loss of awareness : Hi Some advice... - Multiple System A...

Multiple System Atrophy Trust

1,773 members1,423 posts

loss of awareness

DeeMilo25 profile image
15 Replies

Hi

Some advice please , Les was eating his dinner tonight when he suddenly became semi conscious, his eyes were open but he stopped eating and staring breathing heavy , I talked to him and tried to get him to respond but he kept losing consciousness again , he was like this for about 15 minutes then he became aware again and totally rejected my claims that he had been out of it . Has anyone else experienced this ?

Thanks xxx

Written by
DeeMilo25 profile image
DeeMilo25
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
15 Replies
Janeyl profile image
Janeyl

Yes, it used to happen to my husband a lot at meal times. It’s essentially hypoxia, or “postprandial hypotension”

Digestion is a complicated job that requires precise coordination between the digestive, nervous, and circulatory systems. An early task is rerouting extra blood to the stomach and small intestine. In MSA, the autonomic system that would normally handle this rebalancing task, is compromised or just not working.

He could try drinking a large glass of water before a meal, and having smaller lower carb meals, but more of them.

We used to take blood pressure before meals.

As things progressed and C was using a tilt-in-space chair, I would quickly recline the chair. Ideally, the feet should be higher than the head, to get the blood flowing back to the brain.

Something to mention to your neurologist, I would say. Very alarming first time it happens!

DeeMilo25 profile image
DeeMilo25 in reply toJaneyl

Thank you

Baxter3 profile image
Baxter3

Could be due to blood pressure drop . My husband has them pretty frequently he has postular hypotension as well as MSA Parkinson's and dementia. It's a bit frightening when it happens. Maybe a chat with your specialist.

DeeMilo25 profile image
DeeMilo25 in reply toBaxter3

Thank you

Diane831 profile image
Diane831

yes, like janel mentioned above we had these episodes for a while at mealtimes to do with blood pressure when the body sends extra blood to the stomach for digestion ( remember being told not to swim after meals!) putting the feet up onto another chair can help, sometimes I found lifting his hands above his head helped a bit.

I am sorry that he isn’t believing you, that’s hard. You could take a little video, but it depends whether he’s in denial or not if it would help to show him.

As with all these things it’s a phase and will be different farther down the line!!

DeeMilo25 profile image
DeeMilo25 in reply toDiane831

Thank you

1burtonst profile image
1burtonst

My hubby did the same a couple of weeks ago. He was out for about 45 mins blood pressure went as low as48 /32 x

JJAJJ profile image
JJAJJ

Hi Dee , my husband use to eat at the table but fainted when he stood up. Two years down the line we have made things easier before eating by 1) taking blood pressure 2) If low take 1 glass salty fizzy water (Himalayan salt appears to be more beneficial than table salt but they both work) 3) Small meals taken in his recliner chair with feet up. Avoid ultra process foods. It’s a learning curve and gets easier in a way but harder because there is no cure. Sorry for ending on a negative note…I am not sleep well alately but thankfully my husband still sleeps well 🙏 x

StevenBurns profile image
StevenBurns

Sudden loss of awareness and heavy breathing could be concerning. It's crucial to consult a doctor promptly to rule out any serious health issues. To anyone in need of dissertation assistance. I recently used topessaywriting.org/write-m... to write my dissertation, and I couldn't be happier with the results! The entire process was seamless, from placing the order to receiving the final draft. The writer demonstrated a deep understanding of my topic, and the dissertation was well-researched and flawlessly written. Their professionalism, quality of work, and commitment to customer satisfaction make them a top choice for academic writing services.

calebsmum profile image
calebsmum

Yes, my husband also used to have BP drops after eating. He now takes Midodrine and he doesn’t faint anymore

Schmall profile image
Schmall

Thus thread is so interesting. I've not yet cone across this with husband yet, but it's good to be forwarned. I'd say definitely have a chat with his specialist to rule out any other underlying pathology though.

SilentEchoes profile image
SilentEchoes

I would get an EEG to rule out absence seizures.

DeeMilo25 profile image
DeeMilo25 in reply toSilentEchoes

Les is already on epilepsy medication as he started having seizures in August x

SilentEchoes profile image
SilentEchoes in reply toDeeMilo25

Easy enough to monitor blood pressure and rule it in or out as a cause. Either way you should consult with his doctor. I know this isn't an easy road. Best wishes,

SE

DeeMilo25 profile image
DeeMilo25 in reply toSilentEchoes

Thank you

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Dad is left alone on a ward, unable to communicate and we can't accompany him and we've been told no visits allowed. HELP please

I'm in need of some help please. My dad has msa-c and was blue lighted to a&e in the early hours...
Daniellep1 profile image

Gone but never forgotten...

Well, here I am again as a carer for someone who suffered for 4 years since last swallowing and...
RhiMallorca profile image

Thursday Chuckle

Dave was bragging to his boss one day, "You know, I know everyone famous there is to know" "Go on -...

Problems with bowels

Hi My husband is having dreadful problems with his bowels, The Drs said it is neuropathy of the...

recent hospitalization

My husband gets a lot of mucus in his throat . Yesterday he began choking and although he was...
Andrashko profile image

Moderation team

See all
MSATKirsten profile image
MSATKirstenAdministrator
JamesMSAT profile image
JamesMSATAdministrator
NicoleMSA profile image
NicoleMSAAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.