I Woke Up Last Night As I Felt My Body

Posted on Mon, 16 Sep 2019

Question: I woke up last night as I felt my body go into a contraction, then complete convulsion like shaking for about a minute. My husband woke up screaming what is wrong, but I could hear him but could not talk while I was shaking. I was completely aware of the shaking and then it completely stopped. I had this happen when I was 28, but they diagnosed me with conversion disorder. They never could uncover and trauma or reason for conversion. I am 48, and not sure why it started happening again. Your thoughts

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Consult neuro physician to rule out other causes.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
By your history and description, possibility of conversion disorder is more likely.
So better to consult neuro physician and get done clinical examination, MRI brain, EEG (electro encephalo gram), blood reports like CBC (complete blood count), electrolytes, liver function test and kidney function test.
Usually, this kind of conversion disorder is seen with undiagnosed stress and anxiety.
So please let me know if you have stressful life at present or not.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (14 hours later)

The only stress I have is from my throat all of a sudden feeling like something is stuck inside it. Constantly trying to clear it- started end of XXXXXXX and has not stopped. I also have had blurred vision that will last for several hours and then it goes back to normal. As well as my right ear will all of a sudden feel stopped up for several hours and then go back to normal.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
All these symptoms are stress and anxiety related symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Ask a doctor forum.
First of all, sorry for late reply as I was busy. Your all these symptoms are suggestive of stress and anxiety.
So better to consult psychiatrist and get done counselling sessions.
Try to identify stressor in your life and start working on its solution.
Please let me know if you have already consulted psychiatrist.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D