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Momentary shut down of central nervous system.
I'm 90 and in the last year I've had 4 instances of my nervous system shutting down for a few seconds during which time I lose control of my body and collapse. I don't black out and can see everything that happens. It always happens during some body motion such as putting on a shirt, bending slightly, stooping and never lasts more than a few seconds and I'm normal till the next one. In each case flexing the spine even if only slightly. I hit the floor very hard as I can't put out my arms to stop the fall.
Had 2 MRI's of my spine that indicated bone spurs and calcification. No treatment was recommended and I fell again yesterday.
Anyone suggest a procedure?
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My son has had cataplexy for a couple years, and this sounds a lot like his description as well. From what I've read, it's a part of narcolepsy. He says his are triggered by happy, laughing, reminiscing type emotions. He sees a psychiatrist and a neurologist and has gotten some meds that help him not have them, or at least lessen their frequency. Since these docs have helped him, I thought I'd pass it along for what it's worth. I wish you good luck and good health! Karla B
Thank you Karla B. That's very interesting and I'll check into it.
Regards,
Tadueo
Your episodes sound like vasovagal syncope episodes which occur due to your twisting your head/neck a certain causing this response. I’d be interested to learn what symptoms you exhibit? Please google it and check it out too, sound scary.
jenatsky,
VSE. First time I've heard that. Wow.
The only requirement for the attack is that some part of my body must be in motion stretching in scope from while putting my arm in the sleeve of my shirt while standing I immediately shut down and fall to the floor head first to an attack when I was bent over picking up a cell phone and collapse. In each of the four cases I lost total control of my body. The duration is no longer than a second or two and the only after effects are from my falling body impinging with the floor or other objects. My vision remains intact thru the attack. It has never occurred while I'm in a sitting position. I don't like the happening.
I will google it.
Regards,
tadueo
jenatsky,
I think we can rule out VS as during an episode the victim "passes out".
In my episodes I remain conscious and maintain vision and the duration is about a second from which I return with no after effects.
Thanks anyway,
tadueo
The concern you should have is for passing out, which can be detrimental when you hit your head. I’m a retired nurse so hear me out, please? If you’re becoming lightheaded or dizzy with exertion it can a couple of things. If your heart is not able to keep up with the demand you’re putting on it the decreased blood flow to your brain might be the resulting symptom. If you’ve got a blocked or partially obstructed carotid artery in your neck the increased exertion might be compromising your ability the push blood to your brain. Are you an in shape guy that usually exercises?
i hear you.
My cardiologist says that, healthwise, I'm in the upper 2% of his patient's in my age group. I exercise twice a day with routines provided by my health therapist. I was an athlete, tennis, wrestling, in my younger days and yet I still have CHF, A-fib and high BP .
I think all my Docs are clueless as to what causes my nervous system shut downs.
It's like someone throws a switch and I drop.
tadueo