Concerns After Angiogram: Cognitive Changes and Visual Disturbances
A 33-year-old female, non-smoker, and very seldom drinking alcohol - weighing 114 lbs (52 kg) - is currently experiencing unusual symptoms following a recent medical procedure. She has been diagnosed with TMJ disorder affecting her right side, as well as experiencing pulsatile tinnitus accompanied by increased sensitivity in her left ear. An angiogram was performed through the groin to investigate the pulsatile symptoms. During this process, she felt a strange sensation, almost as if her brain momentarily malfunctioned. While remaining calm with her eyes and mouth shut, she suddenly felt her jaw loosen and her mouth open involuntarily as contrast dye circulated through her veins, which felt particularly intense this time. This scan was notably lengthy, being a complete 360-degree assessment, which may explain the overwhelming amount of dye used. Post-procedure, she encountered significant discomfort—suffering from headaches and nausea while being required to remain flat for four hours, along with an urgent need to urinate. Visual disturbances included vibrant, squiggly patterns in her eyesight, and she struggled to read the label on her yogurt for a good five minutes, ultimately realizing it was written in French—despite being able to understand the language, her ability to process the information was severely hindered. As the four-hour observation period concluded, she regained some ability to read but noted that her pacing and comprehension were still not up to her usual standard. Unfortunately, she continues to perceive odd light patterns, faces persistent headaches, and finds it challenging to process information quickly. This unsettling sensation of her brain misfiring is quite alarming. Along with these concerns, she has been struggling with nausea that led to vomiting during a cab ride back to her hotel. The four-hour post-procedural check-out was originally set for 3 PM; however, as of nearly 9 PM, she remains uneasy about her ongoing symptoms. She questions whether there is a threshold at which her lingering visual disturbances should incite panic. To counteract the effects of the contrast dye, she is making a concerted effort to hydrate. After some difficulty, she managed to consume a small portion of yogurt but is still experiencing impaired vision, having to focus directly on objects instead of using her peripheral sight. Her main concern revolves around the risks associated with the angiogram, particularly regarding potential stroke and the cognitive and visual impairments that can manifest. She holds out hope that what she is experiencing is merely a temporary effect of the contrast dye disrupting her cognitive functions.
Answers (1)
6/21/2025, 4:01:31 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing some concerning symptoms after your recent angiogram, including cognitive changes and visual disturbances. These sensations can understandably be alarming, especially following a medical procedure. Let's break down what's happening and prioritize some steps for you.
Main Points:
- The symptoms you're experiencing could be related to the angiogram and contrast dye, and they may resolve on their own.
- It’s crucial to hydrate to help clear the contrast dye from your system.
- Monitor your symptoms closely, especially any changes in vision or cognitive abilities, and be aware of when to seek emergency care.
Explanation: After an angiogram, it's not uncommon to experience temporary symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and visual disturbances. These can happen due to the contrast dye used in the procedure. Your mentions of feeling cognitive impairment and changes in visual perception may be your body's response to the procedure and the dye, but they should not be ignored.
The sensation of your brain "misfiring" is concerning, especially since it affects your ability to read and process information. While these symptoms can often resolve, they may also require further evaluation if they persist.
Next Steps:
- Hydration: Continue to drink plenty of fluids like water to help your body eliminate the contrast dye.
- Rest: Make sure to rest as much as possible. Your body needs energy to recover.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms. Note when they worsen or improve and consider how they might interfere with daily activities.
- Emergency Signs: If you experience worsening headaches, new visual disturbances (like sudden loss of vision), confusion, weakness on one side of your body, or inability to speak clearly, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of complications such as a stroke.
- Gradual Return to Normal Activities: As your symptoms improve, slowly reintroduce activities but do so cautiously. Pay attention to how your body responds.
If your symptoms persist beyond a few days or significantly impact your day-to-day life, consider following up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. I hope this helps provide some clarity and reassurance as you work through your recovery.
Related Questions
Persistent Vomiting and Confounding Endoscopy Findings
I'm struggling to articulate my situation adequately, but I'll share everything and hope not to overlook any details. I'm 16 years old, standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall, and weighing 140 pounds. My blood tests have returned normal results, although I do have slightly low vitamin D levels, and my stool samples have come back clear. My current medication regimen includes 30 mg of Vyvanse, 20 mg of propranolol taken twice daily, 300 mg of gabapentin at night and 150 mg in the morning, and I recently began taking 25 mg of amitriptyline a week ago. Since I was about four or five, I’ve experienced unusual digestive issues, such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, constipation, and acid reflux, with the most alarming symptom being unexplained vomiting. Daily abdominal cramps and constipation are common for me, and surprisingly, these symptoms don’t seem to be influenced by my diet or activities. Around the age of five, I started to vomit inexplicably, particularly during times of excitement like the Super Bowl, birthday celebrations, or, most notably, vacations. When I turned 12, my condition worsened significantly after contracting COVID-19. I started experiencing dry heaves or vomiting almost every morning, which led to frequent school absences, severe migraines concentrated mostly on the left side of my forehead, and worsening stomach troubles. Living in Washington, I consulted numerous specialists at Swedish, including both an allergist and a gastroenterologist. The allergist suspected mast cell disease and prescribed Cromolyn, which unfortunately did not provide any relief. The gastroenterologist suggested that I had an issue related to my "lizard brain" and advised me to “find a hobby.” I also visited a cardiologist due to low blood pressure, where I was diagnosed with neurocardiogenic syncope. Recently, I convinced my general practitioner to refer me to a children’s hospital, where I underwent an endoscopy. To my surprise, the procedure revealed food remnants in my stomach despite having fasted for over 11 hours beforehand. Both the anesthesiologist and gastroenterologist expressed some skepticism regarding my fasting claim. I'm reaching out in search of any recommendations or insights. This ongoing illness has reached a point of frustration for me, and I desperately want to uncover its cause. The gastroenterologist who performed the endoscopy mentioned a possible gut-brain disorder, but this diagnosis is still quite vague. I am preparing for my next consultation and would appreciate any feedback. We have suspect cyclic vomiting syndrome for a while, but now I’m starting to wonder about gastroparesis as well. Honestly, I feel like this situation may have turned me into somewhat of a hypochondriac.
Understanding a Nodular Finding on My Appendix: Seeking Clarity
I'm a 22-year-old female, standing 4'9", with a background of EDS and anxiety. Recently, on January 30, 2026, I visited the emergency department due to kidney discomfort, which turned out to be a kidney stone. While reviewing my CT scan report to recall the size and location of the stone—still lodged and proving quite troublesome—I stumbled upon a mention of a nodular area on my appendix. This detail was not brought up by my doctor during my visit. Although I suspect it may not signal a serious issue, I'm curious if this is something I should discuss further with my primary care physician. Can anyone clarify what a nodular finding on the appendix means? I came across some information suggesting it could indicate a tumor, but I’m aware that online medical searches can often lead to misunderstandings. Any insights would be appreciated!
Dealing with Esophageal Cramping and Heartburn while on Oral Minoxidil
Hello everyone. I’m a 37-year-old male who frequently experiences alopecia areata, particularly during stressful periods at work. Recently, my dermatologist recommended oral minoxidil in 2.5mg capsules to speed up my hair restoration process. Since I began this treatment, I’ve encountered several side effects, including elevated heart rate, dizziness, shortness of breath, heartburn, and esophageal cramps, albeit not all at once. Most of these issues have subsided, but the cramps and intermittent heartburn persist. I find the cramps tend to occur after meals, accompanied by a sensation as if I can feel the food moving through my esophagus; this uncomfortable feeling can linger for hours before fading, only to return with my next meal. The discomfort isn’t severe enough to incapacitate me, but it can be quite bothersome, with some days being better than others. Should I consider halting the medication, or should I wait until my next scheduled appointment to discuss this? I live in a rural area, making it difficult to find sooner availability, as the next appointment isn’t for another month. I appreciate any advice you might have!
Ongoing Symptoms Post-Concussion: Seeking Insights
Hello everyone, I’m a 25-year-old male and experienced a significant car accident about two and a half years ago. Although I didn't black out during the incident, I felt disoriented and unsettled immediately afterward. Since that day, my health has noticeably deteriorated, and I'm attempting to discern whether my current struggles are commonplace or if something more serious might be overlooked. Here’s what I've been grappling with: I endure daily headaches that typically originate in the back of my head or neck, gradually migrating towards my temples or eyes. Conditions that intensify these headaches include bright screens, excessive light, noise, and bustling surroundings. When I attempt to power through the discomfort, I sometimes see halos around lights or experience visual static. Mentally, I find myself exhausted very quickly. Concentrating becomes a challenge, and I frequently lose track of my thoughts or encounter difficulty finding the right words. Engaging in conversations or attending meetings can drain me significantly. Additionally, I become easily overwhelmed, especially in loud or crowded situations. Tinnitus is another issue I face, as the ringing in my ears is a constant presence. Since the incident, I’ve noticed weakness in my left hand; my ring and pinky fingers often curl up like claws. An electromyography (EMG) test revealed damage to the ulnar nerve, which accounts for some of this phenomenon. Unfortunately, it hasn't improved, impacting my ability to type, grip objects, and carry out everyday tasks. I also experience occasional facial twitching, jaw tightness, and short bouts where different parts of my body feel weak or tremble, but these symptoms are temporary. Fatigue is a significant battle for me. I struggle with poor sleep quality, waking up feeling unrested, and sometimes experiencing anxiety first thing in the morning. Even on days when the pain level is tolerable, my energy depletion restricts my activities. Here’s a summary of what medical evaluations have revealed: • My brain scans returned normal results, revealing only minor, nonspecific findings like white matter changes in certain regions. • The blood vessels in my brain appeared healthy. • EEG results indicated some slowing but no evidence of seizures. • More invasive tests ruled out any major health concerns. • Mild sleep apnea was detected. • Cognitive assessments showed deficits in attention, processing speed, and memory. • Eye examinations indicated challenges with tracking and focusing post-injury. What has proven somewhat beneficial includes: • Migraine medication has helped lessen the severity of my headaches. • Telecommuting allows me to take frequent breaks. • Engaging in occupational, speech, and vision therapy whenever possible has been somewhat advantageous. I maintain a full-time job, but managing it drains a considerable amount of my energy, leaving little for family interactions, social engagements, or time for recovery. I’m at a stage where I’m seeking clarification on several points: 1. Is it common for post-concussion symptoms to persist for such an extended period despite normal scan results? 2. When is it appropriate to seek an alternative explanation rather than accepting a diagnosis of merely post-concussion syndrome, stress, or anxiety? 3. Is it typical for fatigue to be the most pronounced and debilitating symptom? 4. Are there often overlooked aspects, such as sleep quality, visual processing, nerve health, or nervous system function, that should be reevaluated? I’m not seeking a diagnosis—just some insight. I want to determine whether I’m on a reasonable track or if I should be considering different inquiries. Thank you to all who have taken the time to read my message.
[30M] Intermittent Crackling Noise from Chest Area
Hello everyone, I've been experiencing a crackling sound that occurs occasionally when I laugh heartily or cough. It seems to originate from my chest, but I'm not entirely sure if it might also be related to my throat. Interestingly, there’s no mucus or phlegm that surfaces when this happens. Despite my attempts, I can’t reproduce the sound by quickly exhaling or taking deep breaths. I don't struggle with wheezing or experience shortness of breath. There’s a persistent cough I’ve had since dealing with the flu last December, but I can recall having these sounds before that incident. Additionally, I suffered from asthma as a child, which I suspect could be a contributing factor. I'm planning to schedule an appointment with my primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation, ideally including an X-ray. Meanwhile, I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights you might have. Thank you in advance!