Random hallucinating and flashbacks... what could cause this?

Question

Concerned…

Does anyone know what would/could cause this?

Lately I’ve been having flashbacks… not normal flashbacks like thoughts… but actually hallucinating and having the feeling of that time and age. I’ve had ten in the last two weeks.

I plan on asking my physician about this, but in the meantime I thought I would get personal advice, experiences if you have any.

Here is the best way I can describe one flashback:

Three days ago I was in my yard… then I could not concentrate… I could not remember why I was outside… Then I looked around and was in my childhood backyard… I was young (probably age 4-6). I had the feeling of being that age and being in that moment. Then all of the sudden I was just standing in my yard again wondering what the hell just happened.

I get plenty of sleep… I don’t drink or use drugs… I have not changed anything in my life… etc.

I should have added the below details. I did not consider the possibility of them being related to this issue. If you have any additional questions please let me know.

Additional information:
- I turn 26 years old this month.
- No current drug or alcohol use.
- No stress or anxiety.
- I have never hallucinated before in my life.
- This started about 3 weeks ago.
- I have now had 14 of these episodes.

Past drug use:
- “dropped” acid one time at the age of 17.
- Have not smoked marijuana since I was 19 years old.
- Have not had an alcoholic beverage for nearly 4 years.

Thank you for your answers!!!

A friend witnessed an episode when he visited my home yesterday. At first he thought I was joking around then he realized something might be wrong. He tried shaking me and almost called 911. He told me that I was talking and gesturing as if I were a child. I am not leaving home or driving until I see my physician on Tuesday. The same friend will be staying with me until I see my physician.

Everything described below happened in real life About 18-20 years ago… but it was like I was re-living it

Here is what happened… It lasted about 3 minutes...

I was with my Grandfather (who died in 2004). We were in front of Thrifty’s Drug Store eating Ice Cream Cones he had just bought us (I was young as previously described). We were having a conversation about a Joshua Tree and a scorpion I had seen in his backyard earlier that day. The episode was so intense that I recall getting into his car (an old brown Mercury Maverick) and hearing Hank Williams on the radio.

Strange, eh?

Answer 1

I can think of some possible causes.

All of them should be treated by a physician, so plan on asking the professional soon. Do not let some Yahoo have too much control in a matter that is this serious.

First, flashbacks are frequently associated with drug use. If you did not ever use drugs in the past, then are you taking some kind of "natural" dietary or vitamin supplement?
Second, flashbacks are common for people who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Third, certain chemical imbalances in the brain can cause this.
Last, and least desirable, tumor in the central nervous system.

Answer 2

I started having these when I was 26 years old. After 20 years of having them (4-5 times a year) one of them culminated in a serious seizure. I went on medicine for high blood pressure and Neurontin (for several years) and I haven't had one since. I think that these are often caused by anxiety and high blood pressure. They can be very puzzling and frightening. I would consult with a neurologist. Good luck!

Answer 3

Unless you grew up in the 1960's I don't have a valid answer for you.

Answer 4

Did you do shrooms or acid when you were younger?