I don't feel these are part of CIDP variant/Dx--but my initial questions were Re: "flares" of pain, weakness, tremors, spasms, & Fasciculations (thanks Dahlek for med term for those muscle twitches)

these "drop attacks" epsisodes re-occurring so frequently ,did overshadow those concerns & were addressed in post. They are scary but are NOT new--have occured erratically for over 10 yrs.Began after I was hit by car -TBI & other injuries-
Seizures were initially suspected & ruled out. also MS, and several "mimics"
and other disorders like CHIARI, subclavian steel & other conditions i don't recall right now..

Vagus issues have been addressed-by few drs--a new neuro i saw last year ordered tests w/ "Vasovagal syncope" as Dx. suspected. but not confirmed.

I've had many tests, seen many DRs-neuro's & other specialists...

years of these weird episodes occuring--sometime serveral times a day for few days then stop. then recur... w/ no predictability. and often w/ injury, are not only scarey but source of anxiety. I've had periods where these attacks don't occur for several weeks- then WHAM - begin again--

also very upsetting to those [family] who witness these episodes. I know they feel helpless, but so do I....
I'm told look like a rag doll collapsing -in weird positions (my home health nurse said she couldn't imagine anyone being able to consciously assume some she's witnessed)
I do NOT lose consciousness. I can hear, feel, but cannot speak nor move--
my eyes are usually closed initially & I've been told "flicker"....
eventually eyes open and graudally regain movement thruout body. frequent injuries and several trips to ER have also resulted from these attacks.
after i'm very tired or emotional. always get severe stabbking pain in head after, that may resolve quickly or become migraine.

Neuro Dx'd -- A-typical or "complex" migraine... anther long story/issue and a reason for trying Botox. I've researched & many syptoms do apply.
but the drop attacks....
CATAPLEXY most accurately describes what occurs.

http://www.medterms.com/script/main/...ticlekey=10470
http://wrongdiagnosis.com/c/cataplexy/intro.htm

I've discussed this w/ several DRs inc my neuro. we discussed treatmts for cataplexy.. an issue itself...
Is this Cataplexy? (wil try to post more details about this, esp. post traumatic occurances--I blame TBI for many things...
I've recently learned many sleep disorders can/do occur after TBI--inc. Narcolepsy. Most say Cataplexy only occurs w/ Narcolepsy.
Sleep tests/labs have told me I don't have any sleep disorders

seems go round in circle-w/ recurring as well as new or worsening other symtpoms problems that may or may not be related... but def. having major impact on life now... these are but a few of the things affecing... not only me personally, but my family-specifically my terminally ill elder father -whom I've been livein carer for ... did get some help w/ his care, still so many responsibilities, duties I wish could delegate.. that aren't getting done...etc.

Overwhelms.....

my appt is tomorrow (DR out of town) THey have fit me in when needed. but getting to DR can be challenge--it's apprx. 6 hr rd/trip, have to arrange care for my father, hire a driver, etc. '
I wish Neuro was still local but until i find a better DR closer, or another option....

I 'm continuing my list of issues, questions & trying to prepare for appt.

will update

thnks again, to all for your caring concern, support, suggestions...

IVIG is scheduled for later in week...

Wow, Pono, you do have a lot of issues NOT pn related, and I, for one, responded to your post as if it were just pn. But TBI can cause many problems, and it seems you have found doctors willing to look and try to separate the various causes for your symptoms.

In terms of cataplexy--it CAN occur without fullblown narcolepsy. I used to have cataplexy, say back 20 - 30 years. If you slammed a door or told a good joke, my knees and legs just gave and I was on the floor--but conscious. I imagined you unconcscious with your drop attacks. I was chronic insomniac, and I had hypnagogic hallucinations, another feature of narcolepsy, nightly. My guess is that cataplexy and hypnagogic hallucinations can be related to sleep deprivation. I have no idea how they treat it, except they give provigil to narcoleptics to help them stay awake.

Good luck with you doctor's visit.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/000316.htm

and this is more complete discussion:
http://www.emedicine.com/NEURO/topic308.htm

I knew a man who had this and was misdiagnosed with MS for several months,
before they could pin down his periodic paralysis.

He controlled it mostly with diet.

It is hard to tag, because the blood potassium fluctuates quickly.

RE: appt. w/ my Neuro.

Autoimmune disorders were his focus--how they affect, what can be done--reiterated importance of IVIG-- continuing . will be getting treatmt today.

also control pain & othe neuro sx. will be trying new meds, continue Botox-for spasm conditions;Got injections of Sarapin & Lidocine.

referred to Sleep specialist. DX: Cataplexy -re: "drop attacks" & related Sx. post traumatic neuro disorder- Narcolepsy?? quite possible-- DX of "exclusion" --but more i hear, see, experience the more it "fits"...

gotta go...nurse here for infusion.

thanks to all for support, info, etc.