Unusual Neurological Sensations? Numbness in Hands, Jaw, and Peculiar Eye Movements
Hello there. I apologize if this isn’t the most appropriate forum for my inquiry, but I’d prefer to avoid the expense of a medical appointment unless absolutely necessary. I’m a 22-year-old female and have recently begun receiving testosterone injections subcutaneously. Additionally, I have been diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and my physician suspects I might have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Lately, I've been experiencing recurring abdominal pains throughout the day. I’ve had two bowel movements, and immediately afterward, I noticed a set of unusual symptoms: my hands feel a bit numb and unfeeling, reminiscent of cold-induced numbness; my mind has a ‘waterlogged’ feeling, which might sound odd; my eye movements appear sluggish; my jaw has begun to exhibit similar numbness to my hands, though this has just recently started; and I’ve also been experiencing intermittent muscle twitches all over my body. While these sensations aren't overly painful, they feel quite unusual and have me a bit worried. I wonder if the effort I exerted while having bowel movements might have triggered these issues. Should I consider this a pressing matter? Moreover, I have undergone two episodes reminiscent of seizures, which I think may relate to my POTS—these involved full-body muscle contractions lasting several minutes without any loss of consciousness or changes in my mental state; I just went about my day as if nothing had happened. I take various medications, and I can provide that information in a follow-up comment if more details are needed. I have two known allergies: seasonal allergies and a skin reaction to testosterone cypionate, neither of which has resulted in anaphylactic shock. Additionally, I have a history of mild traumatic brain injuries (three over the span of the past sixteen years). I can't think of any other pertinent information at the moment. Any insights or potential explanations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Answers (1)
4/2/2025, 11:20:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns about the unusual neurological sensations you're experiencing. Your symptoms, including numbness in your hands and jaw, unusual eye movements, and muscle twitches, can understandably be quite worrying, especially in light of your medical history with POTS and the recent testosterone injections.
Explanation of Symptoms
These sensations may stem from a variety of factors, including potential effects of testosterone on your body, your condition with POTS, or even responses to physical exertion during bowel movements. Numbness, for example, can be caused by nerve compression or reduced blood flow, and the "waterlogged" feeling could relate to neurological sensitivity linked with POTS or other conditions. The episodes resembling seizures could also warrant further attention, as they may indicate significant underlying neurological activity.
Next Steps
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Monitor and Document Symptoms:
- Keep a detailed record of when these symptoms occur, their intensity, duration, and any activities that seem to trigger them. This can help identify potential patterns.
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Hydration and Nutrition:
- Ensure you are well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support your energy levels and vascular health, particularly considering your POTS condition.
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Gentle Physical Activity:
- Stay physically active within your limits, but avoid overexerting yourself, especially after bowel movements, since this seems to be a trigger for your symptoms.
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Consider Possible Triggers:
- Reflect on any recent changes in your medications or lifestyle that might correlate with the onset of these sensations.
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Evaluate Medication Effects:
- Review your medications for any potential side effects that might explain these sensations, particularly with respect to testosterone therapy.
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Consult Your Healthcare Provider:
- Given the complexity of your symptoms and your medical history, it’s advisable to discuss these issues with your healthcare provider. An appointment can help ensure any neurological concerns are addressed appropriately—especially since some of your symptoms may need further evaluation.
While your symptoms may be benign, they can also indicate something that requires medical attention, given your existing conditions. It's always better to be cautious with neurological symptoms, especially when combined with your earlier episodes. Please take care and feel free to provide more details on medications if needed!
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