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Can Childhood Trauma Cause Arrhythmia In A Person?

Posted on Sat, 2 Jul 2016

Question: I have a client who had a drowning/near drowning experience as a child (4-5 yrs old). He doesn't know how long he was underwater before being found and revived. Throughout his life he's experienced periods of rapid heart beats without arrythymias or palpatations, which weren't considered problematic. He is now a healthy 25 yr old military man who is on limited duty due to arrythymias and palpatations, which trigger anxiety. He also has to have his throat stretched periodically due to swallowing difficulty. Could his swallowing, arrythymias and palpations be a result of his drowning experience?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, drowning related stress and panic can cause all these.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
He was having childhood trauma. And this kind of trauma can cause stress and panic disorder.
These stress and panic disorder can cause palpitations, swallowing and stretching of throat etc.
So in my opinion, he should definitely consult psychiatrist and get done counselling sessions.
He may need additional anxiolytic drugs along with counselling.
Don't worry, he will be alright.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your friend. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (14 minutes later)

Your answer was too short. He went from childhood thru without any symptoms until age 24....the began to suffer arrythymias, palpatations, racing heart beat and anxiety. Also, I asked about his throat needing to be stretched due to swallowing difficulties...is that a common after effect of near drowning....by the way he's only needed to have that done once, which was about 3 yrs ago, but didnt have the recommended follow up. By the way I am a licensed therapist and specialize in anxiety, panic and trauma treatment. Do I need to seek info from another specialist such as ENT?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Exactly what is his swallowing difficulty?

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern now.
Initially I thought he is suffering since childhood.
But now I am clear about his illness.
Please let me know
1. Exactly what he does in throat stretching?
2. Is he doing this at regular intervals?
3. Is he doing this especially when people are around him or he is alone?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better about need of other specialist doctor or not.
I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your friend. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar