Could I Be Experiencing a Stroke? Request for Guidance
24-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 138 pounds, currently using a nicotine vape. Fourteen months after childbirth, I stopped using the lo-ogrestrel contraceptive in September 2023 after over a decade of use. The symptoms have persisted for a month. I had been diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism during my pregnancy and was also found to be iron deficient. I've recently experienced a tension headache unlike any I’ve encountered before, which has not responded to medication. After two weeks of discomfort, I visited the emergency room where they conducted a chest X-ray, EKG, and CT scan of my brain; all tests returned normal results. Despite this, I'm still experiencing pain in my head and chest, particularly on the left side of my body. There’s also a slight numbness affecting my left pinky and ring finger, along with occasional pins and needles sensations in my left foot. Moreover, before the headache began, I noticed a tingling sensation running down my neck and spine when I tilt my head forward (chin to chest). It isn't painful but feels like a shooting tingle that occurs sporadically. I'm reaching out for assistance as this has severely impacted my life over the last month, and I am feeling extremely anxious about my condition.
Answers (1)
7/21/2025, 4:10:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're feeling anxious about your symptoms, especially considering the concerning nature of headaches and neurological changes. The combination of tension headaches, chest discomfort, numbness, and tingling sensations can be quite distressing, but it's important to focus on what these symptoms indicate and what steps to take next.
Key Points:
- Recent Symptoms: You have tension headaches, left-sided chest pain, and numbness/tingling in your left hand and foot.
- Emergency Evaluation: Tests (chest X-ray, EKG, CT scan) ruled out immediate life-threatening issues.
- Continued Discomfort: Symptoms persist, causing significant anxiety and impacting your quality of life.
Explanation:
Your symptoms could be due to various causes, including tension-type headaches, postural issues, or possibly anxiety. The neurological symptoms (numbness and tingling) are concerning but the normal CT scan is reassuring. Factors like recent hormonal changes after stopping the contraceptive, hydration levels, stress, and posture could also be contributing.
Prioritized Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your symptoms (when they occur, their duration, and any related activities), which can provide clarity on potential triggers.
- Manage Headaches:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Apply heat or cold to the neck or base of the skull to alleviate tension.
- Consider over-the-counter pain relief, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, only as directed.
- Address Numbness and Tingling:
- Ensure you’re taking breaks if you’re in one position (sitting or standing) for long periods.
- Stretch your neck gently to alleviate any nerve pressure.
- Evaluate Lifestyle Factors:
- Gradually reduce nicotine use, as it can affect circulation and contribute to anxiety.
- Practice relaxation techniques (like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga) to help reduce anxiety and tension.
- Follow-Up Care:
- If symptoms persist or worsen, or if new symptoms develop (like difficulty speaking, severe visual changes, or sudden weakness), it’s crucial to seek further medical evaluation promptly.
Supportive Note:
It’s perfectly natural to feel worried when facing these symptoms, especially given their impact on your daily life. Remember to take care of your emotional well-being, and don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for support during this time. You’re not alone in this, and there are steps you can take to improve your situation.
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