Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 4/25/2011

Question
I have never been diagnosed bi polar nor do I know if I am or not. 3 years ago I was in a terrible accident breaking my back. It has been a long rd to recovery and I still suffer from chronic pain. I have noticed over the last 3 years I some times black out. One time I ended up a few miles from my place walking in a park some times I am just in my room and time passes and some times I go into a rage. The other day I did this and pushed my girl friend I do not remember the argument I came to sitting in my car. They seem more severe if I have drank alcohol but when I have drank I am not trashed as I remember before and after the event. What should I do

Answer
Jason:

From what you described, there may be some brain activity causing these blackouts.  The first thing you should do is schedule an appointment with a neurologist to have a complete workup of both your spine and brain.  The fact that this started at about the same time as your back being broke makes this the most logical place to start looking for answers.  Explain to the neurologist exactly what you did to me, including the timing.  After the tests are run, see what the results are.  If he suggests anything else, please follow through.

Only after all possible medical reasons are ruled out should you seek an appointment with a psychiatrist to look in that direction.  It seems extremely important that you do this as soon as possible.  If it is damage to the brain or spine, it could become worse.  Whatever the reason, you pose danger to both yourself and others because of the blackouts.  Please make the appointment soon.
                        
                                            Joyce A. Anthony