Dealing with a wave of symptoms: dizziness, weakness, palpitations, vision issues, and intense anxie

Hey everyone,

I’m starting this thread because—honestly?—my nerves are shot and I’m running out of steam. If there's already a similar discussion going on, please just point me toward it.

So, here’s the deal: for about six months now, I’ve been dealing with these dizzy spells. It starts with this weird, jumping sensation behind my ears, and then—bam—I feel like I’m about to black out. My heart starts racing, my legs go completely weak, and I get this overwhelming sense that I’m actually dying. My vision blurs and everything starts spinning... though, thankfully, I haven't actually collapsed yet.

I’ve ended up in the ER three separate times. They’ve run an MRI, done brain scans, even checked my arteries and veins—did a blood draw and a urinalysis, too. My EKG and blood pressure come back totally fine. They can't find anything, which is frustrating because I feel worse every single day.

I have noticed that these episodes tend to flare up when life gets stressful. Sometimes things stay okay for a month or so, and then—out of nowhere—it all comes back.

If anyone here has any advice, I would be incredibly grateful—I’m honestly at a loss. For context, I’m young (under 30), no kids, not pregnant, and no other underlying health issues.

Thanks, Brenda Green62

Brenda Green62 said:Hello everyone,

I am opening this thread because I am reaching my absolute breaking point, both mentally and physically. If there is an existing discussion regarding this, please feel free to redirect me.

For about six months now, I have been experiencing these bouts of dizziness. It starts with this strange sensation of jumping behind my ears, followed immediately by the feeling that I am about to black out. My heart rate spikes, my legs go completely weak, and I am gripped by this overwhelming sense of impending doom. My vision blurs and everything starts swaying, though I haven't actually fainted yet.

I have already ended up in the Emergency Room three times. They have run MRIs, performed brain scans, and even checked my veins and arteries for blockages. I’ve had urinalysis and my EKG and blood pressure readings come back perfectly normal. They can't find anything wrong, yet I feel progressively worse.

I have noticed that these episodes tend to flare up when life gets stressful. Sometimes I will be fine for a month, and then it all comes rushing back.

If anyone here has any insight or advice, I would be incredibly grateful; I am truly at a loss. For context, I am in my late 20s, I don't have children, I am not pregnant, and I have no other underlying medical conditions.

Thank you, Brenda Green62

You really ought to schedule a neurological consultation and perhaps consider seeing a psychiatrist, as these symptoms bear a striking resemblance to panic attacks, which frequently manifest during or following periods of high stress.

redranger2 said:You really ought to get a neurological exam and maybe even consider seeing a psychiatrist—these symptoms seem incredibly similar to panic attacks, which tend to flare up during or right after periods of high stress.

First off, thanks for the input.

I already went to see a neurologist—since during the first episode, the right side of my face actually went numb. They didn't find anything, though.

As for the mental health side of things... I’ve always considered myself a pretty mentally stable person, so I hadn't really factored that into the equation. But, I guess I'll look into it more. Thanks.

Brenda Green62 said:First off, I appreciate you getting back to me.

I did undergo a neurological evaluation because during my first episode, the right side of my face actually went numb. They couldn't find a single thing wrong.

As for my mental state, I’ve always considered myself a fairly stable person, so that was the one factor I hadn't really accounted for. But I suppose I should look into it further. Thanks.

This isn't necessarily an issue of mental stability; rather, it's a matter of how stress disrupts your brain chemistry—things like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—which then tend to manifest through various physical symptoms. If all your medical tests have come back clear, you should still make an appointment with a psychiatrist to talk things through; they might suggest further testing, such as checking your thyroid levels or other hormonal balances. :-)