Asked for Male | 18 Years
Did Holding My Breath Cause Brain Damage?
Patient's Query
Hello! I was diagnosed with OCD a while ago, and one of the compulsions to certain thoughts was to hold my breath for time. It all started from here. I entered medicine, I am passionate about the field and I was always a 10th grade student. My question is if my brain was affected, if there was any cerebral hypoxia. There were times when I held my breath for quite long periods (until I felt that I had to do it), other times when I was not breathing enough and had that feeling of suffocation (the biggest fear here is, I don't know exactly how much). I had a native brain MRI, 1.5 tesla, nothing negative came out. However, on a micro level, was my cognition, my intelligence, my memory affected? The SpO2 value is 98-99% now, should I go to a doctor? I haven't slept much in my life, I always stay up at night to study and I wonder if my brain is more sensitive to such things, also I was born prematurely. I had read on the Internet that people can get hypoxia and not see it on an MRI, that really panicked me. I'm starting college in a week and I'm constantly thinking about this. If I'm going to forget certain details, I won't remember certain things, I'll always think it's because my brain was damaged, not that it's normal not to remember everything. I managed to overcome these compulsions. But I think that there are no after-effects on the brain. What do you recommend? I am very panicked that I might have hurt myself because of some senseless compulsions. I don't feel myself anymore, after reading or many things on the Internet. Is there anything to do?
Answered by Dr. Gurneet Sawhney
Holding your breath for a long time can sometimes make you dizzy or suffocate, nevertheless, it is improbable for you to suffer from a permanent brain injury. Your brain which requires oxygen is doing well because you have been receiving good oxygen levels. If you're feeling worried, try some relaxation techniques like deep breathing or talking to someone you trust.

Neurosurgeon
Questions & Answers on "Neurology" (941)
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