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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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