A member asked:

Can anyone tell me if during a panic attack, some part of the brain is getting an abnormal blood flow?

11 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Dr. Glen Elliott answered

Specializes in Child Psychiatry

Yes: This is fairly well studied. Here's a review you might find of interest: http://earthops.Org/humex/panic-disorder3.Html the difficutly is distinguishing cause from effect. The actual cause or causes of panic attacks remain uinclear, including why some are much more susceptible to them than others.

Answered 4/16/2016

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Less blood but safe: As a side effect of increased breathing (hyperventilation), especially if no actual fight or flight activity occurs, vasoconstriction causes the blood supply to the head to be decreased. This is only a slight reduction in blood flow to the brain, and it is only temporary and not at all dangerous. It produces some unpleasant symptoms, such as dizziness, blurred vision and confusion.

Answered 6/18/2015

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Dr. Alan Ali answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Panic brain: Not abnormal, a result of lightheadedness & dizziness & hyperventilating, which temporarily puts demand on brain due to oxygen supply. It reverts back to normal when attack subsides.

Answered 9/1/2012

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