Dizzy, Chest Starts To Squeeze And Had A Positive IGM Lyme Test. MRI Showing Brain Lesions. What Is Going On?

Posted on Mon, 4 Nov 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 4 Nov 2013 Answered on

Thu, 21 Nov 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Im still waiting to see my new family doctor nov 25th but concerned because my symptoms seem worse now. Today i was so dizzy like everyday so i decided to monitor my blood pressure. I measured on average 97/63 while sitting and when I stand up its jumping to 121/85. My heart rate rises quick from 68 bpm-120 bpm standing too. My chest starts to squeeze but all heart tests besides a catheder have been done and all normal except Impaired LV relaxation which im told not to worry about at this point. But they dont live in this body and I have symptoms. I dont know if this is anxiety or if its related to a condition I may have. (Doctors investigating brain lesions) Please tell me what this could be. My blood pressure reading once read 137/105 today after standing but then i took it right after and it read 116/73 phew. But my moniter reads EE if its not working so that really was my blood pressure for that second or disfunction? Also shows irregular HR icon but heart tests show no significant arrythmias. I have a positive IGM lyme test from Igenex but shows CDC neg. I will attach that. I have an MRI showing brain lesions. Waiting on LP appoint and spinal MRI. Diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis 2 years ago. Any ideas whats going on with me?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: ? Postural orthostatic tachycardia (POTS) Detailed Answer: Hi, From what I understand, you have been suffering with dizziness for a while. Incidentally heart rate and blood pressure monitored at different instances reveal different numbers; the difference was notably seen with posture change. Based on these details, I feel you suffer from an autonomic nervous system dysfunction - specifically documented in medical literature as postural orthostatic tachycardia (POTS). Here, we see rising heart rate with or without blood pressure change almost immediately as you stand. However cerebral perfusion can be low resulting in dizziness or sensation to faint. Further POTS is linked to Lymes. I mean some individuals develop this condition after Lymes disease. Please note that my inference is entirely based on your description. A physical check up is very essential to confirm the presence of POTS. You will need to consult a cardiologist to run battery of tests before diagnosing this condition. I am glad you have an appointment very soon. Discuss about your heart rate and pressure changes with your treating doctors before lumbar puncture. Until then my suggestion is that you avoid sudden posture changes. Hope this information suffices. I will be glad to answer your questions. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (4 hours later)

I heard of POTS and i seems to be my symptoms exactly. Is POTS a temporary condition?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (4 hours later)

Brief Answer: POTS is a chronic condition... Detailed Answer: Hi, I would like you to know that symptoms noted with POTS is essentially due to cerebral hypoperfusion, a condition that is noted during any low blood pressure event. Therefore it is essential that you discuss your symptoms and posture related heart rate with your doctor. If confirmed, this is a condition that needs lot of life style changes and precautions as its not a temporary one. Hope this helps . Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar