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Bouts of severe confusion/disorientation and altered mental status

Posted , 3 users are following.

william12723
william12723

Hi all,

I'm a 25 year old male, 5ft9 and 76 kgs. For the past 8 weeks I've had bouts of confusion/sedation/balance problems and general cognitive decline that has steadily increased in severity and comes on in 'waves' throughout the day. Recently it seems to be worsened by physical/mental exertion or having a large meal. At this point I can no longer work and at times have extreme difficulties in maintaining normal conversation or watching a movie. Just last night I was watching a movie and honestly couldn't make sense of the story or subtitles.

The only thing noteworthy about my recent medical history is elevated liver enzymes (ALT: 200 MAX, now about 60-70 & AST: 80 MAX, now about 40), Carnitine deficiency and a noticeable but bearable pain/discomfort in my right side/abdomen for the past 8 weeks.

Nitroglycerin patches seem to mildly alleviate symptoms.

Very much interested in any insights/suggestions you all might have. Thank you.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • yan50450
    yan50450 william12723

    Posted

    the obvious question is what happened/changed in your life 8 weeks ago?

  • Marina_Dee
    Marina_Dee william12723

    Posted

    This sounds like the carnitine deficiency causing problems. Do you have regular meals? You need to avoid low blood sugar. Has your doctor given you carnitine supplements?

    • william12723
      william12723 Marina_Dee

      Posted

      Hi, thank you so much for your comment! Could you elaborate a little bit on how carnitine deficiency could cause these symptoms? I'm trying to have regular meals, but symptoms are worse after eating. I have been given carnitine supplements which I have been taking for about a week now.

  • Marina_Dee
    Marina_Dee william12723

    Posted

    I think your liver problems are causing your body to be inefficient at processing carnitine from the food you eat. So you have a low level of carnitine.

    Carnitine is needed in body cells for energy.For this reason you should not have any excessive exercise,which will make you feel worse. Also keep yourself warm.

    Your right sided pain is most probably caused by the liver problems.

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