Could This Indicate a Serious Issue?
I'm a 20-year-old male, and for the last few days, I've been experiencing a sensation of lightness in my head, accompanied by slight visual disturbances. Additionally, I’ve noticed I feel more fatigued than normal. There's a peculiar sensation in my head, almost like I’m observing reality from a distance, which is unsettling. At times, I also experience a strange pressure at the base of my throat, and occasionally, it seems like my breathing feels slightly restricted, making it challenging to take a deep breath. Last month, I began using a multivitamin and felt some improvement; however, the symptoms persist even when I don't take it. I have hidradenitis suppurativa and was on cosentyx for a few months but had to discontinue it due to intestinal issues. This doesn’t seem like derealization to me, as I’ve experienced that before and this feels quite different. The only upsetting incident recently was a car accident in which I was a passenger. I hit my head against the windshield, but after visiting the emergency room, they assured me that everything was fine. These strange sensations don’t occur constantly; they come and go unpredictably, sometimes disappearing entirely and then resurfacing at random intervals. Please feel free to reach out with any inquiries or insights you may have.
Answers (1)
4/1/2025, 10:10:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about your recent symptoms, especially considering their unpredictability and the context of your prior head injury. The sensations of lightness in your head, visual disturbances, fatigue, throat pressure, and difficulty breathing could arise from several conditions. Some possible factors include stress or anxiety, side effects from medication, or even lingering effects from the car accident.
While it's reassuring that you were evaluated after the head injury, ongoing or new symptoms should not be ignored, especially when they impact your well-being. It's crucial to focus on actions that could help alleviate these symptoms and improve your situation.
Next Steps
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Track the occurrences of your symptoms, their duration, and any possible triggers or activities that coincide with them. Note how you are feeling emotionally and physically. This can help identify patterns and provide useful information.
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Manage Stress: Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga. These practices can help reduce anxiety that may contribute to your symptoms.
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Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Ensure you’re drinking enough water and eating well-balanced meals. Some symptoms can be exacerbated by dehydration or nutrient deficiencies.
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Limit Stimulants: Reduce or avoid caffeine and nicotine, as these can contribute to feelings of light-headedness and anxiety.
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Evaluate Medication Effects: If you feel comfortable, assess whether resuming your multivitamin aids your symptoms. However, be cautious of any new side effects following its use.
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Monitor Breathing: If the feeling of restricted breathing or throat pressure worsens significantly or is accompanied by other symptoms like chest discomfort, consider seeking immediate assistance.
When to Seek Further Help
If your symptoms worsen, become more frequent, or you experience additional concerning signs like severe headaches, persistent nausea, or confusion, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider to explore underlying causes. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when new neurological or respiratory symptoms arise.
Please take care of yourself, and I'm here if you need further guidance.
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