Deja vu or something else?

[Beezerbee8]

Hi.

I know you can't specifically 'diagnose ' or medically advise but I was wondering if you experience anything like this and if you know what it is. I can't get my doctor to take it seriously.

I have a tbi that I got after a car crash in January 2007. I suffered a diffuse axon injury to my right temporal lobe and a twisted brain stem. Ever since then I've had occasional moments that feel a bit like deja vu. But it's not. It's like I'm trying to remember a different life in that place, like I know something, even something insignificant, happened in whatever place I am. It happens in different places, normally when I'm tired or stressed. I feel like my stomach is flipping, I feel tingly and almost like I'm in a bubble. I feel like it's a dream or maybe a dream that I'm sort of remembering. I can't make it make sense in my head and it normally lasts about a minute. Then it passes but I have trouble recalling what it was I was remembering. I told my doctor this and they just said deja vu happens to everyone but I'm pretty sure not like this. I tried to research it and it came up as temporal lobe epilepsy but I'm not sure. I just want to know if anyone else has this and if it is what I think. Thank you.

[swedishblue11]

Hi Beezerbee, I have those exact symptoms you describe. It's amazing, that until now, I've never met another with the same. Thanks for posting. They can be very unpleasant and even cause me to wretch or vomit when they're strong. Deja vu is a definite form of temporal lobe seizure. No-one takes mine seriously either (neither a gp or epilepsy specialist), its very strange, and they call themselves "the experts"....?!! I suffered axonal synaptic damage caused by a bleed. I'm sorry I don't have any advice for you. I just wanted you to know that I too have these.

[Beezerbee8 in reply to swedishblue11]

I never vomit but definitely feel nauseous and 'out of sorts'. I don't know what to do about it really. I'm sorry you're suffering the same but I'm sort of glad someone else is and I'm not just going mad.

[swedishblue11 in reply to Beezerbee8]

Overtime, I've noticed fewer attacks. When I've been stressed or extremely exhausted I suffer them more frequently to various degrees of intensity. I have tried all sorts to distract myself whilst they're in progress but nothing works. The sensations I experience immediately before they happen is like an aura of panic, adrenaline rush, stomach lurch (like I'm at the funfair). My last one (several weeks ago) occurred randomly whilst driving along an empty country road. It was so intense I knew this time I had to vomit and I pulled calmly off the road. I was fine afterwards. They are very unpleasant episodes but I've learnt to talk calmly to myself, that all will be okay.

Isn't it a pity that gp's and epilepsy specialists are not taking you or I seriously?! Your doctor's flippant remark, well "everyone suffers these" is not listening properly to his patient, and needs more training on the aspects of brain injury and epilepsy!

[swedishblue11 in reply to swedishblue11]

although I wouldn't want to be on medication for epilepsy!

[Beezerbee8 in reply to swedishblue11]

True. But if it helps it might be worth it.

[swedishblue11 in reply to Beezerbee8]

I should clarify, a diagnosis of epilepsy would invalidate my license to drive for a year, which I can't afford to do. I live in the countryside with no other forms of public transport, and need my car for work. These random infrequent episodes do not affect my conscious level of awareness or hinder me. If you mention to the DVLA that you are undergoing further tests for epilepsy, you will have to surrender your driving license.

[Beezerbee8 in reply to swedishblue11]

Also a good point, I'll just live with it lol.