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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 16 to 40 of 45. Go back in thread:
Posted by mike lynch on September 9, 2004, at 17:09:49
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep... » mike lynch, posted by SDA on September 9, 2004, at 15:32:51
> Whoa, blast from the past!
>
> Unfortunately I haven't recovered much at all. In fact, I may be even worse now. Just like you, I've been treated depression and had the same symptoms persist. I've had an EEG done to rule out seizures, and some blood work for thyroid levels and lymes disease (all negative).
>
> Here's a list of my current symptoms:
>
> - Persistent head pressure/fuzziness. It feels like my brain is litterally becomming inflamed in areas. It changes depending on what angle I hold my head at (tilting backwards concentrates the sensations in the back of my head), and gets better when I lie down on my back with a pillow or squeeze the top-sides of my head with my hands.
>
> - Poor short term memory. I have to struggle to recall the events of the last 5-10 minutes in chronological order. Sometimes I almost lose a whole day's worth.
>
> - Impaired vision. My distance vision is rather blurry, and my left eye seems weak and blotchy. It almost feels like my left field of vision is constricting.
>
> - Severe brain fog. My main problems are with math and abstract thinking. I can't even understand algebra 101 material. Sometimes I struggle with simple arithmatic. I subjects like calculus, I can almost "imagine" how it might feel for things to make sense but I just dont have the brain power to make it happen anymore.
>
> - Sleep issues. I just can't seem to get a full night of solid sleep. It takes over an hour to fall asleep, after which I'm overloaded with dreams (which are sometimes disturbing in content). I also tend to wake up very frequently, especially when its light out.
>
> - Feeling depressed (duh). I hate myself, I hate my parents, I hate my roommates, I hate my doctors, and I hate the drug industry. I'm wasting my money flunking out of college and ruining many meaningful relationships. There are still a few tests that I believe should be done, but I have very little hope at this point. I basically feel like I have no past, present, or future.
>
>
> Do any of these things sound familliar to anyone?
>
> mike lynch: Did you have any of your current symptoms before you were treated for depression?I never had symptoms that had even closely resembled what I am going through now before I was treated with depression..
THe only symptom I really had was low mood..and lack of interest in activities...and probbly avoidance..when I was dealing with depression without treatment
.I went to school and everything and when I got out I could work fine..I could socialize fine..there were really no problems until I started taking paxil..
I have been looking for answers and found many people experiencing strikingly similar symptoms to that of your's and mine..these people all have been on an ssri..it seems to run most commonly with paxil..
For example the vision..and problems solving are problems I have and many other people have upon using this drug ( actually a very select few)Here are accounts that are very similar to mine.. http://www.voy.com/134573/127.html
pay attention particulary to the first and third post...eye problems and problem solving difficulties all seem to be a commanality in peopel who have cognitive problems from paxil..The problem isn't that we experiencing while on it...it's the fact that we have been off it for months and the symptoms still remain..
Posted by SDA on September 9, 2004, at 21:18:58
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep..., posted by mike lynch on September 9, 2004, at 17:09:49
> I never had symptoms that had even closely resembled what I am going through now before I was treated with depression..
>
> THe only symptom I really had was low mood..and lack of interest in activities...and probbly avoidance..when I was dealing with depression without treatment
>
> .I went to school and everything and when I got out I could work fine..I could socialize fine..there were really no problems until I started taking paxil..
>
> I have been looking for answers and found many people experiencing strikingly similar symptoms to that of your's and mine..these people all have been on an ssri..it seems to run most commonly with paxil..
>
> For example the vision..and problems solving are problems I have and many other people have upon using this drug ( actually a very select few)Here are accounts that are very similar to mine.. http://www.voy.com/134573/127.html
>
> pay attention particulary to the first and third post...eye problems and problem solving difficulties all seem to be a commanality in peopel who have cognitive problems from paxil..The problem isn't that we experiencing while on it...it's the fact that we have been off it for months and the symptoms still remain..Have you had a neurological workup (MRI, EEG ect.)? If so, seeing an endocrinologist and a sleep specialist might be a wise move. I'm considering doing that myself. Psychiatrists will most likely want to treat you with more medications, which seems to be pretty fruitless.
You haven't mentioned anything about head pressure or fuzziness. I consider this to be the most distinctive and persistant element of my illness. If you don't have anything like it, then its unlikely that we are suffering from the same fundamental problem. If you do, then please let me know.
Posted by mike lynch on September 9, 2004, at 21:57:24
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep... » mike lynch, posted by SDA on September 9, 2004, at 21:18:58
> > I never had symptoms that had even closely resembled what I am going through now before I was treated with depression..
> >
> > THe only symptom I really had was low mood..and lack of interest in activities...and probbly avoidance..when I was dealing with depression without treatment
> >
> > .I went to school and everything and when I got out I could work fine..I could socialize fine..there were really no problems until I started taking paxil..
> >
> > I have been looking for answers and found many people experiencing strikingly similar symptoms to that of your's and mine..these people all have been on an ssri..it seems to run most commonly with paxil..
> >
> > For example the vision..and problems solving are problems I have and many other people have upon using this drug ( actually a very select few)Here are accounts that are very similar to mine.. http://www.voy.com/134573/127.html
> >
> > pay attention particulary to the first and third post...eye problems and problem solving difficulties all seem to be a commanality in peopel who have cognitive problems from paxil..The problem isn't that we experiencing while on it...it's the fact that we have been off it for months and the symptoms still remain..
>
> Have you had a neurological workup (MRI, EEG ect.)? If so, seeing an endocrinologist and a sleep specialist might be a wise move. I'm considering doing that myself. Psychiatrists will most likely want to treat you with more medications, which seems to be pretty fruitless.
>
> You haven't mentioned anything about head pressure or fuzziness. I consider this to be the most distinctive and persistant element of my illness. If you don't have anything like it, then its unlikely that we are suffering from the same fundamental problem. If you do, then please let me know.
>
>I've had an eeg...and it showed up nothing..I did have a feeling of pressure being applied to my brain but it seemed to occur when I came off ssri's..and it then seemed to subside..in a few weeks.. I have horrible brain fog..I can't seem to think..especially while writing and essay I just can't gather my thoughts..they just aren't there..it's like there locked up in a box and won't come out...That is all..you're symptoms you'd described just sounded really familiar.. Have you seen a specialist about this..i'm sure he could tell you the possible causes of this pressure you speak of.. did this happen after you came off ssri's?? Or durring ssri treatment??
Posted by SDA on September 10, 2004, at 0:17:07
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep..., posted by mike lynch on September 9, 2004, at 21:57:24
> I've had an eeg...and it showed up nothing..I did have a feeling of pressure being applied to my brain but it seemed to occur when I came off ssri's..and it then seemed to subside..in a few weeks.. I have horrible brain fog..I can't seem to think..especially while writing and essay I just can't gather my thoughts..they just aren't there..it's like there locked up in a box and won't come out...That is all..you're symptoms you'd described just sounded really familiar.. Have you seen a specialist about this..i'm sure he could tell you the possible causes of this pressure you speak of.. did this happen after you came off ssri's?? Or durring ssri treatment??
>
>I was on 200mg of zoloft for at least a few years as a teenager, and went off cold turky before going to college. The worst withdrawals I got were irritability and anxeity. The head fuzziness and serious brain fog started around a year and a half later. Its been happening more or less every day for the last 10 months. I've seen a specialist, but all he's said is that he thinks its "physiological" and not a tumor.
Huzzah. What a breakthrough.
An important thing to keep in mind is that there are many, many things that can cause brain fog. I've read accounts that are very similar to mine, which range from sinus infections, to migraine disorders, to dietary defficiencies.
Posted by mike lynch on September 10, 2004, at 1:17:03
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep... » mike lynch, posted by SDA on September 10, 2004, at 0:17:07
> > I've had an eeg...and it showed up nothing..I did have a feeling of pressure being applied to my brain but it seemed to occur when I came off ssri's..and it then seemed to subside..in a few weeks.. I have horrible brain fog..I can't seem to think..especially while writing and essay I just can't gather my thoughts..they just aren't there..it's like there locked up in a box and won't come out...That is all..you're symptoms you'd described just sounded really familiar.. Have you seen a specialist about this..i'm sure he could tell you the possible causes of this pressure you speak of.. did this happen after you came off ssri's?? Or durring ssri treatment??
> >
> >
>
> I was on 200mg of zoloft for at least a few years as a teenager, and went off cold turky before going to college. The worst withdrawals I got were irritability and anxeity. The head fuzziness and serious brain fog started around a year and a half later. Its been happening more or less every day for the last 10 months. I've seen a specialist, but all he's said is that he thinks its "physiological" and not a tumor.
>
> Huzzah. What a breakthrough.
>
> An important thing to keep in mind is that there are many, many things that can cause brain fog. I've read accounts that are very similar to mine, which range from sinus infections, to migraine disorders, to dietary defficiencies.Well with that..you're diagnosis probably is different then mine..it's very strange to all of a sudden become spontaneously stricken with brain fog , memory problems ,and general cognitive problems, in you're late teens.. The only variable that changed was that I was put on paxil..so I immediately attributed it to that...Maybe theres other things it could be.. but from teh research i've done though it makes the most sense it was from teh meds..
\How are you going about finding answers now..have you have an idea as to what it could be?? How are you coping with it?? Do you say the pressures constant..I dunno how i can handle that..i could barely handle the brain fog period..
(side note: i've also have been making these wierd typos upon noticing these problems..that never happened b4..I had to revise this post like 5 times to get it right as I wrote MEMORY as MONEY.... and MIND TO DIME...and I've been missing many words out like I write "i having problems" when of coures I forgot *AM* there much worse then this but i just can't remember all of them i made... very strange..I just wonder what the hell my brain was doing when i made those errors..it's like it just shuts off randomly)
Posted by SDA on September 10, 2004, at 13:49:05
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep..., posted by mike lynch on September 10, 2004, at 1:17:03
> Well with that..you're diagnosis probably is different then mine..it's very strange to all of a sudden become spontaneously stricken with brain fog , memory problems ,and general cognitive problems, in you're late teens.. The only variable that changed was that I was put on paxil..so I immediately attributed it to that...Maybe theres other things it could be.. but from teh research i've done though it makes the most sense it was from teh meds..
>
> \How are you going about finding answers now..have you have an idea as to what it could be?? How are you coping with it?? Do you say the pressures constant..I dunno how i can handle that..i could barely handle the brain fog period..
>
> (side note: i've also have been making these wierd typos upon noticing these problems..that never happened b4..I had to revise this post like 5 times to get it right as I wrote MEMORY as MONEY.... and MIND TO DIME...and I've been missing many words out like I write "i having problems" when of coures I forgot *AM* there much worse then this but i just can't remember all of them i made... very strange..I just wonder what the hell my brain was doing when i made those errors..it's like it just shuts off randomly)
>
>The pressure subsides sometimes, but never completely. I can sort of tell that its still there by applying light pressure to my cheek bones or forehead. When I do this, I can feel the pressure flare up on the upper sides of my head. I'm not sure exactly what makes it better or worse. Exercising daily helped for a couple weeks, but then it started happening regardless.
I guess I'd like to investigate the possibility of migrains (a few people in my mother's family have them), and perhaps endocrin malfunction (my mother had an adrenal tumor, which screwed up her hormonal system). An MRI is probably worth while, given the persistant pressure. I sometimes suspect I have sleep apnea too, since I have bad chronic nasal congestion and tend to wake up frequently.
I have trouble spelling things sometimes, but I guess its forced me to be more cautious when I type.
Posted by mike lynch on September 10, 2004, at 14:52:49
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep... » mike lynch, posted by SDA on September 10, 2004, at 13:49:05
> > Well with that..you're diagnosis probably is different then mine..it's very strange to all of a sudden become spontaneously stricken with brain fog , memory problems ,and general cognitive problems, in you're late teens.. The only variable that changed was that I was put on paxil..so I immediately attributed it to that...Maybe theres other things it could be.. but from teh research i've done though it makes the most sense it was from teh meds..
> >
> > \How are you going about finding answers now..have you have an idea as to what it could be?? How are you coping with it?? Do you say the pressures constant..I dunno how i can handle that..i could barely handle the brain fog period..
> >
> > (side note: i've also have been making these wierd typos upon noticing these problems..that never happened b4..I had to revise this post like 5 times to get it right as I wrote MEMORY as MONEY.... and MIND TO DIME...and I've been missing many words out like I write "i having problems" when of coures I forgot *AM* there much worse then this but i just can't remember all of them i made... very strange..I just wonder what the hell my brain was doing when i made those errors..it's like it just shuts off randomly)
> >
> >
>
> The pressure subsides sometimes, but never completely. I can sort of tell that its still there by applying light pressure to my cheek bones or forehead. When I do this, I can feel the pressure flare up on the upper sides of my head. I'm not sure exactly what makes it better or worse. Exercising daily helped for a couple weeks, but then it started happening regardless.
>
> I guess I'd like to investigate the possibility of migrains (a few people in my mother's family have them), and perhaps endocrin malfunction (my mother had an adrenal tumor, which screwed up her hormonal system). An MRI is probably worth while, given the persistant pressure. I sometimes suspect I have sleep apnea too, since I have bad chronic nasal congestion and tend to wake up frequently.
>
> I have trouble spelling things sometimes, but I guess its forced me to be more cautious when I type.
Does concentrating hard exacerbate this problem?? It's wierd that this "pressure" problem came back the day after we were talking about..I think it had something to do with me forgetting to take sam-e..as it happened when I went off prozac...or maybe the only thing that alleviates this problem is being on a sertogonic med..it's possibly not the withdrawal that's causing it which was my first guess.. But it seems my brain is actually "hurting" and "pressurized" when I am concentrating on something like math..or trying to articulate events or facts in my head to put on paper.. That is when it's the most apparent.. But another idea that comes to my head is that ssri's have been used off label to treat migraines..and it may be lifting this *absent migraine* which is causing this pressure...I dunno i'm just speculating..
Posted by SDA on September 11, 2004, at 0:00:14
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep..., posted by mike lynch on September 10, 2004, at 14:52:49
> Does concentrating hard exacerbate this problem?? It's wierd that this "pressure" problem came back the day after we were talking about..I think it had something to do with me forgetting to take sam-e..as it happened when I went off prozac...or maybe the only thing that alleviates this problem is being on a sertogonic med..it's possibly not the withdrawal that's causing it which was my first guess.. But it seems my brain is actually "hurting" and "pressurized" when I am concentrating on something like math..or trying to articulate events or facts in my head to put on paper.. That is when it's the most apparent.. But another idea that comes to my head is that ssri's have been used off label to treat migraines..and it may be lifting this *absent migraine* which is causing this pressure...I dunno i'm just speculating..
>
>Heh. That's weird. If I remember correctly, the first time I had the pressure was a day or two after I read about someone esles experience with it online. I guess there could be a psychological component that exacerbates things.
Its possible that concentrating makes things worse, but I do know that its gotten very bad while just sitting in front of my computer. Obsessing and certain social situations may also be a factor. I can remember one time recently that I had terrible head sensations while watching a play in a theater. As soon as I left the theater and started walking to the car, it dissapeared.
As for serotogenic drugs in general alleviating the problem... I find it unlikely (in my case at least). I continued to have suffer with it while taking Zoloft (up to 75mg) for a couple months.
Posted by crazychickuk on September 12, 2004, at 7:55:49
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep... » mike lynch, posted by SDA on September 11, 2004, at 0:00:14
MUST be somthing in the air... i am experiencing the exact same problem... mind you a mnth after stopped remeron and then itryed dothiapin for a week been just over a mnth without meds.. and i feel depressed fogged, brain hurts when i think, and i am sort of obsessing over seizures.. i have had about 2 eegs done over the year i have had an mri eck etc etc to rule out anything for my anxiety BUT these symptoms are new and persistant constantly now.. when you first wake upp in the morning you kind of stil asleep well thats how i can only describe it.. i just kind of feel tingly and i am unable to hold a confersation even with my mum.. this is horrible i just cant seem to snap out of it.. i went to my doctor and he said it could be the meds and to try and stay of them for as long as i can and just get therapy BUT i managed to get some effexor of him as it worked for depression in the past BUT obviousley i am put of taking it as i fear it could make me worse even brain dead.. i am fearing i am losing my mind at the moment this is awfull absoultely awfull and i just wanna get better wats the anser plse tell me...
Posted by 4WD on September 12, 2004, at 17:50:46
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep..., posted by mike lynch on September 10, 2004, at 14:52:49
> > > Well with that..you're diagnosis probably is different then mine..it's very strange to all of a sudden become spontaneously stricken with brain fog , memory problems ,and general cognitive problems, in you're late teens.. The only variable that changed was that I was put on paxil..so I immediately attributed it to that...Maybe theres other things it could be.. but from teh research i've done though it makes the most sense it was from teh meds..
> > >
> > > \How are you going about finding answers now..have you have an idea as to what it could be?? How are you coping with it?? Do you say the pressures constant..I dunno how i can handle that..i could barely handle the brain fog period..
> > >
> > > (side note: i've also have been making these wierd typos upon noticing these problems..that never happened b4..I had to revise this post like 5 times to get it right as I wrote MEMORY as MONEY.... and MIND TO DIME...and I've been missing many words out like I write "i having problems" when of coures I forgot *AM* there much worse then this but i just can't remember all of them i made... very strange..I just wonder what the hell my brain was doing when i made those errors..it's like it just shuts off randomly)
> > >
> > >
> >
> > The pressure subsides sometimes, but never completely. I can sort of tell that its still there by applying light pressure to my cheek bones or forehead. When I do this, I can feel the pressure flare up on the upper sides of my head. I'm not sure exactly what makes it better or worse. Exercising daily helped for a couple weeks, but then it started happening regardless.
> >
> > I guess I'd like to investigate the possibility of migrains (a few people in my mother's family have them), and perhaps endocrin malfunction (my mother had an adrenal tumor, which screwed up her hormonal system). An MRI is probably worth while, given the persistant pressure. I sometimes suspect I have sleep apnea too, since I have bad chronic nasal congestion and tend to wake up frequently.
> >
> > I have trouble spelling things sometimes, but I guess its forced me to be more cautious when I type.
>
>
> Does concentrating hard exacerbate this problem?? It's wierd that this "pressure" problem came back the day after we were talking about..I think it had something to do with me forgetting to take sam-e..as it happened when I went off prozac...or maybe the only thing that alleviates this problem is being on a sertogonic med..it's possibly not the withdrawal that's causing it which was my first guess.. But it seems my brain is actually "hurting" and "pressurized" when I am concentrating on something like math..or trying to articulate events or facts in my head to put on paper.. That is when it's the most apparent.. But another idea that comes to my head is that ssri's have been used off label to treat migraines..and it may be lifting this *absent migraine* which is causing this pressure...I dunno i'm just speculating..
I am also experiencing the brain pressure. I am in the process of weaning off Effexor and going on Cymbalta. The pressure started about five days into this process. My head/brain feel sore and too full. If I turn my head quickly from side to side, it feels like my swollen brain is banging against the inside of my skull. It turned into a bad headache last night. I normally don't have headaches.I am having an MRI tomorrow. Maybe I will have something to report.
Marsha
Posted by KaraS on September 12, 2004, at 18:16:34
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep... » mike lynch, posted by SDA on September 9, 2004, at 15:32:51
Have either of you ever considered adrenal fatigue? I have similar symptoms as does another friend on the Alternative board and we think we have this along with depression. It is more of a holistic diagnosis but it said to result from severe stress and sleep deprivation. Mine did not come on so suddenly but has been building up whereas my friend's came on very suddenly.
Posted by SDA on September 13, 2004, at 0:38:00
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep..., posted by KaraS on September 12, 2004, at 18:16:34
> Have either of you ever considered adrenal fatigue? I have similar symptoms as does another friend on the Alternative board and we think we have this along with depression. It is more of a holistic diagnosis but it said to result from severe stress and sleep deprivation. Mine did not come on so suddenly but has been building up whereas my friend's came on very suddenly.
>
>Is there any sort of diagnostic test for adrenal fatigue? What about possible treatments (alternative included)?
I think "brain fog" is symptom, not a disease. As I've mentioned before, it can be caused by many different biological problems. In some cases it might be beyond the scope of modern medicine to treat (traumatic head injuries, ischemic damage ect.), but I'd wager that most sufferers could nail down the cause by simply examining their lives.
In my case, sleep deprivation and chronic stress are major factors. I've also learned that depression is not my only problem.
Posted by LeadingZero on September 13, 2004, at 15:53:59
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep... » mike lynch, posted by SDA on September 9, 2004, at 15:32:51
I've definitely felt the cottonhead experience and brain fog before. I'm also with you on the head/neck position thing.
You never quite know for sure what causes these things, but I suspect in my case it is migrane. On the third day of my sleep deficit binges, I'd get some really bad visual migranes to where I can't see-- not blackness but rather boiling static. Noise would really agitate me, and sometimes I would start vommiting. This would last a few hours.
People experience migrane differently, and for me it's different than it was 12 years ago when I first started 'seeing' things.
Now I get much less severe migranes that cause brain fog, small-regional pain that is agrivated by movement, and an irritable personality-- but they can last a few days.
Spending a lot of time on computers has also given my neck a strange natural position that I think reduces bloodflow. I tend to want to lean forward and tilt my head up to see the screen. I do this espeicially when I'm hyperfocsing. After a while, I get brainfy. My vision starts to flash.
Things that seem to help me when I get this way:
Ibuprofen. Getting oxygen-rich blood to my head, one way or another. Getting up and walking around a bit. Doing neck excersizes.The migrane medications seem to make things worse for me-- they're ususually vesoconstrictors. I need more blood to my head, not less. I was glad to see that Doc Amen recommended ibuprofen-- because it's an anti-inflamitory and may reduce swelling in the brain-- now I have some explanation for why it always helped me.
I now also do the power yoga regimen, and it really helps out-- but the whole shmeer isn't necessary for me to get some relief. I've gotten some relief from being foggy by belly breathing while laying on my back, hugging my knees into my chest and tucking my chin in for about five minutes. Another thing is the breathing deeply while bending forward (like touching toes) and letting my head hang. Spending a couple of mintues in my cube doing the actual yoga postures is even more helpful, but I'm trying to be simple and helpful here.
On top of migranes, I have ADD, dysthymia, and some compulsive tendencies. I have been on stimulants a few years, Zoloft, Prozac and Straterra. Right now I'm not on anything, but that may change.
Best wishes,
-LeadingZero
Posted by LeadingZero on September 13, 2004, at 18:19:15
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep..., posted by LeadingZero on September 13, 2004, at 15:53:59
I just got finished reading everybody else’s posts and am going to second my vote for migraines. I also want to provide a few more of my experiences. I’m a 34 year old electrical engineer, and I’ve been whacking through these weeds for some time.
A segue, though-- I never knew that migraines were related to the endocrine system. I wonder if an elongated, craning neck position might somehow strain one's thyroid? Tucking my chin in and rolling it around on my thyroid always seemed to help, somehow.
I my first visual migraine was when I pulled an all-nighter for a high school computer fair. The following day, during the presentation, I was sensitive to noise and light, things seemed dreamy. I wanted to kill the guy in the booth next to me that yammered endlessly nearby. High contrast outlines would shimmer, kind of like when I look into the sun.
Through college, I was chronically sleep deprived. I was working a full time programming job along with a full load, and would sometimes binge all night playing Quake. Those would be the worst migraines. It would start sometimes suddenly—I would just suddenly notice that my vision was messed up. Other times, it was gradual-- by things beings being dreamy and otherworldly, then I would start to see sunspots around high contrast areas, then I would get the boiling blindness coming in from the bottom of my vision. The blindness would gradually clear up and in then the massive pressure would be on. Moving my head suddenly would be a big mistake. If it was really bad, that would be followed by vomiting and praying for the sweet release of death for about three hours. I would get these every few months, predictably following a bout of pathological stupidity.
Over the years, my migraines have become less severe, less visual— maybe because of aging, or perhaps due to being less stressed out and sleep deprived. But I still have migraines. They tend to last longer, sometimes days. I see only occasional, fleeting visual effects. I feel head pressure, and some portion of my head, like one side or the back, front or top, hurts. If I stand up suddenly or turn my head, it hurts. Any noise, like talking, is bothersome and painful. They come on a lot less predictably and more often than before. Sometimes, they are so subtle that I don’t realize I’m having one until I put all the pieces together.
Some of you said you experience trouble reading. When I read, my eyes jump around a lot and I frequently miss words, or accidentally pick up a word from the line above or below. I see patterns out of the white spacing between the words. I have to read very carefully to keep my accuracy up. Getting through school was a pain-- reading reams of conceptually dense material, and rereading it, and again. It's also hard to tolerate reading for more than 20 minutes without taking a break.
In my case, I have light sensitivity problems—not volume of light so much as contrast and flashing. It reduces my reading accuracy as well as causes the visual aspect of my migraines. I wear Irlen filters now-- custom made colored glasses that block frequencies of light that seem to most disrupt my nervous system. That has helped. It’s not a panacea, but it has helped my reading and I don’t have much in the way of visual migraines anymore. I also avoid reading in florescent lighting and over lit areas.
I hope I haven’t given anyone a visual migraine with all this text.
Best wishes,
-lz
Posted by SDA on September 13, 2004, at 19:31:01
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep..., posted by LeadingZero on September 13, 2004, at 18:19:15
I've had some weird visual spots and the occasional "blip" in my peripheral vision, but its not very persistant. The constriction/weakness in my left eye is absolutely constant. I've had an eye exam, but there doesn't seem to be anything physically wrong with my eye.
I forgot to mention a couple symptoms earlier. I seem to get a great deal of muscle spasms, especially in my left eye lid. On a few occasions over the last several months I've gotten a burning pain in my neck (between the chin and the adam's apple) when yawning, which lingers for a few seconds. Could this have something to do with my thyroid? I had blood testiing for thyroid functioning done, but it came back "borderline normal" or something. I do remember feeling better than usual on the day I had my blood drawn, though.
Posted by LeadingZero on September 14, 2004, at 0:20:07
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep... » LeadingZero, posted by SDA on September 13, 2004, at 19:31:01
The way that a migraine manifests itself varies from person to person. I posted my experiences as a sample. I really don't know the full range of experiences. But it's all in the brain, not the eye. For me, it just hit the visual cortex hard for a few years.
The thyroid thing was just a stab in the dark. I think it's time to check the Merk manual...
Posted by mike lynch on September 14, 2004, at 16:50:55
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep..., posted by LeadingZero on September 13, 2004, at 18:19:15
>
> Some of you said you experience trouble reading. When I read, my eyes jump around a lot and I frequently miss words, or accidentally pick up a word from the line above or below. I see patterns out of the white spacing between the words. I have to read very carefully to keep my accuracy up. Getting through school was a pain-- reading reams of conceptually dense material, and rereading it, and again. It's also hard to tolerate reading for more than 20 minutes without taking a break.
>
> >
>Yes I have a problem with this also..I dunno if it's an eye problem or what..all I know is that it seemd to happen spontaneously about a year or 2 ago...I come home one day and I am unable to read sentences properly...my eyes jump from the first word to the third etc..
Posted by karaS on September 15, 2004, at 21:56:26
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep... » KaraS, posted by SDA on September 13, 2004, at 0:38:00
> > Have either of you ever considered adrenal fatigue? I have similar symptoms as does another friend on the Alternative board and we think we have this along with depression. It is more of a holistic diagnosis but it said to result from severe stress and sleep deprivation. Mine did not come on so suddenly but has been building up whereas my friend's came on very suddenly.
> >
> >
>
> Is there any sort of diagnostic test for adrenal fatigue? What about possible treatments (alternative included)?
>***see part of article I"m copying in below***
> I think "brain fog" is symptom, not a disease. As I've mentioned before, it can be caused by many different biological problems.Yes, brain fog is definitely a symptom and it's a symptom of many things unfortunately.
In some cases it might be beyond the scope of modern medicine to treat (traumatic head injuries, ischemic damage ect.), but I'd wager that most sufferers could nail down the cause by simply examining their lives.
>
> In my case, sleep deprivation and chronic stress are major factors. I've also learned that depression is not my only problem.Adrenal fatigue was just something I brought up for you to look into or consider. I'm not saying that I think it's your problem. It may be mine though. At any rate, the portion of the article below answers your other questions. Below it I'll copy the link it came from in case you want to read more on it.
"Do You Have Adrenal Fatigue?When the adrenal glands are not functionining optimally, you can have a condition that is known as adrenal fatigue, or adrenal exhaustion. Adrenal fatigue often develops after periods of intense or lengthy physical or emotional stress, when overstimulation if the glands leave them unable to meet your body's needs.
Some other names for the syndrome include non-Addison's hypoadrenia, sub-clinical hypoadrenia, hypoadrenalism, and neurasthenia.
Symptoms include:
excessive fatigue and exhaustion
non-refreshing sleep (you get sufficient hours of sleep, but wake fatigued)
overwhelmed by or unable to cope with stressors
feeling rundown or overwhelmed
craving salty and sweet foods
you feel most energetic in the evening
a feeling of not being restored after a full night's sleep or having sleep disturbances
low stamina, slow to recover from exercise
slow to recover from injury, illness or stress
difficulty concentrating, brain fog
poor digestion
low immune function
food or environmental allergies
premenstrual syndrome or difficulties that develop during menopause
consistent low blood pressure
extreme sensitivity to coldDr. Bruce Rind has a helpful chart, Metabolic Scorecard: Symptom Matrix with information on how to evaluate your symptoms in greater detail.
The adrenals produce hormones that help to balance your blood sugar, which helps your body to manage your daily ebbs and flows of energy. When blood sugar drops, the adrenals release hormones that cause the blood sugar to rise, and increases energy. The adrenals also release hormones when we're under stress, releasing energy. It's the "fight or flight" response from the days when we needed to run away from wild animals, which now kicks in for everyday stressors, such as traffic jams, arguments, and work pressures.
But being consistently under stress takes a toll on the adrenal glands, and eventually, they run out of steam, and stop producing sufficient hormones.
Conventional endocrinologists and tests cannot diagnose adrenal fatigue, because they are prepared only to diagnose extreme dysfunction in the adrenals, such as Addison's disease, a potentially fatal condition where the adrenals essentially shut down.
Your holistic or complementary practitioner can do a saliva cortisol test to evaluate your adrenal function, however, to diagnose more subtle dysfunctions in your adrenal glands.
If you are suffering from adrenal fatigue, what can you do? Here are a few tips that can help..."
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/endocrinology/a/adrenalfatigue.htm
Posted by SDA on September 15, 2004, at 23:18:28
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep... » SDA, posted by karaS on September 15, 2004, at 21:56:26
Out of that list, these are the only symptoms that really apply to me:
excessive fatigue and exhaustion
non-refreshing sleep (you get sufficient hours of sleep, but wake fatigued)
overwhelmed by or unable to cope with stressors
feeling rundown or overwhelmed
a feeling of not being restored after a full night's sleep or having sleep disturbances
difficulty concentrating, brain fog
food or environmental allergies
extreme sensitivity to cold
I've also noticed that caffine makes the mental strain even worse. Its a little hard to tell, but I think the same goes for sexual activity.There's also the ever-present head pressure and vision problems, which aren't mentioned in that article. Do you ever get these symptoms?
Posted by karaS on September 16, 2004, at 0:59:37
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep... » karaS, posted by SDA on September 15, 2004, at 23:18:28
> Out of that list, these are the only symptoms that really apply to me:
>
> excessive fatigue and exhaustion
> non-refreshing sleep (you get sufficient hours of sleep, but wake fatigued)
> overwhelmed by or unable to cope with stressors
> feeling rundown or overwhelmed
> a feeling of not being restored after a full night's sleep or having sleep disturbances
> difficulty concentrating, brain fog
> food or environmental allergies
> extreme sensitivity to cold
>
>
> I've also noticed that caffine makes the mental strain even worse. Its a little hard to tell, but I think the same goes for sexual activity.
>
> There's also the ever-present head pressure and vision problems, which aren't mentioned in that article. Do you ever get these symptoms?
It doesn't sound like it's a match for you.I used to get a lot of pressure in my head because of sinus problems but not so much any more. I don't really have any vision problems. My vision is off a bit in the morning when I take antidepressant medication or if I've had any alcohol the night before. Otherwise, it's not one of my problems.
Posted by mike lynch on September 16, 2004, at 13:09:41
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep... » karaS, posted by SDA on September 15, 2004, at 23:18:28
sda does this pressure in your head.. seem to be originating from the front of your skill...not in the middle but to the left and the right..it feels like someones pressing on my skull right now...been happening for a while..just wondering if it's similar to yours.
Posted by LeadingZero on September 16, 2004, at 13:16:50
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep..., posted by mike lynch on September 16, 2004, at 13:09:41
> sda does this pressure in your head.. seem to be originating from the front of your skill...not in the middle but to the left and the right..it feels like someones pressing on my skull right now...been happening for a while..just wondering if it's similar to yours.
It's from having an overly large brain. If you become stupider, your pain will subside. Watch some TV. Do some power shopping at the mall. Change your name to Bubba.
Posted by LeadingZero on September 17, 2004, at 17:54:14
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep..., posted by LeadingZero on September 16, 2004, at 13:16:50
> It's from having an overly large brain. If you become stupider, your pain will subside. Watch some TV. Do some power shopping at the mall. Change your name to Bubba.
Well, at least it worked for me. ;-)
-Bubba
Posted by mike lynch on September 17, 2004, at 22:17:05
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep..., posted by LeadingZero on September 17, 2004, at 17:54:14
> > It's from having an overly large brain. If you become stupider, your pain will subside. Watch some TV. Do some power shopping at the mall. Change your name to Bubba.
>
> Well, at least it worked for me. ;-)
>
> -Bubba
>
lol I was going to try and respond saying that my name was bubba..and that I found your post very offensive..but my username was just to obvious...just pray there aren't any bubbas on this forum.. ;)
Posted by bethola291 on November 22, 2004, at 1:18:03
In reply to Re: seeking insight with brain fog/depression/sleep..., posted by LeadingZero on September 17, 2004, at 17:54:14
wow.. i just stumbeled across ur words.. and i feel like them.. or they sound like me.
iam a chemistry major, a junior in college..
i feel the brain fog.. i have minor sleep depravation.. i have had depression issues but this has gone severly untreated.. i have been on a number of hormone medications aside from bouting with illegal drugs.. but the fog has come from somewhere. even with stopping the street drugs iam out of it always. i though i didnt pay attention.. that i jst didnt get it. i consider myself and the scary part it is that people i dont even know in my classes send me the drift that they think im as smart as i think that i am. tbut this has caused me problems. my ability for math has suffered the most. iam currently enrolled in calculus and becuase i work so hard to keep up, i can.. i miss things, not only in math that i jst didnt see, when it should be obvious.. am i not processing or i, or is there actually something wrong.. and thouhg i am yet to read all posts, iam grateful people are talking about this.. bc it effects me and others i see.. and that iamnot alone.
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