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Alcoholism, Had Seizure, Breathing And Heartbeat Was Affected, Brain Deprived Of Oxygen, Signs Of Brain Damage. Seek Medical Help?
Two and a half years ago, I tried to stop drinking after a long period of alcoholism, (approximately 10 years, the last several months almost constantly drinking). I suffered an alcohol withdrawal seizure and my heart stopped as did my breathing. I was 'non-responsive' when the paramedics took me to the hospital. I don't know how long my brain was deprived of oxygen. I recovered, have been a recovering alcoholic in A.A. ever since, and in general have a better life than I have had in many years.
However, my wife has become very worried about my forgetfulness, sometimes about very important issues, and my lack of focus on issues, (usually ones I don't want to focus on). She has said that these could be signs of brain damage from my seizure. I have had no further seizures, my general health is fine, but I too wonder if I need to seek medical help and advice.
However, my wife has become very worried about my forgetfulness, sometimes about very important issues, and my lack of focus on issues, (usually ones I don't want to focus on). She has said that these could be signs of brain damage from my seizure. I have had no further seizures, my general health is fine, but I too wonder if I need to seek medical help and advice.
Tue, 27 Aug 2013
Hello,
I would like to congratulate you on maintaining abstinence from alcohol successfully till now and wish you can keep it up and help others too.
Seizure causes brain injury, however it would not cause forgetfulness after two and half years now.
As you yourself suggest your forgetfulness is more of a result of your will of not to pay attention towards issues. You should be more attentive and careful about the things in your life which demand your attention and your forgetfulness should be taken care of.
Another reason of forgetfulness can be Depression (Pseudodementia of depression). If you have any of depressive features like sadness of mood, decreased interest, decreased sleep/appetite, death wishes then see a psychiatrist.
Then there is dementia which happens in old age. If your age is more than 60 years you can get yourself consultation from a Neurologist/Psychiatrist for Mild Cognitive Impairment. Also check for blood levels of Vit B12, Folic Acid, Thyroid Function Test.
Some methods to keep your memory strong are cognitive exercises (solving Mathematics problems, Sudoku, Puzzles), healthy diet, regular exercise, good sleep and meditation.
Hope your concerns are addressed. Feel free to ask any more queries. Take care.
Regards.
I would like to congratulate you on maintaining abstinence from alcohol successfully till now and wish you can keep it up and help others too.
Seizure causes brain injury, however it would not cause forgetfulness after two and half years now.
As you yourself suggest your forgetfulness is more of a result of your will of not to pay attention towards issues. You should be more attentive and careful about the things in your life which demand your attention and your forgetfulness should be taken care of.
Another reason of forgetfulness can be Depression (Pseudodementia of depression). If you have any of depressive features like sadness of mood, decreased interest, decreased sleep/appetite, death wishes then see a psychiatrist.
Then there is dementia which happens in old age. If your age is more than 60 years you can get yourself consultation from a Neurologist/Psychiatrist for Mild Cognitive Impairment. Also check for blood levels of Vit B12, Folic Acid, Thyroid Function Test.
Some methods to keep your memory strong are cognitive exercises (solving Mathematics problems, Sudoku, Puzzles), healthy diet, regular exercise, good sleep and meditation.
Hope your concerns are addressed. Feel free to ask any more queries. Take care.
Regards.
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