What Happened? Should I Have Visited the Emergency Room?
I'm a 30-year-old female with a medical history that includes deficiencies in vitamin B-12 and vitamin D, as well as scoliosis affecting my upper back and herniated discs in my lower back. In the past, I’ve experienced a single seizure but I do not require medication to manage them. Daily, I take collagen powder, occasionally use Advil or Tylenol, and also have "emergency" muscle relaxers, though I had not taken any prior to the recent incident. Recently, while seated at the dinner table and engaged with my phone, I lifted my gaze from the screen. At that moment, I was hit with a sensation of heaviness throughout my upper body, as if something was pulling me down. Additionally, my vision became distorted, resembling a spinning effect with almost double vision. This episode persisted for at least five minutes. It only subsided after I rested my head on the table and shut my eyes. Throughout the ordeal, I remained conscious. Could anyone offer any thoughts on what could have caused this? Would it have been advisable for me to head to the emergency room?
Answers (1)
6/19/2025, 11:40:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you experienced a concerning episode with symptoms that could indicate several underlying issues. Given your history of seizures and current symptoms like heaviness in your upper body and visual distortions, it’s understandable to wonder about the need for emergency care.
Key Points:
- Your symptoms could relate to various factors, including neurological issues (given your seizure history), blood circulation, or even tension related to your scoliosis and herniated discs.
- While it’s good that the episode subsided after resting, any new or significant changes in neurological symptoms should be evaluated.
Explanation:
The heaviness and vision changes you described might have multiple causes. Possible explanations include:
- Vestibular issues: Problems with your inner ear or balance system could lead to dizziness and visual disturbances.
- Hypotension: A sudden drop in blood pressure might cause similar symptoms (commonly when standing up quickly).
- Neurological conditions: Given your history of seizures, this could warrant further investigation.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any future episodes, including their duration, triggers, and other associated symptoms (like headaches or changes in consciousness).
- Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are hydrated and maintain a balanced diet, particularly focusing on your vitamin B-12 and D levels, as deficiencies can affect neurological function.
- Rest and Reduce Stress: Pay attention to how much stress you are under, as physical tension due to scoliosis may contribute to these feelings. Practice relaxation techniques or gentle stretching.
- Consider Support from Specialists: After monitoring, consider discussing these episodes with your healthcare provider or a neurologist. They may recommend further testing (like an MRI or EEG) to rule out underlying conditions.
If you experience another episode or if symptoms worsen (like loss of consciousness, severe headache, or prolonged vision changes), seek immediate medical attention or go to the emergency room to ensure your safety. Your health is a priority, and getting clarity on these symptoms will help guide your care.
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