I keep forgetting to breathe

[jorrell]

Over the past few months I have had issues where I felt like I was out of breath. Docs checked out my lungs and cardio, all was good. After another month or so, I realized that I wasn't breathing on an autonomous basis. At times, I actually found that I had to think to breathe. Has anyone else run into a situation like this? My understanding is that this is an indicator of damage at the base of the brain. Thoughts? And yes, I'll follow up with neurologist.

[greaterexp]

That’s a scary feeling. I had the same thing happen to me during a CIS over 20 years ago. I’m so glad you’re seeing a doctor about this and hope it’s very soon. Keep us posted about how you’re doing.

[Peruzzot]

I haven't had the issue yet while awake, but after a sleep study the tech noticed that I forgot to breath while sleeping at least 19 times and would wake up gasping for breath. I'm waiting for a cpap machine now that will force me to keep breathing throughout the night. Neurologist thinks that may help at least some of my fatigue issues.

Definitely follow up with your doctor.

[pamgarner]

very scary! please follow up with neuro...

[Iona60]

I've had several episodes where I can't breathe while sleeping. Neurologist says that it is not MS. GP says I don't fit the profile for sleep apnea and thinks that it's the spasticity meds. I've eliminated one and now the spasticity is worse. I'm caught in a circle right now. Hope you can get yours worked out.

[kdali in reply to Iona60]

I would let your GP know you can’t tolerate being off the meds and if they don’t send you to a sleep lab, then your neuro or GP can consult someone who can order it so we know for sure that you won’t die in your sleep. My husband’s dentist was the one who ordered ours. He doesn’t fit the profile either, but think in the past 5 years medicine is realizing their screening tools are missing a lot of people who need help...and you shouldn’t have to choose between spasms and breathing anyway. I’m concerned!