Hi Julie

I'm new on here and don't know if I'm too late to answer your post?
Anyway, yes it is definitely possible to feel dazed and confused in reaction to a chemical. I have suffered this myself and it can happen in a matter of minutes and then I know I need to get away from the source of the problem. Depending on what the chemical is and how quickly I get away depends how quickly the symptoms clear. They can go immediately or it can take a whole day.

I get a really bad headache and then feel all "muggy" and not quite there!!

For me it has been trial and error discovering what triggers reactions.

But the reaction is definitely real.

Hopefully by now you will have found something to help but if not I can share what helps me.

Hi ChocolateChip and welcome to NeuroTalk. I'm glad you've joined us.

Could there be a possibility of mold growing in the house somewhere. Mold growing in the house somewhere could cause some of those things.

Do you have gas,or electric stoves? Could there be a gas leak off,and on?

Just a few thoughts that I had. Some houses have something called Sick House Syndrome. Ventilation problems, clogged filters ,lead paint,or a combination of many things. Just a few thoughts. BF

You might try a detox. I did one years ago and am ready for another one. They usually run anywhere from $60-$75 but they are worth every penny. I was having symptoms just like yours and my skin would break out with tiny blisters that felt like a bug had stung me then I'd naturally run the area and the blister would break and then the area would bleed. I'd have scabs all over my arms and legs. Then I did a cleansing and a lot of my symptom left. I also went to my doctor to have an ANA test done to see if it was autoimmune and 3 yrs later my test came out positive for Sjogren's Syndrome...I also have Fibromyalgia and both cause chronic fatigue which sounds like your "brain fog". I do that too, it's very aggrevating especially when you want to be awake. Low blood sugar can do the same thing too. You might need a glucose test performed. I hope this helps.

I have been having troubles with "chemical smells" for the past 16 years and thought thought that it was only in my head! If I go to a store that has fertilizers or candles, I first start feeling agitated then I get a horrific , pounding headache. Once I get the headache, my stomach starts to feel nauseous and I am ready to go home to lie down for the rest of the day. My family has been irritated with me for years over these headaches because they just do not understand why I am so affected by the smells. Not only do I get them in stores, but I also get them when riding in the car when there are strong exhaust fumes, or when at work and someone comes in with perfume or cologne on.

How can I tell someone that their perfume/cologne is causing me to have headaches/nausea without sounding like a spoiled brat? I don't want to offend anyone, but once I get the headache/nausea I cannot concentrate on my work and become almost confused.

Is this something that can be diagnosed by the doctor? I feel that my doctor does not take my complaints seriously, and I don't know what to do.

Any info would be much appreciated!

Amy

Amy, sorry you have MCS. It is a real pain to say the least. There is lots of info on the net regarding MCS. * *

i am sorry your dh doesn't get it (i know this dear husband here but in my family it always mean't dumb head).

my mom thought i was making up symptoms not unlike yours to tell the doctor. although she is no longer with us it still hurts to remember some of her comments. i just want to let you know i understand how this feels, and sometimes brilliant explanations from the doctor fall on deaf ears.

I have these attacks to only one thing i think. It could be more things but to automobile exhaust fumes i gets severe reaction. When im a car for a long period of time and it is on the freeway and their are many many cars.

I get dizziness, cant breath, foggy vision, increased pulse. Feels like im dying seriously then once exposure is eliminated it goes away in 1 hour. It actually takes a while to get over if noticed i need like 1-2 hour recovery time from it. It was really scary when i first had it and didnt know what it was, i thought i was about to die.

I have read in a few studies that when MCS suffers are exposed to chemicals they are sensitive to their is a large reduction in blood circulation to the brain which would explain the foggyness and spacedout feeling some people get when exposed to their particular sensitivity.

Anyway MCS is strongly linked to a dysfunction liver since the liver cleans out toxins.

Supplements that are very helpful for MCS suffers include:

Transdermal Glutathione or Intravenous Glutathione - glutathione detoxifes the liver and is the bodys master antioxidant. - This for some can allievate all symptoms.

PhospholydlChole and Polyunsatured Phospholydlcholine.

And N-acetyl-Cysteine.

All three help in detoxifying the liver.

Hey Mom,
I do not have info, sorry, but I do want to say cool beans you got a dx for your sxs!! I guess I missed that part. hugssss, sarah