Panic attacks blackouts
My life involves panic attack blackouts. I had never heard of until 2023 . At one time what happens was thought to be TIAs. Nope. Maybe epilepsy. Nope. Last episode I was not in control of my brain.
This most recent episode I lost my ability to talk. Blood pressure up, short of breath, so confused! Laid in hospital 6 hours, came up with nothing. Psychiatrist look at the results and called the mess panic attack Blake outs. My birthday is soon , my anxiety level high.. So anxious about Wes calling, Corina will call. The holes remain. Th Wes music at church was so loud it tweaked something in my head into a seizure. Sitting in church to become so internally anxious,, I feel myself slipping.
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@floralou
Regarding the music in the church, there is a rare type of epilepsy called musicogenic epilepsy. I have a friend in the UK who one day was playing his banjo and all of a sudden he had a tonic clinic seizure. There is a particular note that triggers a seizure when he plays his banjo. How was your memory after this episode? Do you remember? Any other details you can tell us about the episode?
Take care,
Jake
@floralou
It sounds like you may benefit from seeing a neurologist for evaluation and testing. You may need an MRI of your head and bloodwork to check if there is anything affecting your central nervous system that needs treatment. Panic attacks can be very scary for you and those around you who don’t know how to help.
I have had panic attacks that cause hyperventilation and feelings of passing out. I was prescribed Zoloft/sertraline and this helped. I do think hormones and changes in hormones can trigger panic attacks in some. Mine were worse through puberty, pregnancy and perimenopause/menopause.
Here is what AI summarizes about this:
“😟 Panic Attacks and Blackouts: Testing and Treatment
Panic attacks and blackouts can be distressing experiences, and understanding their causes is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment.
🔍 Testing and Diagnosis
Medical History: A healthcare provider will begin by taking a detailed medical history, including:
Frequency and duration of panic attacks and blackouts.
Any triggers or patterns noticed.
Associated symptoms (e.g., heart palpitations, dizziness, confusion).
Family history of anxiety disorders or other medical conditions.
Physical Examination: A thorough physical exam can help rule out any underlying medical issues that may contribute to symptoms.
Diagnostic Tests:
Blood Tests: To check for thyroid function, electrolyte imbalances, or other metabolic issues.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): To assess heart health and rule out cardiac causes of symptoms.
Holter Monitor: A portable ECG monitor worn for 24-48 hours to detect irregular heart rhythms.
Neurological Evaluation: If blackouts are frequent, a neurologist may conduct tests such as an EEG to assess brain activity.
Psychological Assessment: A mental health professional may conduct interviews or questionnaires to evaluate anxiety levels, panic disorder, or other psychological conditions.
💊 Treatment Options
Therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a common and effective treatment for panic attacks, helping individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Exposure Therapy: Gradual exposure to feared situations can help reduce anxiety and panic symptoms.
Medications:
Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are often prescribed for panic disorder.
Benzodiazepines: These may be used for short-term relief of acute anxiety symptoms but are generally not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence.
Beta-Blockers: These can help manage physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heart rate.
Lifestyle Modifications:
Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can help reduce anxiety levels.
Regular Exercise: Physical activity can improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Healthy Diet: A balanced diet can support overall mental health.
Education and Support: Understanding panic attacks and their triggers can empower individuals to manage their symptoms better. Support groups can also provide a sense of community and shared experiences.
🏥 When to Seek Help
If panic attacks or blackouts are frequent, severe, or interfere with daily life, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.”
I just. saw my 3rd Neouro. Tests. One being admitted to hospital for a week and having circumstances change to cause an episode. NO!
I have my own way of living. I have to maintain a calm, slow, peaceful life. I love my sweet home and don't go out much. The doctors medicating those of us who are to gentle to run with wolves.
Turned into a seizure because my level for decades I've come to the conclusion that thepeople in my life and the things in my life must contribute to my life and not take away from my life. My last anxiety attack turned into a seizure which resulted in 3 days in the hospital it was the physical therapy that threw me off and so now I don't do any Physical Therapy except I do my exercises on my bed in the morning my depression in my anxiety are actually at this point my responsibility to take my medicine and to do the things that help me push the depression and the anxiety away if I want to lay on my bed and read all day because it makes me feel good then that's what I do. I write in my journal I write letters to people forgiving them for the pain they have caused me but I never mail them I catch them on fire in the sink and wash them down the drain I eat good I go to my wonderful Church where I get tons of support and love and I just don't have time to be wrapped in my sadness and Trauma I just can't be around people that are negative in my life and hurt me so I take care of myself I hang out I watched a little TV I ride in my journal I think about how wonderful life can be I watch the birds at my bird feeder and play with my little dog and I'm a happy camper most of the time yes there are things that break my heart that make me sad that make me depressed there are situations that cause anxiety it makes me have to go get in my hot tub and soak it away but there's also the beauty of my life the fact that I've been married to my husband for 53 years and he still loves me and I still love him is a blessing that I cannot explain the fact that I have wonderful friends that love me and would go out of their way to help me is a wonderful thing the fact that I have a church that is supportive and loving and kind and I learn a lot that's all that really matters to me anymore if I have a twinge of sadness or twinge of anxiety I know that I have the ability to make it go away I also know that spending years in counseling getting down to the root of these things was difficult was not fun at all ever made me cry for weeks made me just feel empty and weak but getting to the bottom line of what was causing my depression and anxiety helped me so much that I just think that as long as I pay attention I will be okay I am 73 years old I have been depressed since I was a teenager I have been in situations where I'm on suicide watch and I am taking hands full of Medicine but here I am now 73 years old hanging out having a good time and loving my life please hang in there don't quit you are a special person you are very important and you do not need to be tormented by depression and anxiety anymore if you choose to there is love there is kindness there is support it's all there for you to taking