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    Linz1983's Avatar
    Linz1983 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Sep 17, 2012, 04:53 AM
    Drop attacks
    Hi I'm a 29 year old mother of two who has suffered from drop attacks for 5 years after viril meningitis. They left me for about a year and then started back when I was pregnant with my now 11 month old daughter. I've had all the tests ECG, EEG and nothing came up! Please help don't know what else to do? I'm having a couple every two weeks and get no warning but afterwards have really bad headaches.
    joypulv's Avatar
    joypulv Posts: 21,591, Reputation: 2941
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    #2

    Sep 17, 2012, 06:08 AM
    If you aren't happy with your doctor's lack of helpfulness after those tests, find another.

    This from the American Hearing Research Institute:
    "In most instances, the cause of the drop attack is never definitively established. About 12% are due to the heart (a variant of syncope), 8% are due to poor circulation to the brain, 8% are due to problems with both the heart and brain, 7% are due to seizures, 5% are due to the inner ear (Meniere's disease), and 1% are due to psychological problems. Other causes of drop attacks include medications and gait imbalances.
    A recent study of 10 patients with drop attacks found 8 of them to have abnormal blood vessels in the neck or head. This suggests that abnormal or diseased arteries may be the cause of drop attacks in some patients, or may predispose patients with other cardiovascular problems to having drop attacks."

    You say 'all the tests' - consider asking for a MRA. But your doctors may prescribe no treatment, and feel that knowing that nothing showed on the tests you did have is enough.
    Linz1983's Avatar
    Linz1983 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Sep 17, 2012, 06:13 AM
    I've had a MRI scan is this the same as MRA? Just need some answers now as I've fallen a few times with my daughter in my arms.
    J_9's Avatar
    J_9 Posts: 40,298, Reputation: 5646
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    #4

    Sep 17, 2012, 06:15 AM
    It sounds like a case of orthostatic hypotension. Has you doctor checked your blood pressure while lying, sitting and standing and compared the differences?
    Linz1983's Avatar
    Linz1983 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Sep 17, 2012, 06:57 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by J_9 View Post
    It sounds like a case of orthostatic hypotension. Has you doctor checked your blood pressure while lying, sitting and standing and compared the differences?
    yes all checked and all fine?
    joypulv's Avatar
    joypulv Posts: 21,591, Reputation: 2941
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    #6

    Sep 17, 2012, 08:16 AM
    An MRA looks at blood vessels specifically.
    Knowing the cause may not mean that there will be a treatment. You may need to adjust to a life of not holding children while standing, and other precautions.
    But your doctor is dropping the ball if not advising you on all this.
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