Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Body Weakness Along With Fainting Feeling?
Question: I have spells where my whole body seems to go imp and I feel lke I am going to faint. I have no pain anyplace when this happens but I cant moven as I am just to week. I can think, but I cant control my body until this goes away and it only lasts a few seconds. Do you have any idears regarding this?
Brief Answer:
Presyncope more likely
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
I understand your doctor being unsure as the episodes description doesn't completely fit a category. However I would say that their most likely nature is that of a presyncope which is characterized by a fainting feeling and muscle weakness.
Presyncope can have many different causes. The most common one are related due to not enough blood reaching the brain, so it should be investigated towards heart and blood vessel issues. Metabolic and hormonal issues are another possible cause to be considered.
So I would initiate by some routine cheap blood tests (blood count, glucose, liver and kidney function, electrolyte panel, thyroid function) as well as an ECG. If those tests come back normal then the next step would be a prolonged ECG registration which can check heart rhythm possibly during those episodes (the test is called Holter ECG, done through a portable device carried for at least 24-48 hours) as well as a heart ultrasound. If no cause is found imaging of the neck vessels supplying the brain is indicated.
Another possibility would be that of seizures. However it is much less likely given the preservation of consciousness (but not impossible as there are many seizure types) so it should be considered only once the above tests do not yield any results.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Presyncope more likely
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
I understand your doctor being unsure as the episodes description doesn't completely fit a category. However I would say that their most likely nature is that of a presyncope which is characterized by a fainting feeling and muscle weakness.
Presyncope can have many different causes. The most common one are related due to not enough blood reaching the brain, so it should be investigated towards heart and blood vessel issues. Metabolic and hormonal issues are another possible cause to be considered.
So I would initiate by some routine cheap blood tests (blood count, glucose, liver and kidney function, electrolyte panel, thyroid function) as well as an ECG. If those tests come back normal then the next step would be a prolonged ECG registration which can check heart rhythm possibly during those episodes (the test is called Holter ECG, done through a portable device carried for at least 24-48 hours) as well as a heart ultrasound. If no cause is found imaging of the neck vessels supplying the brain is indicated.
Another possibility would be that of seizures. However it is much less likely given the preservation of consciousness (but not impossible as there are many seizure types) so it should be considered only once the above tests do not yield any results.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your quick response the first time. I do not have these spells to often, but what kind of a Dr. should I see first?
Thank you again
Thank you again
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I would say a cardiologist but the answer depends a little also upon the health system organization where you live, who covers the costs. Where I live unless you are privately paying it is the primary physician who must make the referral to the cardiologist or any other specialist. Also you should go through the primary physician first for the blood tests and a simple ECG, as it would be advisable to have them at hand when you see a specialist in order to avoid unnecessary repeat visits.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I would say a cardiologist but the answer depends a little also upon the health system organization where you live, who covers the costs. Where I live unless you are privately paying it is the primary physician who must make the referral to the cardiologist or any other specialist. Also you should go through the primary physician first for the blood tests and a simple ECG, as it would be advisable to have them at hand when you see a specialist in order to avoid unnecessary repeat visits.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
