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What Causes Sweating, Body Chills And Disorientation With History Of Concussions?

Posted on Wed, 23 Jul 2014

Question: I'm 60, and in good health, but I've had 3 concussions and a stroke (had classic aura migraines). In past year, I've been getting full body sweats, followed by full body chills, followed by disorientation. I call them spells, but may be similar to seizures. It started with a bike fall a year ago, possible displaced middle ear crystals—for which I did Epleys maneuver. ALL my blood work is normal. I didn't have a spell for a month, then yesterday 6 of them ... I am so confused and concerned. Is this a "typical" condition after concussions and a stroke? Thanks, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju (12 hours later)

Brief Answer
These are atypical symptoms post concussion.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your question. I can understand your concern.
The symptoms described are called 'atypical' after concussion and stroke.
Recurrent seizures have to be ruled out in such a case with EEG. Stopping medication given to prevent a second stroke can lead to recurrent seizures.
Since you are having spells and disorientation,you need to be evaluated by Neurologist first. If serious diagnosis is ruled out next I advise an ENT specialist evaluation.
Doctor would advice investigations like MRI Brain, EEG and other related investigations.
You need not to worry. You may go ahead with the stand in doctor's instructions.
If you have any queries, I will be happy to help you.
Thank you.

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

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju (6 hours later)

I've had EKG and EEG and they were normal. I've had migraines since my first concussion at 10 (my mother gets them, too.) Around the time the Spells started, my migraines went from AURA and KILLER pain, to Aura and NO pain! These may be called "silent" migraines; I think the migraines went from what they'd been for 50 years to the Spells I'm having today: the symptoms had been replaced by the sweats, chills—slight stomach aura—and disorientation. Some migraine sufferers vomit or exhibit other symptoms/conditions. What do you think about this scenario, since all the neurology tests were negative? XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Could be anxiety

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I really appreciate your concern looking to the history given here.

All your neurology tests negative. Even though some times atypical symptoms can occur after stroke.
Symptoms you described are may not due to migraine,but yes silent migraine do not cause pain as you mentioned.
Some times migraine can start as a new episode after age of 50.
Or
As per you symptoms ,it could be An Anxiety disorder.

You need to be evaluated by Neurologist to rule out Migraine and next I advice Psychiatrist evaluation.
Do take medication as per your diagnosis.
You need not worry.
Please do follow your doctor's instructions.
hope I have answered your question.
Thank you.

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