A panic attack is a sudden and intense fear. While there is no real danger, you have the physical reactions associated with danger and fear. Such as palpitations, dizziness, nausea, chills, tingling in your hands, or a feeling of losing control. Many people have had a attack, usually as a result of a stressful period. When the stressful period ends, so do the attacks. But if you live in fear of another attack for a long period of time and the attacks return regularly, you may have a panic disorder. Professional help is often needed to overcome your fears.