Brain rush sensation, lost consciousness, sleeplessness, vertigo. Was on antidepressants. Will I be okay?
Patient: hello - i hope you can help me with a weird symptom that i've recently developed. it happens at night, and the only way i can describe it is "brain fizz" or "brain rush".  it's a sensation of my brain flickering on and off. it was pretty scary the first couple times it happened - i thought i was losing consciousness, but i didn't. i was afraid to go to sleep for a couple of nights tho! there seems to be a connection to what i'm eating. nuts, caffeine, chocolate and cinnamon can all cause vertigo, and i wonder if this is somehow related. i did some food diary-ing, and there was a common denominator of some cookies i was eating, and thought there may be almond extract in them, but the bakery swears there isn't. it could be gluten too, i suppose. i recently gave it up and feel soooo much better, in my head. less foggy ,more energy ,more coherent, etc.  have you ever heard of something like this?i did find some reference to what sounded like this, from people coming off of antidepressants. but i don't take any. i would love to hear your thoughts!i am female 47 years old. thanks! Doctor: Hello,  welcome to Healthcare Magic.   You have following symptoms: scary feeling (anxiety), tingling over head, health worries and poor sleep. Your symptoms are related to anxiety. Anxiety disorders can manifest not only with psychological symptoms but with a variety of physical symptoms also like: Tingling, numbness, hot and cold sensations, palpitation, chest heaviness, choking sensation, poor sleep, tremors (shakiness) etc.   It is better to get evaluated by psychiatrist and start treatment accordingly. For long term control of anxiety following measures are helpful: relaxation exercise, medicines like SSRIs and non drug treatment like CBT.   In food avoid or take minimally caffeine containing items which increases anxiety like: Tea, coffee and cold drinks.  Same time do some relaxation exercise like daily brisk walk, yoga and breathing exercise, which will help you in fast recovery.   Wish you good health and all the best.   Regards,  Dr Ashish Kumar Mittal  www.99doctor.com