I had this seizure-like episode and keep having some similar symptoms. First I smell ammonia/alcohol and this is right after exercise. Then I get a pressurized feeling in my neck/occipital area and that travels to the area just above my left ear and stays around there. It feels as if someone poured water inside my head making my head have too much pressure. That's the best description I can give. Then about two hours later, I have problems with spelling, writing, and recall memory. My hands get cold even in a warm room.

The first time it happened, I started to keel over to my right. I got very dizzy and lost my balance.

I have balance problems and can't handle uneven ground or slippery floors. I use the walls in my home to balance myself.

I have a whole slew of other symptoms. I just had a MRI this last week and my hands got cold and clammy during it. They also went numb. And afterward, my neck and head were feeling that familiar pressure.

Now I'm finding certain types of exertion bring on these symptoms, i.e.; lifting heavy objects, pushing heavy objects, anytime my hands are above my head, holding heavy objects, pulling wet towels from the washing machine, sideways motions and bending.

This week I'll have an EEG to see if I've been having seizures or something else.

I had an auto accident 25 years ago where I had severe whiplash and a severe concussion. My left shoulder was also pulled in an awkward position. I recovered fully from all the symptoms and no after effects.

I've been reading the symptoms of Chiari and they sound right on but it could be something else too. I guess I will know soon enough this next week when I see the doctor.

Thanks for reading!

Hi,
I was doing my usual google search for anyone who experiences seizure like episodes like mine when I came accross your post.
I registered with this form in hopes that I can communicate with you about your symptoms. I’ve been searching the internet and have visited countless doctors trying to get a diagnosis for my seizure like episodes.

Mine started in May 2006. I was bent over getting something out of my car and came up short hitting my head on the roof of my car. I felt an intense electrical yet numbing sensation in my neck (not unlike hitting ones funny bone) then the pain was gone and quickly as it had appeared (once again like the funny bone). I didn’t think too much more about it until that night. I bent over to pick something up off the floor and got tunnel vision and felt like I was going to pass out. This was the first of hundreds of episodes for me.

My episodes are like yours in the since that I feel the pressure in my head (the area right behind my left ear and down into my neck). I get cloudy minded. I can’t think straight. My movements become very labored, my speech is slurred and at times I can’t move at all. I am aware of what is happening around me but at the same time I can not appropriately respond. My mind is in a fog.

I know when my episodes are going to happen. I get a strange feeling that is hard to explain. I get a heaviness in my chest and get a blank stare and I just have to wait it out. My episodes usually only last a few minutes then I am a little tongue tied for a short time but basically back to my right mind. I also experience the cold and numb hands

I would like to know more about your exact symptoms when your episodes are happening to see if we might be experiencing similar episodes.

Thanks and I hope to hear from you soon.

here is a list of symptoms . Only a Mri will tell you if you have it or not
http://www.chiarione.org/symptoms.html

These episodes you have are one of my symptoms too. I have a lot more going on too, but it's interesting to read your experience and your interpretation that it's maybe a seizure. I had a sleep deprived EEG and they were unable to induce a seizure but since it doesn't happen consistently that may not mean much.

Have you guys had MRIs of your brain and C-spine? I have and am told they were normal so I am curious if yours are too.

This all sounds very close to what I go thru.
Any of this sound familiar?
Headache
Fatigue
Dizziness
Nausea
Irritability
Confusion
Difficulty concentrating (and or brain fog)
Intolerance to heat or cold
Earache
Stuffy head or congestion
Itching
Sneezing
Sore throat
Memory problems
Breathing problems
Changes in heart rhythm
Chest pain
Muscle pain and/or stiffness
Bloating or gas
Diarrhea
Skin rash or hives
Mood changes

Yes to about 75% but they are all the same symptoms that are associated with everything they have yet to rule out. I am SUPER needle phobic so I am reluctant to look at MCS until other less invasive tests have been done and ruled out.

The weirdest symptom I've had so far happened last night. Every time I laid down I smelled this strong pungent smell (like saurkraut that had gone bad). It was bad enough that I had to get up to throw up. It went away when I sat up or stood up so I slept sitting up. My temperature was 99.2 (my norm is 98.4) at the time. I sweated suddenly this morning and my temp went down to 98.6. I also had crazy dreams, felt like the mattress was being moved but nobody was there, and when I opened my eyes to see if my BF was getting into bed I saw a weird fireworks like things spewing from the air conditioners (which I could tell were not real even though I was definitely seeing them).

I found and started 1000mcg of methylcobalamin so hopefully some of the weirder things will resolve soon. sigh....

Have either of you had a western blot test to rule out Lyme's disease????

I have all the symptoms you listed including seizure like episodes with convulsions. I had been to a neurologist, cardiologist having MRC, EEG, CAT scans and nothing really showed. It was very frustrating and I couldn't find any answers. 4 years and TONS of testing later, I found out I have lyme's. I never remember getting bit so it seemed strange but now explains my misery.

Well, Lyme's disease causes inflammation on the brain and spine and just as you guys described, you can actually feel the swelling/pressure. This could cause these episodes for you and may not be actual seizures.

Igenix is a great company if you want to get tested. Look up symptoms of chronic lyme disease.

I have also had these same symptoms, after years of symptoms and misdiagnosis,after another. my last stage brought on seizure like symptoms too.
I am now finally being treated for lyme and babesia. the symptoms vary and seem to rollercoaster, sometimes joint pain, then vision, or headaches andstiffness. so crazy, good luck

Hello, I have those same strange smells and headaches. I got diagnosed with partial epilepsy about 8 months ago. I called it a chemical smell. It really is strange how our brain can cause that? I also had a accident--I got hit in the head by a truck back in 1979 so I know I had head trauma. Well best wishes with your EEG--let me know how it goes. hutch