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What Causes Dizziness And Blackouts Despite Having Normal Blood Tests And Brain Scan?
Question: Hi, I have been having quite bad symptoms over the last five years.
I have had around 50 different blood tests, brain scans, checked numerous times for heart rate blood pressure etc.
I have had to go to ER with symptom such as dizziness, blackouts, eye sight loss etc.
So far there I have had no diagnosis, but I was bitten by a tick around five years ago that turned into the bulls eye rash.
At first I was prescribed hydrocotisone cream by the doctor, but around 1-2 years later (after suffering badly) the link was made with he bite and I had tests for Lyme disease done. The test was negative and no diagnosis made.
The symptoms have carried on but are gradually getting worse.
My main question is, does a bulls eye rash mean Lyme? and are the Lyme tests always right?
What should my next actions be? The symptoms are getting worse by the day.
I have had no diagnosis for any illness whatsoever and prescribed no medication, but there is something wrong.
Many Thanks
XXXX
My Current Symptoms
Feel very tired almost all of the time – last 5 years
Have bouts of weakness, like my energy is instantly drained, need to lie down (lasts anywhere from 10 mins – 2hours) – last 4 years
Brain Fog – cannot concentrate on task even though I know what to do, feels like I am dehydrated in my head (best way to explain it) – One full week out of every month for last 3 years. Tried everything to stop it diet, extra sleep, more water, nothing can stop it. Once it starts it lasts at least a week.
Very short term memory loss, e.g trying to think of a simple word but can’t – last couple of years
Heart Pain and Palputations – Last few years
Eyesight goes blurry (best way to explain it) – last 3 years
Alopecia spot at back of head – past three years
Knee pain – last couple years on and off
Neck pain constant – since 2010
Headaches all day – very sporadic areas at different intervals
Ears ringing – as far as I can remember, affects sleeping some nights.
Left elbow hurting – started last year
Lower back pain – past year +
Finger nails pitted quite badly – last 4+ years
I have had around 50 different blood tests, brain scans, checked numerous times for heart rate blood pressure etc.
I have had to go to ER with symptom such as dizziness, blackouts, eye sight loss etc.
So far there I have had no diagnosis, but I was bitten by a tick around five years ago that turned into the bulls eye rash.
At first I was prescribed hydrocotisone cream by the doctor, but around 1-2 years later (after suffering badly) the link was made with he bite and I had tests for Lyme disease done. The test was negative and no diagnosis made.
The symptoms have carried on but are gradually getting worse.
My main question is, does a bulls eye rash mean Lyme? and are the Lyme tests always right?
What should my next actions be? The symptoms are getting worse by the day.
I have had no diagnosis for any illness whatsoever and prescribed no medication, but there is something wrong.
Many Thanks
XXXX
My Current Symptoms
Feel very tired almost all of the time – last 5 years
Have bouts of weakness, like my energy is instantly drained, need to lie down (lasts anywhere from 10 mins – 2hours) – last 4 years
Brain Fog – cannot concentrate on task even though I know what to do, feels like I am dehydrated in my head (best way to explain it) – One full week out of every month for last 3 years. Tried everything to stop it diet, extra sleep, more water, nothing can stop it. Once it starts it lasts at least a week.
Very short term memory loss, e.g trying to think of a simple word but can’t – last couple of years
Heart Pain and Palputations – Last few years
Eyesight goes blurry (best way to explain it) – last 3 years
Alopecia spot at back of head – past three years
Knee pain – last couple years on and off
Neck pain constant – since 2010
Headaches all day – very sporadic areas at different intervals
Ears ringing – as far as I can remember, affects sleeping some nights.
Left elbow hurting – started last year
Lower back pain – past year +
Finger nails pitted quite badly – last 4+ years
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I am sorry about the long lasting symptoms you are experiencing. Obviously yours is an atypical case, your doctor judging by the number of tests you've had seems to be trying real hard to help you though.
The presence of erythema migrans (bull's eye rash) is considered to be pathognomonic for Lyme (pathognomonic means specific to that condition). Coupled with the tick bite that is reinforced. There is another tick which bite causes a similar rash, but to my knowledge it is present in southern US not in UK.
On the other hand, to answer your second question serologic blood tests are sensitive as well. They might miss the antibodies during the first weeks, but after 4 weeks they detect them in over 90% of cases and if the test is repeated that reaches 100%. Since you've had that many tests I suppose you had repeat tests for Lyme antibodies as well.
So the two facts are contradictory I must admit, perhaps your self diagnosis of erythema migrans is not correct (I assume it was not seen by your doctor at the time).
Regarding the cause or the next step to take, it is a difficult question to answer as your symptoms are numerous and not that specific, meaning can be seen in the setting of many conditions and without knowing what other tests you've had it's hard to know what has been excluded and whether any new suggestions can be offered.
Since you say to have had several scans (I assume they include MRI with contrast as well) a brain lesion is to be excluded. Other recommended tests (probably done) would include at least a complete blood count, ESR, CRP, glucose, liver and kidney function tests, electrolytes, thyroid function, Vitamin B12 and D, folate levels, iron levels, serum transferrin saturation, serum ferritin, antinuclear antibodies and rheumatoid factor for autoimmune connective tissue disease, angiotensin converting enzyme levels for sarcoidosis, perhaps sleep studies as well.
If all has been done resulting normal and there is no other sign to indicate towards a specific infective or inflammatory then I believe the diagnosis of fibromyalgia should be considered if not already done, not really typical for your age and sex, but it is a suggestion of exclusion which would explain many of your symptoms.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I am sorry about the long lasting symptoms you are experiencing. Obviously yours is an atypical case, your doctor judging by the number of tests you've had seems to be trying real hard to help you though.
The presence of erythema migrans (bull's eye rash) is considered to be pathognomonic for Lyme (pathognomonic means specific to that condition). Coupled with the tick bite that is reinforced. There is another tick which bite causes a similar rash, but to my knowledge it is present in southern US not in UK.
On the other hand, to answer your second question serologic blood tests are sensitive as well. They might miss the antibodies during the first weeks, but after 4 weeks they detect them in over 90% of cases and if the test is repeated that reaches 100%. Since you've had that many tests I suppose you had repeat tests for Lyme antibodies as well.
So the two facts are contradictory I must admit, perhaps your self diagnosis of erythema migrans is not correct (I assume it was not seen by your doctor at the time).
Regarding the cause or the next step to take, it is a difficult question to answer as your symptoms are numerous and not that specific, meaning can be seen in the setting of many conditions and without knowing what other tests you've had it's hard to know what has been excluded and whether any new suggestions can be offered.
Since you say to have had several scans (I assume they include MRI with contrast as well) a brain lesion is to be excluded. Other recommended tests (probably done) would include at least a complete blood count, ESR, CRP, glucose, liver and kidney function tests, electrolytes, thyroid function, Vitamin B12 and D, folate levels, iron levels, serum transferrin saturation, serum ferritin, antinuclear antibodies and rheumatoid factor for autoimmune connective tissue disease, angiotensin converting enzyme levels for sarcoidosis, perhaps sleep studies as well.
If all has been done resulting normal and there is no other sign to indicate towards a specific infective or inflammatory then I believe the diagnosis of fibromyalgia should be considered if not already done, not really typical for your age and sex, but it is a suggestion of exclusion which would explain many of your symptoms.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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