Concern Over Clicking Sound in Cheekbone Following Fainting Incident
On Saturday morning, I experienced a fainting episode after participating in a prolonged water fast lasting over 50 hours. While I did consume some water and electrolytes, it likely wasn’t adequate, particularly in light of my current medications, which include: - Fluoxetine at 60 mg every morning - Quetiapine at 50 mg in the morning and 75 mg at night I lost consciousness around 2 AM, collapsing face-first. I only partially regained awareness to recognize that I had fallen. My mother, who heard the thud, rushed to my side as I struggled to reach a chair before going unconscious again. Thankfully, I felt better after having some sugar and tea. Now, I’m experiencing some discomfort in my cheekbone accompanied by a faint clicking sound when I gently tap on it. This has led me to suspect the possibility of a small bone fragment being dislodged. Although I chose to forgo a trip to the accident and emergency department since I didn’t exhibit classic concussion signs, this newly noticed clicking sound has raised my worries. Could this indicate a hairline fracture or perhaps a loose piece of bone? Is it something that can mend on its own, or should I seek imaging to evaluate the situation further?
Answers (1)
7/14/2025, 12:40:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about the clicking sound and discomfort in your cheekbone following a fainting episode. These symptoms could arise from a few different issues, especially considering the impact of your fall. Let’s break down this situation:
Main Points
- Potential Causes of the Clicking Sound: After a fall, the clicking sound could potentially be due to joint-related issues, such as a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problem, or, less commonly, a bone injury.
- Reassessing Your Symptoms: It’s good that you’re mindful of possible injury, especially after fainting face-first.
Explanation
The clicking sound in your cheekbone area may not necessarily mean there is a bone fragment or fracture. It’s quite possible that the sensation is related to the TMJ, a joint that connects your jawbone to your skull, which can sometimes become irritated or misaligned after a fall. However, it's important to be cautious, considering there can be other underlying issues, especially after losing consciousness.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to any changes in your cheekbone discomfort or the clicking sound. Note if the symptoms worsen, if you develop swelling, or if you experience pain while moving your jaw.
-
Rest and Avoid Strain: Give your jaw and face some rest. Avoid actions that might strain the area, like chewing tough foods or excessive jaw movement.
-
Gentle Warm Compress: You can apply a warm compress to the area for 15-20 minutes a few times a day. This can help reduce discomfort and relax the surrounding muscles.
-
Assess Need for Imaging: If the clicking or discomfort persists for more than a few days, or if additional symptoms arise (like swelling or increased pain), seeking medical attention for an evaluation, including imaging, would be a prudent step.
-
Stay Hydrated: Given your recent experience with fainting during fasting, ensure you remain well-hydrated and are consuming a balanced diet to support your recovery and avoid fatigue.
Please don’t hesitate to keep track of your symptoms and consult healthcare professionals if you have persistent concerns. Your well-being is important, and addressing any new or worsening symptoms promptly is key.
Related Questions
Three Weeks Post Gallbladder Surgery - Is It Infected?
Patient Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Issue Duration: 3 weeks Location: United States Relevant Medical History: Approximately three weeks ago, I underwent gallbladder removal surgery. Recently, I have observed a slight amount of cloudy fluid emerging from the surgical site over the past few days. Just moments ago, I noticed a possible pus discharge from the incision. While there is no significant pain, I do feel mild soreness when shifting my position. I have not experienced any fever or chills, and there is no unpleasant odor coming from the wound. Should I continue to clean the area with soap and water, or would it be prudent to seek immediate medical attention at the ER for a professional evaluation?
Should I Seek Medical Attention?
At 22 years old, I am a female who has been on medications like duloxetine, lamotrigine, and hydroxyzine for several years. I have managed to keep my Graves' disease under control, but I have reasons to believe I may also be experiencing symptoms of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). Last year, I was scheduled to consult a neurologist regarding hand tremors and the possibility of fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, I could not continue my treatment after relocating and losing my health insurance. Just 15 minutes ago, I fainted. Prior to that incident, I was feeling unwell—dizzy, my vision was blurry, and I experienced a whooshing sensation along with heat in my ears. My face and arms also felt tingly. After fainting, I experienced a heavy, aching sensation in my head, and I still have a headache now. Additionally, I’ve been waking up with headaches for a couple of days. I want to know if it's advisable to go to the emergency room. It's important to note that this isn’t my first fainting spell; I had one incident years back, which helped me recognize the signs when it started happening. At that time, I was lifting a heavy bed frame, and when I began to feel faint, I tried to sit down but stood back up to assist, and that’s when I lost consciousness. I’m unsure how long I was out, but I initially thought I was just sleeping before realizing what had happened when I regained awareness.
Seeking Guidance for My Mother's Sudden Hearing Loss Case
I am looking for advice regarding my mother's situation with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). **Patient Overview:** - **Age:** 48 years - **Gender:** Female - **Medical Issues:** Hypothyroidism and overweight (approximately 95 kg at the onset) - **Treatment:** Thyroid medication (25 mcg taken daily) **Medical Background:** In November 2025, my mother experienced an abrupt hearing loss in her right ear accompanied by dizziness and nausea. We consulted several ENT specialists within approximately 36 hours following the onset of her symptoms. She received a diagnosis of SSNHL but unfortunately, she did not undergo intratympanic steroid injections during the critical first 24 hours that could have aided her recovery. Despite receiving subsequent treatment, she has not regained hearing in her affected ear. **Examination Results:** - **Audiogram:** Loss of approximately 100 dB in the right ear; left ear shows normal hearing. - **Brain MRI:** A normal scan was conducted previously, ruling out tumors. - **Laboratory Tests:** Recent blood tests (including thyroid function, HbA1c, renal and liver function tests, CBC, etc.) show elevated TSH (6.73) and a HbA1c of 8.5%. We are currently preparing for a contrast MRI to eliminate the possibility of a vestibular schwannoma or nerve issues. **Current Condition:** The hearing loss persists in her right ear. She is feeling anxious about the upcoming contrast MRI, which involves gadolinium injection. However, she has started making positive lifestyle changes and has lost about 4.5 kg over the past two months, adhering to a protein-rich diet and a walking regimen. **My Inquiries:** 1. Is it still beneficial to perform a contrast MRI several months after the initial SSNHL diagnosis, considering that a normal MRI has already been completed? 2. For cases such as this—severe SSNHL with delayed steroid intervention—are there realistic prospects for hearing recovery at a later date? 3. Are there any additional tests or treatments that should be taken into account at this stage? 4. For family gatherings where loud music will be present, would high-quality earplugs or noise-canceling earbuds be a good option to safeguard her healthier ear? 5. Is it advisable for her to continue with whey protein supplementation and the weight-loss plan? 6. What should we prioritize for long-term management: hearing aids, rehabilitation, regular monitoring, etc.? I recognize that the chances of recovery may be slim, but I want to ensure we are covering all bases and that her care plan is appropriate. I appreciate any insights or suggestions you can offer. Thank you for your assistance!
Seeking Clarity on Medical Notes
Greetings, I’ve chosen to use a throwaway account to keep my medical details private from my main one. My daughter, a 3-year-old with cerebral palsy, is prescribed baclofen, gabapentin, senna, and occasionally, Miralax. She is raised in a smoke-free and alcohol-free environment. Recently, my daughter has exhibited instances of staring and being unresponsive, which we discussed with her pediatric neurologist. These episodes occurred multiple times over three weeks. Concerned about potential seizure activity, we recorded some incidents and shared them with the doctor. He advised us to schedule an EEG, which was set for the soonest available time a week later, while instructing us to call if more episodes occurred. When another episode took place, we reached out to the neurologist, who practices at a children’s hospital approximately two hours away. He recommended that we go to our local emergency room. Upon arriving there, the attending physician reviewed her history but seemed skeptical. After a lengthy wait and attempts to clarify our situation, the on-call neurologist eventually came to see us—although he showed little interest in the video evidence we provided. He proceeded with an EEG that lasted only 15 minutes during which my daughter did not have any episodes. Unfortunately, this neurologist was rather abrupt and seemed dismissive, ultimately sending us home without satisfactory answers. Now, I find myself puzzled. In the EEG report, the neurologist mentioned something called a "teddy bear sign." As I had never encountered this term before, I did some research and discovered that it may suggest that seizure activity is not genuine if the patient is in possession of a stuffed animal or similar item. Is this a legitimate observation? My daughter indeed had her beloved baby doll, which she takes with her everywhere. I fail to comprehend how this could be relevant or why it might indicate that her potential seizure activity is fabricated. I plan to reach out to her primary neurologist to gain deeper insight into the meaning of this "teddy bear sign." Thank you for your help!
Evaluating the Reliability of Blood Tests for Liver Disease
As a 30-year-old man who has indulged in heavy drinking during weekends for the past decade, I recently sought to understand the health of my liver through a blood test conducted at a laboratory. Initially, I felt a wave of relief when I received my results indicating that all my liver enzyme levels were within normal limits. However, my sense of security was short-lived as I stumbled upon information suggesting that some forms of liver disease might not be detectable through standard blood testing. This has prompted me to question the extent to which I can rely on my test results. Is it possible that underlying issues might still exist despite what the blood work revealed?