Any information will help!

[tiffers]

Hello,

I have been having the same things happen to me as I'm trying to fall asleep. It starts off as "seeing" (although my eyes are closed) all sorts of lines from all over the color spectrum zig-zag and "dance" around in blackness. Then I start "hearing" odd noises, hard to describe other than screechy, metallic noises, maybe even mechanical noises, but high-pitched.

At this point I try to open my eyes or even talk out to my husband and I can't move my mouth or open my eyes. A few years ago I had something similar happen with just my mouth, where I was having a horrible migraine and was trying to communicate with my husband but no words were coming out of my mouth. I though I was talking, but he said my mouth was moving with no audible sounds.

Anyway, what I described at first has been happening more and more frequently. While this is happening or shortly after, I get a piercing headache but still cannot talk so I just fall asleep. I remember the whole thing. I apologize in advance if this sounds like I'm making it up, I'm just concerned. I've asked my husband if he notices anything when we're getting to bed, but most of the time he's asleep before me. He did say when he did notice something, he just thought I was having a bad dream. The thing is I'm totally awake during these episodes. I know what is happening, and I try to move but can't control my movements. I am writing to ask if anyone has had anything similar happen to them, or really for any advice or something. I just don't want to feel like I'm crazy. Thanks in advance.

 

[PFunk]

Trust me, no one here will think your crazy. Does this only happen when your trying to fall asleep? Does it ever happen during the day? It sounds like it could be simple or complex partial siezures. Have you looked into nocturnal seizures at all.

 

[Artreyuartaz]

Not at all crazy! I get similar types of seizures and I know they can be very distressing and disturbing. Always see your physician if you start having new experiences that are out of the ordinary for you! It sounds like a simple partial seizure to me though (uneducated guess)!

 

[tiffers]

Thank you for your reply P-Funk!

I have only noticed when I try to fall asleep. It most often happens at night, but it has happened in the mornings a few times as well.

I haven't looked into nocturnal seizures, as I had no idea they existed! I will definitely look into them! Thank you again!

 

[Nakamova]

Hi tiffers and Artreyuartaz, welcome to you both!

tiffers -- it does sound like something neurological is going on, and worth contacting your doctor about. Are there any factors that might be playing a role -- any other health issues, medications, hormonal change, stresses, etc.? When you had migraines in the past, were you aware of any specific triggers?

 

[tiffers]

Nakamova: I do have asthma and have had it since I was about 3 years of age. I take Advair to control it. I also have adult ADD, and take 20 mg of Adderall (generic) daily.

As far as my migraines in the past, there weren't a whole lot of triggers that were obvious, but at the time I worked at a casino as a cashier. I knew better what to do to calm my headaches (i.e. lay down in low lights or wear sunglasses indoors) than I did the triggers. I was prescribed Topamax for that. However, when I quit that job to finish college, shortly after my migraines started going away and I stopped taking the Topamax. I thought it might be be to the flashing lights and such, but that's just my own opinion.

I can't think of any other health issues or hormonal changes.

 

[Nakamova]

Nighttime breathing problems and nocturnal seizures seem to be linked, so you might want to get a sleep study done. Adderall can lower the seizure threshold, and Advair is also contraindicated for people with seizure disorders. I don't know if you have any leeway with those meds, but you might want to ask your doctor about it.

You might also want to look into neurofeedback, if you can find a practitioner near you (and can afford it -- it's not often covered by insurance). Neurofeedback has been used to treat both epilepsy and ADD. It might provide relief from your seizure-like symptoms, and possibly allow you to lower your Adderall dose as well.