Friend 'zones' out and has sharp pains while breathing?

Question

Hello,
this is a "two part question" if you will, about one of my friends
first of all, she will from time to time 'zone out' as i call it. a time in which she used to just stare into blank space, and i would hvae to touch her or say her name to 'bring her o ut of it' and now its gotten to the point where she clenches her hands, her eyes dart back and forth, she breaths heavily, and i have to yell her name or shake her to bring her out of it... im really worried, what could this be?
also, she will occasionally have sharp pains in her side and lungs when she tries to inhale, so bad that she occasionally gasps out or yells because it hurts so much
i know she should see a doctor, but she is extremely stubborn, so i f igured i would ask all of you before i brought it up further
only eduacted answers please, this is a serious problem and i need serious answers..

while she is sleeping, she also gasps, almost like she is crying, except without the tears or moans.. could this be related??

Answer 1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleurisy

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/petit-mal-seizure/DS00216

Answer 2

I am not a doctor but I have experience with friends who have similar symptoms. Your friend either has two coexisting conditions or one Magilla of a brain chemistry issue. The “zoning out” could possible be mild seizures. HOWEVER do not mistake the word ‘mild’ for unimportant. Mild describes the severity of the event, and not the severity of the problem.
Your friend needs medical help. Even if her condition is the least harmful thing that it could be it is still potentially threatening to her life without proper medical care. I.E. what if she “zones out” while crossing the street or swimming?
Convince her to get help. If she can’t afford it, take her anyway and most states will provide assistance. This is a big deal. Convince her of that and do something before it is too late.

Answer 3

I am no doctor, but it sounds like your friend is having a seizure, which can be very dangerous. Not only could she be killed if one happened at the wrong time, but other people could be killed as well.

There are various medical conditions that can cause seizures, and all of them are serious. Well people don't have seizures, or pain while breathing.

If your friend absolutely will not see a doctor, she may already know what the problem is. If she is not taking her medication, she knows she should. If she is your friend, she will see a doctor or tell you why she won't.

In teh meantime, try not to let her drive or operate dangerous machinery.

Answer 4

Your friends could have anything from epilepsy, to, well my thought would be narcolepsy, yes the disease people make fun of, isnt really about sleeping per se, it has as a par of it sometimes, something called cataplexy where you lose control of your muscles and can indeed zone out as you put it and its a horrifying thing and the gasping for air you describe while she sleeps is also consistant with narcolepsy. but your friend could have any number of neurological disorders , she must get checked out fast, befre your friend becomes your ex friend.

Answer 5

It sounds such as think about chest an infection or pleurisy (a situation of the lung) regardless of the reality that you've you ever comprehend your self that your lungs are being damaged. have you ever had an harm, fallen and been hit contained in the chest as damaged or cracked ribs reason extreme soreness (regardless of the reality that in case you cough demanding you ought to crack a rib) examine your sputum once you cough to make certain there is not any blood in it. you may set up on a chest xray or antibiotics yet both way please dont proceed to harm your lungs. this can be the caution you want to resign smoking.

Answer 6

She seriously needs medical help. Any breathing difficulties are a cause for concern.

If she won't go though...well, sorry, but there's not a lot you can do about that.