Concern over Cheekbone Clicking After Fainting Incident
In the early hours of Saturday, I fainted while undergoing an extended water fast that lasted over 50 hours. Although I had hydrated sufficiently and consumed electrolytes, it appears I may not have had enough, particularly in light of my medications. My current prescription includes: - Fluoxetine: 60 mg in the morning - Quetiapine: 50 mg in the morning and 75 mg at night. Around 2 AM, I woke up to head to the bathroom but lost consciousness on my return. I collapsed forward, and I suspect I landed face-first. I have a vague memory of the crash, which might have briefly roused me, but I’m uncertain about the number of times I fell. My mother heard the noise, managed to open the door, and assisted me in getting up. Dazed, I stumbled to a chair. Not long after, while she grabbed some sugar, I fainted again. I regained consciousness shortly after consuming sugar and tea. Here's a summary of my visible injuries: - A graze above my left temple (the only noticeable injury) - A slight discoloration on my cheek that faded quickly - No significant bruising developed The symptoms I am experiencing include: - Tenderness on my forehead (it’s sensitive to touch but tolerable) - More worryingly, a sore area on my cheekbone beneath the eye, which emits a faint clicking noise when tapped. The click isn’t substantial enough to be heard in a silent room, although my parents could perceive it when I tapped near their ear. It feels as if there’s a small fragment shifting beneath the surface of the skin. There hasn’t been an increase in pain, swelling, numbness, or changes in vision—just the clicking sensation along with some tenderness. Initially, I opted not to visit the emergency department as I lacked any clear signs of a concussion, such as blurry vision, nausea, or memory lapse. However, this persistent clicking I've just noticed today has raised my concerns. Could this indicate a hairline fracture or a detached bone fragment? Is it likely to heal on its own, or would it be wise to seek medical attention? In hindsight, I understand that fasting while on these medications might have been ill-advised, potentially amplifying their effects, which may have contributed to my fainting episode. Additional symptoms include discomfort beneath the right armpit and on the right side of my ribcage, as well as my knee—though all appear superficial in nature.
Answers (1)
7/13/2025, 11:40:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've experienced a concerning situation with the fainting episode, and it's understandable to have worries, particularly with the clicking sensation you're now noticing. Here's a breakdown of what you’re experiencing and what steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Concerns about the clicking: The clicking near your cheekbone could suggest a minor issue with the underlying bone or soft tissue, but is unlikely to be serious given your other symptoms.
- Monitoring and next steps: Although you’re not experiencing significant pain or other alarming symptoms, monitoring your condition is essential.
Explanation:
Fainting can sometimes involve falls that lead to minor injuries. The clicking sensation in your cheekbone might be due to a few things, such as air moving in tissue or a minor ligamentous issue. Given that you experienced tenderness and no major symptoms (like worsening pain, swelling, or vision issues), it's less likely to be a serious fracture.
The discomfort under your right armpit and ribcage may be unrelated to the fall, possibly representing muscular soreness or a benign issue, but should still be monitored.
Next Steps:
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Rest and Monitor: Take it easy for a few days. Avoid strenuous activities to allow any potential minor injuries to heal. Keep an eye on your symptoms. Take note if the clicking increases or is accompanied by new pain.
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Local Care for Tenderness: If you find the tenderness bothersome, applying a warm compress can help soothe the area. Over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen, if you’re not contraindicated) can be used if needed.
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Keep Hydrated and Nourished: Make sure to stay well-hydrated and eat balanced meals moving forward to prevent fainting episodes, especially while on medications like fluoxetine and quetiapine, which can increase sensitivity.
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Seek Further Help if Needed: Although you feel stable, if the clicking continues, increases in pain, or if you experience new symptoms (increased swelling, changes in vision, or persistent discomfort), it would be advisable to see a healthcare professional to rule out any fractures or other issues.
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Consult on Medication: Consider discussing with your prescribing physician about the fasting while on your medications, as they may suggest better alternatives or provide specific guidelines.
Taking these steps should help you in managing your concerns. Be attentive to how your body responds and don’t hesitate to reach out for medical help if your symptoms change. Take care!
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