Has anyone experienced sleep paralysis?

[oops1990]

I had a weird/terrifying experience last night not long after I had fallen asleep. I woke up and couldn't move or breathe and all I could think was that I felt like I was dying and I needed to get help, but of course I couldn't call out for help either. I have a friend who has sleep paralysis episodes and she says my experience sounds like sleep paralysis. After what felt like forever I snapped out of it and was able to breathe and I just went back to sleep. But I also am curious if anything like this could be related to Chiari - perhaps it was not sleep paralysis? I just know I was very confused and terrified and I hope it never happens again.

[lasel22]

I had episodes of sleep paralysis before my surgery. I would open my eyes and I couldn't move my body, it was scary especially the first time. After surgery, it only happened once about 3 months after the surgery. I fell asleep on the couch with my neck in a weird position. I couldn't move and I also felt a strong vibration and pins and needles feeling in my body that was a bit painful, then i woke up and those sensations gradually went away. I am one and a half years out from surgery and haven't had any other episodes. I think it was related somehow.

[selmaS]

  Ok...sorry I couldn't remember.

I know how you feel about Drs....don't get me started....lol...

Hang in there and let us know about the results of your xrays

[selmaS]

  Hi, I know  a few with Chiari have had a couple of episodes of sleep paralysis, but I am not sure if it is Chiari related  , but if it could stem from compression of the brain stem or a nerve then it is possible some of us could get it due to Chiari......

I had an episode of being awake but could not respond or move...this happened while sitting in a chair, so not sleep paralysis but a similar sensation which left me feeling the same as you....confused and terrified.

Talk with your Dr to make sure it is sleep paralysis or something else....

Refresh my memory, have you had surgery?

[oops1990]

Yes, I have had surgery. I have x-rays due soon to check on scoliosis and make sure nothing is getting worse so perhaps I'll just ask then. I've spent so much time with doctors I try to avoid them at all costs ;)