[HatingPTSD]

Grrr...

I am really tired of being a narcoleptic. Which is not a bad thing, because I am not.

Let me explain...

I was diagnosed with PTSD in 2001, a few months after watching my father die. A few years later, I noticed the flashbacks I was having were getting worse. In 2004, I started to just "fall asleep". Anytime, anywhere...didn't matter. I just fell asleep.

What I didn't know at the time was, these sleeping episodes were preceded by a weakening in my fingers, knees and toes. I started to pay attention to these episodes as much as possible and noticed that these "seizures" seemed to be tied to flashbacks. I have a flashback, and instead of going back to my father's hospital room, I pass out/fall asleep.

I know, I know...sounds just like cataplexy/narcolepsy and/or epilepsy. Except I have been tested for both narcolepsy and epilepsy and both are negative.

Yet these "seizures" have cost me my job, my ability to drive, etc. I am saving up money for another doc visit and I am trying to compile as much info as I can so I can minimize the number of doc visits that it will take to start getting treated.

Have any of you PTSD folks heard of this before? Any ideas?

[Cyran0]

HatingPTSD, I'm so sorry this has taken such a terrific toll on you and I wish I had answers for you but I don't. I haven't experienced anything like that.

I hope someone here does but I just wanted to extend my support.

Cyran0

[dalila]

<font color="green">My youngest adopted dd had bad PTSD. She would have flashbacks, rages and severe depression. During her rages she became dangerous to herself and anything or one around her, so I had to hold her until she could calm down. Too many times instead of calming she passed out/fell asleep. It was a defense mechanism - sort of a dissociation thing. She is doing a lot better now after 6 years of specialized therapy to address her fear of bonding and abandonment.

Perhaps you could try some calming exercises? Practice when you are calm and try to implement them when you first feel the warnings that an attack is coming. </font>

[smiley1984]

you can also have psychogenic seizures?

here is a reputable site with some info:
http://www.emedicine.com/neuro/topic403.htm

it is a type if somatoform disorder which is a involuntary physical manifestation of a psychological problem. Often seen in people following a trauma.

It is very frustrating when no one can diagnose you. Have you had an EEG while having a seizure? But before going down the psychogenic seizure path it is important that you are evaluated and tested for physical problems, because you don't want to miss those.

[Yack]

Apparently anxiety can cause a seizure...Are you sure you aren't dissociating?

[Perna]

"I'm on board with the psychiatrist. Sleep is the most effect mechanism of repression we have. I'd be more inclined to suggest a PTSD/Depression complex than a PTSD/Narcolepsy complex."

http://www.mhsanctuary.com/therapist/1099.htm

[1oxbowgirl]

Hi, I have seizures and there are many different types that the testing they give can not be counted on for diagnosis. So I would suggest you check with the nearest Epilepsy Foundation office to get more information.
Another thought other than those listed above, have you had your heart checked out. Anxiety and PTSD, depression and etc... can all affect your mental and phyical state in different ways. But so can an irregular heartbeat. Best of luck to you.