I may not be crazy after all.
A couple of years ago, when trying to figure out why I seemed to be experiencing, to various degrees, myocardial infarctions or maybe, again to various degrees, strokes, my physician offhandedly mentioned Vestibular Migraines. Yeah, the brain is a strange thing, if you really pay attention it is always doing something really weird, but that is another story.
After my (Dr. House like) attending physician offhandedly mentioned what to him was an uninteresting diagnosis, my wife and I researched (via various legitimate sources) what turned out to be complete listing of the symptoms I had been experiencing over the past several years.
A few months ago, something new popped up, I noticed a strange smell. Well this is a very old house, after all, and I searched . . . after a bit of time the smell dissipated. After a few of these "smelling" episodes in far ranging environments, I decided this must be a phantom olfactory presentation of (you guessed it) Vestibular Migraines. But, still, I had some lingering doubts because I could not find any reliable reference to same. I have, for the past few months, been obsessing over this unsolved mystery. So, perhaps you can understand my relief when, a few minutes ago, I finally found an authoritative reference to my annoying symptom. Thanks ! , NIH !
These olfactory hallucinations (Clinical Terms) are quite real to the extent of being palpable, metaphorically speaking. Unfortunately these "smells" are a bit unpleasant, but not so to the point of preventing normal function.
So, while I continue my search for "Reality" at least I have one less concern regarding my perception of same.
RIP
Comments
Interesting. Is there anything to be done about it all?
Fortunately I have Intractable Hypertension ‽
Yep, you read that correctly. Medication is the only way to control Intractable (we used to call it untreatable or unresponsive) Hypertension. Those same medications reduce Vestibular Migraine symptoms. That may be why it took so long for this last particular symptom to present.
As I get older other symptoms may present, oh the joy of anticipation. At least, so far, I am one of the so very lucky ones, I do not get the splitting headaches.
Edit: I should add, this condition provides an avenue to "probe" brain function. Score!
Not getting the splitting headaches
is something to be thankful for. You sound a bit too joyful about all this, but I think I get it. Solving the mystery of what has been going on with your body/brain does bring joy at finally making sense of it all.
I *have been* a bit euphoric today.
I can calmly talk with an oncologist about how cancer is not a disease, the prognosis, treatment options, et cetera. But before the tech arrives with the test results I am a quivering mental basket case.
"making sense of it all" is what I do. In fact, that is all I have ever done. I am worse than:
Great clip. Love it.
Sounds Like A Brownie Is In Order
One with real medicine in it.
I miss those days!
Vowing To Oppose Everything Trump Attempts.
Ya, yes, those were interesting times.
Good luck.
Battle for Castle ItterBattle for Castle Itter
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
Thanks
And that was a good read, I had not run into it before.
Life does seem a bit stranger than fiction.
This is very interesting
For years, I suffered from migraine headaches until about seven or eight years ago. Since that time, I have not had any migraines, but have had intermittent balance problems. During that same time, one of my elderly dogs was suddenly struck with vestibular syndrome. Eventually she was able to adjust to what I called doggy vertigo. During that same time, I suffered two very severe attacks of vertigo which left me nauseated and unable to get out of bed for as long as a day. Since then I have had these intermittent symptoms which I called vertigo. When it happens, I am not sick to my stomach, but I have problems walking a straight line. I was at a coastal area with family this past week and had no symptoms at all during that time. Weather seems to play a part too. It does not affect my driving or when I am seated. But it is far more pronounced when I am walking in low light or darkness because I am unable to compensate with my eyes. I concluded I have vestibular problems too.
Do I hear the sound of guillotines being constructed?
“Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable." ~ President John F. Kennedy
Welcome to the club (?)
Well actually, I am sorry and wish you well. Oh and do talk with a knowledgeable physician. The really good ones are active listeners and explain "at your level". If at any time you feel "in the dark" or "they know best, sigh" run, don't walk, away and get a second opinion. For some of us, lifestyle changes can help. For others, like me, hormone therapy is an integral part of managing my condition and as I indicated that revelation came by accident.
"Weather seems to play a part too.", be careful about looking for triggers. Professionals too often seek to identify triggers in the hopes of developing a plan to prevent events. The problem with this is that they miss an important aspect of the problem: The foundation of all brain function are electrochemical processes. There is an irreducible level of "randomness" in the stochastic processes that drive electrochemical processes.
"But it is far more pronounced when I am walking in low light or darkness because I am unable to compensate with my eyes.", this observation fits nicely with the "brain functioning as a whole" point of view. I am not a mystic in any sense of the word but yoga, many of the "Eastern" disciplines, or Parkour are activities that enhance the mind/body connection. Now that I am moving back to the Pacific NorthWest I hope to spend more time hiking (and if at all possible, running) along mountain trails. That is the environment in which I feel most fully engaged.
you seem knowledgeable
so forgive me if this is something you already know about, but a magnesium deficiency, even being slightly under ideal, can aggravate some very complicated conditions, including migraines.
I've been working on increasing my magnesium as part of my Lyme protocol and it is going slowly. But I'm convinced it's key.
Thanks for your concern . . .
One of the best aspects of moving to the Bear Creek Valley: It has a real foodie culture. Sure there are the usual fast food places, but it is real easy to get a wholesome selection of really fresh foods. I don't take supplements because I really like the good stuff, for example very dark chocolate. If you are ever in the area, make a point of stopping by the Ashland Food Co-op. Eating there is never boring.
The real trick is finding the balance that works for you. Sorry to hear about your Lyme disease issue. I am moving from an area of near zero risk to the low risk region of Oregon and Northern California.