I went to the er for having stroke symptoms

[Stephernovas]

What I experienced didn't equate to the scale of symptoms you're talking about, but I one night a friend explained the events of a car accident to me that another friend of her's was involved in. I was totally fine, but then suddenly I started getting this pain in my chest (left side - heart), and it went through to my back as well.

When I physically exert myself, I find it hard to speak. My thoughts cross and my words jumble. I get shaky and when I try to reach for things, my coordination is way off. Our bodies and brains are amazing things. They do immense things to protect themselves. I am not surprised by your story.

I also 'youtube'd someone having an anxiety attack on live TV. They experienced something similar to what you are speaking of. I mean we can't say for sure as we do not have medical degrees, but it would be worth looking into. Furthermore, if/when this happens again, try relaxation techniques - see if that decreases your symptoms.

 

[lostforgottensoul]

do know that PTSD can lead to an actual stroke.

Where's that evidence? Never heard of that one.

In Kansas years before the PTSD diagnosis I was sent to the ER for the left side of my face going numb causing slurred speach. A neurologist saw me, had CAT scans and MRI. They were afraid of a mini stroke. Learned it was simply anxiety. Anxiety can cause numbness in your face/arms/legs per that neurologist.

 

[sundailk]

What I experienced didn't equate to the scale of symptoms you're talking about, but I one night a...

Yea. I researched it and it's also simlar to seizures. As time moves on and the more I research I become doubtful it's just anxiety because I'm finally learning how to name my syptoms. I've called around, talked to my insurance, called the epilepsy foundation for more information. You know just looking into different things. I also checked my blood sugar 2 weeks ago at home because a diabetic lives with me and that was low at 83. I now eat sugary foods daily and bought fruit juices. They help me keep a constant check on my blood sugar too. No improvements just yet, but even with a raised sugar level, I wonder if that was a possible culprit as well.

I just learned how to name these very weird sensations in my body. Brain zaps, smelling metallic and auras. The auras were the hardest to describe because it felt like my whole body chemistry had changed out of no where. I felt like the blood/fluids from my body was being drained. Others have more creative ways to describe it such as seeing a snake and being stuck inbetween space in time. I felt like I hit a major breakthrough after days of research because I felt I was never going to be able to put names to these symptoms. I'm keeping a journal and that helped me too!

I am starting to believe whatever it is, a life full of stress is the culprit and finally caught up to me at the age of 25. PTSD can mimic many things. I won't know for sure until I get treatment( like you've said) which isnt easy when people are booked months in advance all around town.

You're right, I want to keep my symptoms to a minimum, because I was crying about the added on stress and that doesn't help!!! Talking to others have calmed me a lot along with sculpting more because the texture of clay relaxes me.


I agree the human body/mind is very complex. I am a sci-fi writer and these new weird symptoms are helping me create new complexties to my characters. These symptoms aren't fun, they suck and I wish less people had it, but turning a negative into a positive have helped me deal with it in humor and not being so doom and gloom! PTSD is very serious and I don't think breathing techniques and what I'm doing will make it go away, but stress minimazation is important. I need to relax, you're right because PTSD is already complex by itself and it can get worse if it is not taken care of. I treat it like any other illness!

 

[whiteraven]

I agree with everybody here that you should get in with your doctor (or another) as soon as possible. I think it would also benefit you to get a full neurological workup (by a neurologist), since your symptoms could be neurologically based.

I just learned how to name these very weird sensations in my body. Brain zaps, smelling metallic and auras. The auras were the hardest to describe because it felt like my whole body chemistry had changed out of no where. I felt like the blood/fluids from my body was being drained.

I get these and used to have the same problem with speaking in gibberish. I was diagnosed with epilepsy a long time ago. I *don't* get the numbness or weakness you talk about, though. Neurological issues can be *very* complicated and hard to diagnose but it's really important that you rule that out before accepting that it's anxiety.

With regard to the scans you had, MRIs and CTs are not, in themselves "wrong" or provide false information. They are pretty clear-cut, although, they are limited and should be used *in conjunction with* clinical symptoms and other testing. What I have found (and I've worked for 15 years for a world-renowned imaging company) is that they *can* be misinterpreted or some radiologists can miss things. If you are not sure about the accuracy of your reports, don't feel funny asking for a neuroradiologist (usually a neurologist or surgeon, but sometimes just someone who has been thoroughly trained in this specialty) to review your images. Sometimes, when scans are re-reviewed for a second opinion, the radiologist that re-reads them interprets them differently.

I am soooooo sorry you are going through this. I know how very scary these symptoms are. I hope you discover they are not indicative of anything physically serious and get some guidance for treatment. That said, also be prepared for not getting a definitive answer. Sometimes it takes a long time to get a firm diagnosis.

Take care, @sundailk!

 

[blackemerald1]

Your appointment is in September? I think that is way too far off. Please get back to your physician and find out why you have to wait so long? Does he/she know you have to wait so long?

 

[DharmaGirl]

Neurologists here are booked out 6 months. When they don't know why you are having the symptoms you are in the ER, they call it anxiety. My brother had a suicide attempt and they kept him for 5 hours because of his heart. The social worker decided he didn't need to be there anymore, and when I protested, she said with a snide smile that he said he was fine. He is no longer with us because of her decision. Don't take ER diagnoses as fact.