial seizures. He feels dizzy, light headed, nauseous, breaks out in a sweat, and feels like he's going to lose his bowels when these occur. He's passed out once from it when he was driving before we knew what this was. Fortunately he was not injured.

I would recommend consulting a neurologist who specializes in epilepsy disorders and do some reading at epilepsy.com .

husband's seizures are controlled fairly well (as long as he remembers to take his medications!) and he's never again had one severe enough to cause a blackout like before.

Here's a link to a chart that helps identify the differences between seizures and syncope/fainting: Medscape: Medscape Access
 

gcvmom

Here we go again!
Forgot to mention, we eventually learned that the cause of husband's seizures was a small vascular abnormality (cavernous hemangioma or cavernoma) in his right temporal lobe that was leaking tiny amounts of blood into the brain tissue and causing irritation which led to the seizures.
 

JJJ

Active Member
I had something like that -- finally diagnosis with cardio-neurally-mediated-syncope. Ask your doctor for a tilt-test, it is a simple and cheap test. Treatment is beta blockers.
 
H

HaoZi

Guest
My first thought also was low blood pressure. It's caused me to pass out twice (once when I was pregnant, once years before that). Let us know what you find out. *hugs*
 

DS3

New Member
I've been having these 'episodes' about once a month. This was the first one that happened while I was standing. Usually I am sitting when they occur, they last a few minutes, and then I'm fine and go on my way (if a little more tired then normal.) I'm trying to get a referral to a cardiologist as I had some chest pain about two weeks ago and it scared me. The neurologist is a good idea, and I like the idea of a simple tilt-test. The symptoms seem more related to syncopy then seizure. But we shall see what they find out. Still have a lot of pain in my one arm/shoulder which took the brunt of the fall. Hoping that doesn't last very long. Also hoping that this bump on the back of my head goes away fairly quickly. I've found that I've been very tired today and unable to focus/sustain attention for any period of time. I did take a nap this afternoon, but I still feel a bit 'out of it'. Seems to come and go. Cannot wait to get into see the doctor. I can't stand feeling like this, and on top of it all, I have my IEP meeting tomorrow. Luckily my husband and an advocate will be going with me. ~hugs~ Thanks for all of the advice and warm wishes. As soon as I know something, I will let you all know. :) It's great having an online family like you guys.
 
H

HaoZi

Guest
Once a month... same portion of your cycle as well? Anemia might also be possible.
 

DS3

New Member
Once a month... same portion of your cycle as well? Anemia might also be possible.

If I had a cycle, yes. I have an IUD and haven't had a period in over a year. I know. Also a question as to whether or not that is the cause. Already on the list. :)
 

gcvmom

Here we go again!
The fact that it's leaving you feeling drained makes me suspect seizures even more. Hopefully the specialists will check you out from every angle and you'll get some answers soon.
 

Hound dog

Nana's are Beautiful
Nichole had the same episodes. Hers was blood pressure related to anemia.

Glad you're having it checked out.

Hugs
 

DS3

New Member
Anyone know if its normal to feel lightheaded and nauseated after fainting? I don't feel very well today. And I seem to be a bit off balance.
 
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