Seeking Guidance: Are My Symptoms Neurological? Should I go to the ER?
I'm a 25-year-old female, Caucasian, standing at 5'8" and weighing 150 lbs, residing in the USA. I occasionally vape and use marijuana. **Current Medications:** - Effexor (100mg) - Adderall (30mg) - Atenolol (25mg) - Buspar (10mg) - Nexplanon implant **Medical History:** I've been diagnosed with several conditions: POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), chronic migraines, hypermobility or a connective tissue disorder, anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and bilateral temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD). Lately, I've experienced a series of unusual symptoms that are becoming increasingly troubling. Just last week, I consulted with my healthcare provider and am now awaiting a sleep study as well as a CT scan for my head and neck, with an MRI anticipated following the results of the CT scan. Below are the symptoms I have been experiencing: - Pain in the lower back of the head (occipital area), which intensifies with actions like coughing, straining, or sneezing and feels particularly severe upon waking, often accompanied by a sensation of fullness. - Periods of imbalance, with a tendency to lean to one side and a wobbly gait, alongside episodes of vertigo that nearly cause me to fall while standing. - Muscle spasms, particularly in my calves, coupled with numbness and discomfort in my fingers and toes, as well as sporadic shooting pains in my arms and legs. - Occasional jerking movements in various parts of my body such as the arms, shoulders, wrists, knees, calves, and feet. - My right leg sometimes twitches severely while standing, creating a struggle to maintain balance, though this subsides once I begin walking. - Difficulty swallowing, particularly with liquids, leading to choking or gagging incidents. - Cognitive struggles, including extreme forgetfulness, concentration difficulties, problems finding words, and missing memories of recent events unless triggered. - Episodes of gasping for air while sleeping, loud snoring, and experiencing spikes in heart rate during the night. - Frequent nightmares and persistent fatigue along with significant brain fog during the day. - Discomfort and burning sensations in the bladder, with tests showing no urinary tract infection (UTI). - Infrequent urine leakage, vaginal dryness, low to absent sex drive, and trouble reaching orgasm. - Sudden kidney pain, with a known history of kidney stones. - Constipation that hasn’t improved with softeners or laxatives. - Dry eyes. - Visual disturbances described as "TV static" in both eyes, whether they are open or closed. - My overall health has also included frequent bouts of illness. This past week has been particularly challenging; I’ve struggled with both sleep and appetite due to stress. Last Friday, I woke up feeling unusual fatigue in my leg muscles, which persisted throughout my work day. On Saturday, I experienced debilitating vertigo along with that muscle fatigue. When I attempted to get ready, my right leg began jerking uncontrollably, which forced me to sit down. While lying on the ground, both legs started to exhibit similar movements. This jerking also occurred in my abdomen with such intensity that it expelled air from my chest. Walking became extremely difficult due to my legs jerking for several minutes, and once I got into bed, I noticed the jerking would only occur if I pushed my legs outward. The jerking sensation was reminiscent of seizures, but I did not experience any seizure-like neurological symptoms, just a sense of lightheartedness afterward. My boyfriend is quite concerned and is urging me to go to the emergency room, but I hesitate to do so. I already have a CT scan scheduled and suspect these symptoms may stem from stress, dehydration, sleep deprivation, muscle fatigue, or even psychological factors. As a veterinary technician, I'm on my feet constantly, which often leads to muscle and joint pain. The body jerking improves when I’m engaged in activity, though it never completely disappears, and I’ve dealt with these movements for years, albeit not to this severity. Despite the long-standing nature of my symptoms, the intensity is alarming, especially with the new jerking sensations in my legs. I’ve recorded a video showcasing the movements of my legs, as my right leg has real difficulty stretching fully. Is this an urgent matter that warrants immediate attention, or can I await further information from radiology regarding my CT scan?
Answers (1)
6/29/2025, 3:20:55 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned given the combination of symptoms you're experiencing, especially since they have increased in intensity recently. While it's crucial not to dismiss your symptoms, here's a structured approach to consider that focuses on your needs and potential actions.
Summary of Main Points:
- You have several troubling symptoms that could have neurological implications.
- While some symptoms may be related to stress or other chronic conditions, immediate assessment in the Emergency Room (ER) may be warranted.
Explanation:
Your symptoms, including persistent pain, balance issues, muscle spasms, cognitive struggles, episodes of severe fatigue, and especially the new onset of jerking movements, raise valid concerns about potential neurological issues or other serious conditions. It's important to recognize that while stress and fatigue can exacerbate many symptoms, the recent escalation, particularly the jerking movements and balance problems, should not be ignored.
Next Steps:
-
Consider Going to the ER:
- Given your boyfriend's concern and the severity of your symptoms—particularly the jerking movements, imbalance, and cognitive issues—it's advisable to seek immediate medical assessment. The ER can provide rapid evaluations, including neurological examinations, and rule out any acute conditions that could be causing these concerning symptoms.
-
Document Your Symptoms:
- While waiting for your CT scan, keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including frequency, duration, and any new changes. This information will be helpful for healthcare providers in understanding your condition and history.
-
Stay Hydrated and Rest:
- Prioritize hydration and try to rest as much as possible, especially since you mentioned stress and sleep issues. Dehydration and fatigue can worsen your symptoms.
-
Prepare for Your Upcoming Appointments:
- Gather all relevant medical records, details about your current medications, and any previous test results to bring to your ER visit and upcoming CT scan.
-
Seek Support:
- Share your feelings about your symptoms with trusted friends or family members. Emotional support can be very important when managing health concerns.
Conclusion:
While it's possible that some of your symptoms could be related to your existing conditions or stress, the intensity and nature of your new symptoms warrant further evaluation. It's better to err on the side of caution and seek immediate help, especially given the combination of neurological and physical symptoms you are experiencing. Let your symptoms guide you, and trust in the medical professionals to provide the assistance you need.
Related Questions
Understanding Possible Seizure Triggers and Recurrence Risks
Health Background: I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 169 cm and weighing 65 kg. Over the past three years, I have been using oral contraceptives. As of this morning, I started taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine along with a weekly vitamin D supplement of 0.266 mg. Recently, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and found to have a vitamin D deficiency that I suspect has existed for the last three years. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I can confirm I am not pregnant. Two years ago, I experienced a mild concussion. I currently reside in Spain. A couple of months back, in mid-December, I blacked out twice. The second occurrence took place while I was at the doctor’s office after seeking urgent medical care for the initial incident. Following the second episode, I underwent a CT scan and an EKG, both of which returned normal results. Further tests, as directed by my physician, revealed a critical vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism; however, he expressed doubt that either of these conditions led to my loss of consciousness. I was then referred to a neurologist, and I am presently awaiting an appointment. Although the waiting period is lengthy, my doctor indicated that I should receive priority for scheduling, although the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The referral document summarized my events, labeling the second episode (which the physician witnessed) as a potential seizure devoid of tonic-clonic movements—a revelation that took me by surprise. After regaining consciousness, I felt extremely disoriented and terrified, struggling to process what was happening. I have no prior history of seizures, epilepsy, or any related conditions, and there is no known family history of these issues. If this indeed was a seizure, what might have triggered it? Additionally, what is the likelihood of experiencing another one? Since that time, I have not had any further incidents, but I have experienced moments where I felt a sense of impending doom, which I managed to overcome. I intend to wait for the neurologist's evaluation, but the uncertainty surrounding a possible neurological condition is quite distressing. Thank you for any insight you can provide!
Understanding EEG Results for My 22-Month-Old Son: Insights Needed
Could someone help clarify this for me? My son, who is just 22 months old, hasn’t started walking yet, becomes tired easily, and has been experiencing behavioral outbursts. He had a febrile seizure in February 2025, followed by another unexplained seizure in April 2025, which led us to consult a neurologist. Since he was 3 months old, he has been receiving therapy from a physical therapist for torticollis. At birth, he spent five days in the NICU due to issues with meconium aspiration. A recent MRI showed normal results, and he also had a follow-up EEG after one conducted in July 2025. The results from this recent EEG were abnormal for a pediatric patient in awake, drowsy, and sleeping states. Notably, there were brief episodes of left frontotemporal delta slowing, which occurred mainly when he was awake and drowsy. There were no signs of epileptiform activity detected. In contrast, the EEG performed back on July 3, 2025, was deemed normal for both awake and drowsy states, again with no evidence of epileptiform irregularities, although it did not capture any sleep data. This examination was prompted by the child's existing history of febrile seizures. Importantly, he is not currently on any anti-seizure medications. The EEG procedure used standard electrode placements per the 10-20 system, conducted a single-lead EKG, and included continuous video monitoring. During the analysis, the background activity was symmetric, indicating some anterior-posterior (AP) organization, with a dominant rhythm of 50-80 microvolts at 7 Hz. His drowsy state was marked by a reduced amount of eye blink activity, less breathing motion interference, and a generalized slowing in theta/delta frequencies. Stage II sleep exhibited spindles and vertex waves patterns. Additionally, there were intermittent bursts of 250-300 microvolts in the left frontotemporal region with semi-rhythmic activity of 2-4 Hz, mostly observed during wakefulness and drowsiness. No definitive epileptiform discharge was noted. Photic stimulation during the test did not elicit a strong response, and hyperventilation was not conducted during this session.
28-Year-Old Male Experiencing Scalp Sensations Post-Amitriptyline Treatment
I am a 28-year-old man in generally good health, without any cardiac concerns. Approximately a month ago, I encountered intense pain localized to one side of my head, which was unresponsive to paracetamol. However, a single dose of a migraine treatment provided substantial relief. Following that, I began a regimen of amitriptyline, starting at a nightly dose of 10 to 25 mg. While my head pain has diminished significantly—by about 90 to 95%—I now experience occasional uncomfortable sensations on my scalp. These feelings include pins and needles, a cooling sensation, and some crawling feelings near my hairline and ears. There are fleeting moments where I feel brief throbs lasting a second, but I do not have any persistent headaches. To clarify, I do not experience any of the following: - Nausea - Weakness in my limbs - Numbness - Changes in my vision - Coordination difficulties - Seizures The symptoms I have are transient, shifting around and often intensifying when I become conscious of them or as the day progresses. I would like to know: Is it common to experience these sensations during the recovery stage following episodes of neuralgia or migraine-like discomfort? Additionally, could the amitriptyline potentially be causing these temporary paresthetic sensations? I am seeking some reassurance or advice on what is typically observed during this healing process. Thank you.
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!
Strange Stomach Sensation Leading to Waking Up
Greetings. I'm a 36-year-old male, standing at 172 centimeters and weighing 90 kilograms. I don't take any medications, nor do I smoke. I've been living with diastasis recti for several years now, and I may also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, I deal with fatty liver and kidney stones, though I assume these last two conditions are not related to my current concern. Occasionally, I experience a peculiar sensation that jolts me awake; it feels like a quick pulsing in my stomach. I’ve noticed it tends to affect the left side when I’m lying on my left side and the right side when on my right. Remarkably, it can occur even when I’m on my back. This strange feeling often escalates into a surge that fully rouses me. Alongside this, I sometimes feel prickling sensations throughout my body and fleeting lightheadedness. When this sensation disturbs my sleep while I’m turned to my side, shifting onto my back or the opposite side might alleviate it, but not always. In instances where I awaken while lying on my back, I discovered that gently pressing my hands on either side of my stomach can help, as can rising to a sitting or standing position. However, during my last two episodes—one a couple of weeks ago and another tonight—those techniques weren’t effective right away, which made me feel a bit anxious, prompting me to seek advice. Does anyone have insight into what might be going on? By the way, I’ve undergone routine ultrasound examinations of my abdomen by two different physicians during check-ups, both of whom assured me that everything appears normal, including my abdominal aorta and internal organs. They didn’t identify any issues at that time.