Silent Migraine vs Focal Seizure vs Panic Attack
Hey!
I never use reddit but I wanted to see if anyone could help me out. I have a history of migraine with aura since age 13 (age 21 now) (I'm female!). Lately I've been having these weird episodes that are distinct from my usual migraines and I'm trying to figure out what they are, but I can't see a neurologist until August (Boston wait times are crazy) and I've really been struggling with these episodes. The doctors I have seen are between silent migraine and focal seizures, and I'm also wondering if they could be panic attacks. If you have any of these three things, it would be super helpful if you could list your symptoms and how you figured out what it was. I have an EEG and MRI scheduled but they aren't for awhile (the joy of Boston wait times), so it would be helpful if I could get any advice on what others' experiences have been.
For reference my symptoms are: feelings of deja and jamais vu, a rising butterflies sensation in my stomach, deep confusion like not knowing where I am even in a familiar location, light sensitivity, being completely unable to respond but fully (or mostly fully) aware, and a feeling of nausea, also feeling like there's something important I need to know but am incapable of remembering. I also freeze up kind of. These episodes last only 1-2 mins but often come in clusters of 2-4. I usually get a headache (not necessarily a migraine) and am super tired and disoriented after.
It would be super helpful if anyone could help me figure out what this might be. It happens 1-2 times per week but often clusters so I have more than one episode at a time. I still get normal migraines in addition to this. Tips on getting a neuro appointment earlier would also be super helpful!
I want to add that I'm not seeking medical advice - I would love to hear others' experiences with their own symptoms, rather than get advice for mine. Thank you!