What do you call it when a ghost passes through you ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a phenomenon described by some participants as "a ghost passing through you," characterized by sudden, brief spasms and a feeling of weakness in the knees. Participants explore potential causes and terminology for this experience, considering aspects of muscle fatigue, neurological factors, and personal anecdotes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the phenomenon as sudden spasms that cause temporary weakness in the knees, occurring without warning and not linked to any known medical conditions.
  • Another participant suggests that muscle fatigue could be a cause but questions whether it can occur spontaneously without prior tiredness.
  • A different participant shares a personal experience of a similar sensation following intense exercise, noting that it felt more like a loss of control rather than fatigue.
  • Some participants propose that the sensation might be neurological in nature, with one suggesting that a neurologist could conduct tests to investigate muscle and nerve function.
  • Others offer alternative terms for the sensation, such as "heebiejeebies" or "cold chills," but do not provide a definitive explanation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing views on the nature and cause of the phenomenon. Participants express differing opinions on whether it is related to muscle fatigue or neurological issues, and no consensus is reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of a clear pattern for when the phenomenon occurs, and there are references to personal experiences that may not be universally applicable. The discussion includes speculative ideas without definitive conclusions.

nhmllr
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What do you call it when "a ghost passes through you"?

There's this phenomenon that occurs to some people a handful of times in their life. My friends and I describe it as "a ghost passing through you."

Here's what happens: You're having a seemingly regular day, standing on your feet, and then all of a sudden, without warning, you get weird, small, quick spasms that last about one second, maybe less. Your knees might become weak and your could collapse a little, but rarely fall over. It's always kinda funny to watch it happen to someone else.

I can remember this happening to me three times, it could be more. I don't have any medical conditions, ADD, Epilepsy, etc. There doesn't seem to be a pattern as to when it happens. I know it can happen to other people and not just me.

What is this ACTUALLY called? What causes it?

Maybe you guys can shed some light on it. Thanks!
 
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nhmllr said:
There's this phenomenon that occurs to some people a handful of times in their life. My friends and I describe it as "a ghost passing through you."

Here's what happens: You're having a seemingly regular day, standing on your feet, and then all of a sudden, without warning, you get weird, small, quick spasms that last about one second, maybe less. Your knees might become weak and your could collapse a little, but rarely fall over. It's always kinda funny to watch it happen to someone else.

I can remember this happening to me three times, it could be more. I don't have any medical conditions, ADD, Epilepsy, etc. There doesn't seem to be a pattern as to when it happens. I know it can happen to other people and not just me.

What is this ACTUALLY called? What causes it?

Maybe you guys can shed some light on it. Thanks!
Muscle fatigue?
 


Evo said:
Muscle fatigue?

Can it be spontaneous? I don't remember being tired when it happened. It just felt like all of a sudden my knees weren't supporting me and I couldn't do anything.

There have been times in my life when I have exercised a lot and experienced similar sensations. One time after some relatively intense exercise I walked my dog, and on the street I had this awful feeling that I was going to collapse right on the street. The feeling grew and dissipated over a period of about 30 seconds, but I barely held out and I felt fine afterwards.

The thing about the sensation I'm describing is that it's seemingly random and unannounced.

It seems to me to be more neurological than anything, because arms flail a little too, and you shudder. It's not so much fatigue as loss of control.
 


It doesn't really matter, I'm just curious.
 


heebiejeebies or cold chills?
 


nhmllr said:
Can it be spontaneous? I don't remember being tired when it happened. It just felt like all of a sudden my knees weren't supporting me and I couldn't do anything.

There have been times in my life when I have exercised a lot and experienced similar sensations. One time after some relatively intense exercise I walked my dog, and on the street I had this awful feeling that I was going to collapse right on the street. The feeling grew and dissipated over a period of about 30 seconds, but I barely held out and I felt fine afterwards.

The thing about the sensation I'm describing is that it's seemingly random and unannounced.

It seems to me to be more neurological than anything, because arms flail a little too, and you shudder. It's not so much fatigue as loss of control.
It could be neurological, a neurologist can run tests to check your muscles and nerve impulses.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/electromyography_emg/article_em.htm
 


Naw I don't think anything's wrong with me :p
 
Last edited by a moderator:


Glad you solved it.
 

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