Dr. Hitesh Kumar
Neurology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I write to you because I have been experiencing some mind-pops for the last couple of months. It is like memories from years ago, or images are appearing out of nowhere. At the same time, I am in the shower, reading, cleaning, etc. It is not only memories of real-life but also from ancient dreams. I keep having these small flashbacks to thoughts I have had in the past. I can be doing something completely unrelated, and then I get this sudden flash memory from a dream. I have had it now several times over the last week. Before this, I had problems with fleeting memories that I cannot grasp. I searched online, and everything I read about these random recollections points to temporal lobe epilepsy and simple partial seizures where you remain completely aware. I found that brain tumors can cause these seizures. Now I am beside myself thinking the worst. I am becoming more and more distressed. I am convinced that it is a brain tumor, which has now made me feel terrified.
It only lasts one to two seconds. If it were an “aura” or a part of TLE (temporal lobe epilepsy), would not the duration be longer, like 15 seconds or more?
Can anxiety cause this?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I would like to know some details about your problem:
1. What exactly happened during such episodes?
- Do you see some formed objects (face or table or dress or other items), or do you see unformed objects, lines, or random flashes?
- Are you aware of your surroundings at that time?
- During the episode, are you able to perform the task whichever you were doing before?
- Have other people or eyewitnesses see changes in you during the incident?
- After the episode finishes, do you remember whatever you have seen during the episode?
2. How frequent are these episodes?
3. Do you have any headache or vomiting or loss of consciousness or tongue bite or fall with injury or urinary incontinence during the event?
4. Have you ever investigated these symptoms?
5. Are you taking any medications?
I suggest you please ask your family member to make a video of the event and send it here.
Investigations to be done
Regarding follow up
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for your quick reply. I am completely aware and conscious when it happens. And there are no other symptoms. I do not see any object, and I am entirely aware of my surroundings. It is just like "a glimpse" lasting one second or two, where I remember a past dream or memory from a long time ago. It only suddenly appears in my mind like "where did that come from" I think, and that is it. Nothing else happens. And I do not take any medicines. Sometimes it happens several times a day, and sometimes it happens once in a week or once in a month.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
By your description, it is unlikely to be a seizure. Such symptoms can happen due to anxiety or other psychological factors too. Still, there is no harm to rule out other organic things. As episodes are once or twice daily, you can plan for video EEG (electroencephalography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the brain. The event can be easily picked up in video EEG within a day's recording.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor.
Thank you. Do you not think it is a brain tumor causing this? It does not happen every day. Does the fact that it only lasts 1 to 2 seconds exclude it from being a brain tumor? Thank you again for your explanation. I think you are right that it can be anxiety-related, even though I do not feel anxious when it happens.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
It can be related to anxiety or other psychological cause.
But the possibility of a seizure, especially, absence seizure or partial seizure cannot be ruled out based on a description.
Also, I cannot rule out a brain tumor based on the description. Many brain tumors are so slow-growing that they can be asymptomatic too. There is no harm in getting an MRI brain and video EEG test.
Patient's Query
Thank you, doctor.
I talked to another neurologist for some while ago, and he told me that the duration of a temporal lobe seizure would last more than 1 to 2 seconds. Therefore, these episodes I am experiencing are not seizures. Do you agree?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I agree.
There are more types of seizures, too (other than temporal lobe seizures).
For your symptoms, "absence seizure" is a close differential diagnosis and should be ruled out by video EEG.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I understand. But it is not like I experience some sort of "blackouts" or staring. I continue whatever I am doing at the moment, while this memory or dream recall appears. My awareness is not at all impaired. Could it still be absence seizures? I read that these kinds of seizures are more commonly seen in children.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I am not firmly saying it to be an absence seizure.
But I am suggesting that you rule out other organic causes by doing video EEG and MRI brain before labeling it to be due to psychological reasons.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Neurology
Related Questions
I have multiple health problems, all at once. What is wrong with me?
A patient has hydrocephalus associated with many other problems. Kindly advice.
Will Lamotrigine taken for tonic-clonic seizures cause repetitive strange thoughts?
I often wake up at 3 AM dreaming about a woman I do not know. Why?
Mental Health and Disease
What Is Epilepsy Or Seizure Disorder?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
