ADVERTISEMENT

Q. Which neurological disorder causes memory problems and confusion?

Answered by
Dr. Ashok Kumar
and medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team.
This is a premium question & answer published on Jun 30, 2017 and last reviewed on: Nov 09, 2021

Hi doctor,

I feel really spaced out and detached from my surroundings. It is like I am in a dream. It is like there is a glass between me and the world and everything just seems really surreal and far away. I also have a lot of brain fog. Some memory problems and confusion. I feel like this all day long, but it gets better and worse throughout the day. I have been experiencing this for about a month now. I have had a blood test, neurological exam (done by a family doctor and not a neurologist), and a brain scan that all came back normal. Does this sound like something could be wrong with my brain?

#

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

  • From the available description, it appears that you are having derealization episodes, which is a sensation of changed reality or that one's surroundings have altered. It is usually seen in schizophrenia, panic attacks, and dissociative disorders.
  • Other symptoms include feeling as though one's environment is lacking in spontaneity, emotional coloring, and depth. It is a dissociative symptom of many conditions, such as psychiatric and neurological disorders, and not a standalone disorder.
  • The derealization episodes represent dissociation phenomenon occurring due to some stress in our life. I am not sure what you are dealing with your life, but it is important to manage those stressful things and not to delay. In case you are not able to pinpoint, it will be appropriate to see a psychologist.

I hope this helps you. If you have more questions feel free to write back to me. Thanks and regards.

For further queries consult a neurologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/neurologist

Hello doctor,

Thanks for your reply. I did have a lot of stress before I started feeling this. Now the stress and anxiety are focused on the feeling itself though. My main fear is that I have some kind of neurological disorder. I have not hit my head or anything. This feeling just came on one day at work. What neurological disorder can cause this feeling? Do you think it is likely to be a psychological disorder or a neurological disorder? I do have the feeling all day long. However, there will be times when it is not so strong and other times when it spikes and is unbearable.

#

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for the follow-up. I am glad to know that information was useful for you and you have decreased stress in recent past.

  • Regarding your current questions, I like to state that epilepsy is one disorder, which can cause dissociation like episodes and make a differential diagnosis for such presentation. However, chronic presentation throughout the day association with stress makes it unlikely that it is epilepsy.
  • In my opinion, it is psychological disorder rather than a neurological disorder. My opinion is based on the following available facts:
  1. The presence of these episodes, and then spontaneous remission disappearance for six or more months.
  2. The presence of stress and anxiety before onset.
  3. Waxing and waning course, most neurological disorder progress further and there is little fluctuation. And definitely, a presentation which is classic for derealization.
  4. Most importantly normal neuroimaging, which is rarely found in neurological disorders. Normal neurological examination, at least at the primary level.

I hope this answers you further. Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions. Thanks and regards.

For more information consult a neurologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/neurologist


Was this answer helpful?

 | 

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!



Related Questions:
Suffering from schizophrenia.Doubt regarding Sulpitac dosage.

I haven't slept very well in a few months and my anxiety is making my life unmanageable.   Read full

Stress in a Broad Perspective - More Than Merely a Mental Illness!!

.. due to the mental (psychiatric) illnesses. Physical wellness also counts for stress levels in modern life .. ...   Read full

My husband behaves weirdly in the bedroom. What is wrong with him?

.. is suffering from some psychiatric illness most probably an affective disorder. Semen analysis report (attachment removed to protect patient identity) is suggestive of asthenospermia, that is, low sperm motility. But all these problems including ...   Read full

Also Read Answers From:

ideaComprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case

Also Read


Coronavirus Variant Arcturus: | Omicron XBB.1.16 Variant
Arcturus is an emerging variant of the Omicron virus that causes various symptoms and spreads rapidly across the world. ...  Read more»
Adrenaline Rush - Symptoms, Causes, Effects, and How to Control
Adrenaline is a hormone responsible for fight or flight response. It is also a neurotransmitter and medicine. It is also...  Read more»
Fatty Liver - Types, Symptoms, Stages, and Treatment
The liver is the largest gland in the body. Its primary function is to process the food and drinks we consume. and filte...  Read more»

Ask your health query to a doctor online?

Ask a Neurologist Now

* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.

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.