Resolved question:
I am concerned I had an out of body experience yesterday, that I cannot explain. I have had panic attacks but this felt different. It felt as if I was partially awake partially asleep, and i had to force myself out of sleep. Once I was awake, i still felt like i was partially asleep and it felt as if i wasnt real. Additionally, I have been getting clusters of random goosebumps on just my left arm, that seems to be happening more and more, at first I thought it was a food reaction, but it happens randomly and for no reason. I am 29 years of age, and concerned that these may be symptoms of a brain tumor? A cat scan is so insanely expensive for me right now given that I am in between jobs, that I am wondering if that is the only thing I can do to tell if I have a tumor? And what are the odds that What I am saying is caused by a tumor?
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Family Physician-GP
Hello,
Thank you for choosing DoctorSpring. I have disucssed your concern with our team Neurologist.
The symptom pattern you have experienced is bit non specific and is most likely related to a mild REM sleep disorder or a psychosomatic. Eitherway we are pretty certain that this does NOT suggest Brain tumour. This is not specific or suggestive sign of a Brain tumour. And this has not been reported in scientific literature too. So you need not worry.
The sleep sensation and goose bumps should resolve by itsown. Watch of any new symptoms. I will keep this consult open. If you have any trouble feel free to get back to me anytime.
Hope this helps
Feel free to ask followups
Thank you
I have a different question, as you said you would keep this case open and I am very appreciative of that. I have been less concerned with the brain tumour however, I have been prescribed xanax for a long time for anxiety. Having said that, I have never taken it daily and take it like one to twice a month at the most. These past 3 weeks for whatever reason I have been unable to sleep and experiencing anxiety. I have been taking them daily for those three weeks, I am prescribed one miligram, and used to cut them in half for anxiety, now i have inceased by tolerance by the most 2 and a half milligrams. I want to cut that back, I didnt take any last night but then woke up with anxiety, and took one only for fear that i would have a seizure. It may be necessary to taper but im not sure I have been on them consecutively enough that i need to taper. My question is, should i be concerned of a withdrawal of any kind, or seizure? And when should i be concerned that i may have a seizure?
Thanks so much-
Hello,
First of all it is not a good idea to modify the dosage of anti psychotic medications like Xanax without your Doctor's direct guidance.
You can reduce the dosage 0.5mg/ week and maintain at 1mg per day. (Slowly reduce 0.5 over a week). It is unlikely that you will get any withdrawal reactions like seizures, but you might find some trouble in sleeping. There are could be some anxiety attacks also. It is better to take Xanax in 2 mg dose or less and then add one more medication if needed.
As I said this is better done under your Doctor's direct guidance.
Hope this helps
Feel free to ask followups
Thank you
Hello Dr. Sebastian,
Thank you for all of your help. I have not had much trouble with xanax and haven't needed to take it. The anxiety has gone away. I did want to follow up about my initial concern of a tumour. Recently, probably within the past week, everytime i get up the right back side of my head hurts. Mostly when i get up, or when i walk, i can feel pressure on one side of my head in the back. Hoping this isn't a sign of a tumour my initial concern that i wrote you about. It is very specific, not terrible pain, but definitely there and noticeable.
Hello,
You need not worry, as such pains can be related to multiple reasons. You need not worry about it being a tumor.
The pain could be related to your sleeping position, or related to stress, or due to disturbed sleep
I would advise you to take the OTC tablet ibuprofen only if the pain is severe.
Try to avoid sleeping on a high pillow if you do so, and find ways to relax yourself.
Otherwise it is nothing to worry. You need to stop worrying about having a tumor.
I hope this has helped. Wishing you good health.
Thankyou