OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Intense Experiences of Déjà Vu

7/11/2025, 2:40:22 AMMale25-34

Age: 19, Weight: 126 lbs, Height: 5'11", Smoker. I am coping with several health conditions, including depression, ADHD, cholinergic urticaria, and potentially postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). It's unclear if these disorders are interrelated. Throughout today, and occasionally 1-2 times for about a week every few months, I have been experiencing intense déjà vu. The sensation can be so overwhelming that I begin to feel nauseated, sweat excessively, and become lightheaded. It’s as if I am observing my life through a strange lens, foreseeing the events that follow. Due to its severity, I often find it necessary to either sit down or pull over while driving to regain my composure. These episodes typically last between 1 to 3 minutes, and on days when they occur (which is generally once or twice a week over a period of 4 to 6 months), I may encounter multiple episodes in a single day. I've noticed only minor fluctuations in my sleep patterns or stress levels, neither of which seem unusual. Should I arrange a visit with my primary care physician in August or consider heading to the emergency department?

Multiple SclerosisLupusEndocrinology

Answers (1)

Cony

7/11/2025, 2:40:36 AM

OpenHealth AI

Given your experiences of intense déjà vu accompanied by symptoms like nausea, sweating, and lightheadedness, it's understandable that you're feeling concerned. These episodes could be indicative of a neurological or psychological phenomenon, especially considering your existing health conditions.

Explanation: Déjà vu is often associated with anxiety or stress but can also be linked to seizure activity or other neurological issues. Since your symptoms cause significant distress and interfere with your daily activities (like driving), it’s important to take them seriously. Your current health conditions, particularly ADHD and POTS, may also influence how your body processes stimuli and stress.

Next Steps:

  1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your episodes, noting the frequency, duration, associated symptoms (like lightheadedness), triggers, and any changes in your mental or physical state leading up to the events. This can provide valuable information for your healthcare provider.

  2. Prioritize Safety: If your episodes make you feel lightheaded, be cautious, especially while driving. It may be wise to avoid driving until you have more clarity regarding these symptoms to ensure your safety and that of others.

  3. Schedule a Visit Promptly: While it's great that you've planned to see your primary care physician in August, due to the nature of your symptoms and their impact on your life, consider making an earlier appointment. Inform them about the frequency and severity of these episodes.

  4. Consider Stress Management: Since you've noticed minor fluctuations in your stress levels, incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or gentle exercise may help manage your overall symptoms.

  5. Emergency Care: If you ever experience these episodes with severe symptoms like prolonged confusion, loss of consciousness, or if you feel exceptionally unwell, do not hesitate to seek emergency care.

Your wellbeing is important, and addressing these episodes with a healthcare provider can help clarify the underlying cause and lead to appropriate management. If you need any further information or support, feel free to ask.

Related Questions

Seeking Guidance

I understand that this may not belong to the appropriate category, however, I am unable to locate one that addresses symptoms of illness. My mother, who is in her 60s, has been experiencing significant memory issues, slurred speech, and excessive sleep—often up to 15 hours a day—for the last year. Medical examinations have ruled out both dementia and stroke, as she has undergone numerous brain scans and assessments. Last night was particularly concerning; she asked me how to send an email, stating she couldn’t manage it. This is a woman who has run her own business since she was 20, making this incident alarming for both of us. Approximately 15 years ago, she received radiotherapy for a non-cancerous brain tumor, which was inoperable due to her history of multiple heart attacks at that time. Despite our concerns, doctors have consistently reassured her that there is nothing physically wrong or have suggested it is merely anxiety. The situation has been deteriorating, and it feels as though no one is taking us seriously. We are in desperate need of assistance and guidance.

Multiple SclerosisLupusEndocrinology
Male25-34
18 minutes ago

Concerns About Colon Cancer at 19

Hello, I'm a 19-year-old female, weighing 46 kg, and I have no known family history of colon cancer. Recently, I've observed bright red blood in my stool on two occasions. While the initial amount was small, the second time, it appeared to be more significant. Although I struggle with constipation, I didn’t experience any pain during bowel movements, aside from a brief burning feeling, perhaps due to a slight push. Lately, I’ve been having discomfort in my hips, which seems to worsen after using the restroom and persists throughout the day. It feels as if gas is building up or that I'm being jabbed with something sharp. It also resembles a muscle cramp. My stool’s shape isn’t excessively thin, but one end is thicker and round while the other tapers to a point. Upon researching, I came across information suggesting a connection to colon cancer, and there were mentions of bowel obstructions, which frightened me. I feel a sense of incompleteness when I try to empty my bowels; after using the bathroom, although there’s some relief, the urge quickly returns, which is bothersome. Up until 2-3 months ago, I didn’t have any of these issues, but everything escalated within the last month. I attributed these changes to heightened stress levels, but now that I’ve seen blood, my perspective has shifted. I haven’t experienced any weight loss, yet I haven't been able to gain any either. I’ve always had a slight frame and a poor appetite since I was young, but recently, I’ve been eating more frequently, including high-fiber snacks. I thought I had gained some weight since the scale indicated the same reading, but I find myself waking up every day still at 46 kg. I can’t help but worry whether this points to a serious issue. Despite not having symptoms like bloating or abdominal pain, I was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) last year. My doctor indicated that my iron stores were low, and even though I don’t consume much fish or many vegetables, I do include red meat in my diet. While I initially thought my deficiency was due to my menstrual cycle or erratic eating patterns, the current symptoms are making me question whether they may signal a problem like cancer. It feels as though I’m displaying nearly all the warning signs of colon cancer, which is terrifying. I recognize that self-diagnosis isn’t advisable, yet my anxiety is overwhelming. Reading stories on Reddit about young individuals without familial predispositions being diagnosed with colon cancer has heightened my concern, especially since many shared similar symptoms to mine. I have an appointment with my doctor next week, but I felt compelled to share my experiences here in hopes of connecting with others who might have faced similar issues but ultimately did not have cancer, just to bring some comfort before my visit.

ArthritisLupusCrohn's Disease
Male25-34
30 minutes ago

Is This a Sign of Throat Cancer?

33-Year-Old Male from the USA I've been experiencing a sensation of fullness in the back of my throat recently. Occasionally, there's slight ear discomfort that seems to fluctuate. Additionally, I sometimes suffer from severe acid reflux. Many years ago, around 13-15 years back, I was involved in a sexual relationship with someone who had a positive HPV diagnosis. For quite some time, I have noticed a lump behind my tonsils. I’m curious whether this growth is a natural part of my tonsils or possibly a tumor.

LupusFibromyalgiaThyroid Disorders
Male25-34
40 minutes ago

Concerns About Neck Swelling

Greetings, While taking a selfie, I noticed that one side of my neck appears to be more pronounced than the other. At night, I occasionally experience a sharp sensation, akin to having a pencil swirling around in the neck area; it’s uncomfortable but not unbearable. This has raised some worries for me. Should I consult a healthcare professional? If so, how urgently should I do this? Thank you for your guidance. Demographics: Age: 19 Gender: Female Medication: Citalopram

LupusCOPDInternal Medicine
Male25-34
49 minutes ago

Severe Discomfort in a Previously Fractured Leg

In August 2019, I suffered a break in my leg, specifically a tibia and fibula spiral fracture, along with a straight fracture in my ankle. Following this incident, I underwent surgery during which a rod was inserted to aid in healing. Occasionally, I experience discomfort reminiscent of a toothache, which I know can be a common occurrence. This typically happens after extensive walking or spending time working in my flower garden. I find that applying products like Bengay or Aspercreme tends to alleviate the pain. However, over the past two or three days, the discomfort has intensified significantly. The pain is localized to the area where the fracture occurred, and I found it so severe last night that I was unable to sleep. Is this something I should expect? By the way, I am a 61-year-old woman. I appreciate any insights or advice you might offer.

ArthritisInternal MedicineEndocrinology
Male25-34
49 minutes ago