Unexplained Sensations: Feeling Altered Without Substances
As a 25-year-old woman weighing 135 pounds and standing at 5 feet 2 inches, I find myself in a peculiar situation. I’m not on any medications, nor do I smoke. However, for the past few weeks, I’ve been experiencing some strange sensations. Whenever I remain still—whether sitting or standing—I begin to feel as if the environment around me is undulating. It may seem as though everything is pulsating or shifting, and objects as well as people appear distorted. When I shared my experience with a friend, they jokingly suggested it seemed akin to the effects of psychedelic mushrooms. However, I’ve never experimented with such substances, so I can't relate to what that feels like. Considering my history of several traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and my ongoing absence seizures, I can’t help but wonder if this is somehow linked to these neurological factors. Does anyone have insight into what might be causing these sensations? I reached out to my doctor for answers, but unfortunately, he seemed baffled as well.
Answers (1)
7/29/2025, 8:31:02 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some unusual sensations that are understandably concerning, especially given your history of traumatic brain injuries and absence seizures. These experiences can arise from various neurological or sensory processing issues, and it’s essential to consider your medical history as a part of the equation.
Explanation
The sensations you're describing—feeling as if your environment is undulating or distorting—may be related to several factors, including post-concussive symptoms from your previous TBIs, neurological changes due to absence seizures, or even anxiety. Sometimes, the brain can process sensory information differently after trauma, leading to altered perceptions. Additionally, issues with the vestibular system (which helps control balance) could also cause dizziness or a floating sensation.
Priority Next Steps
-
Keep a Symptom Journal: Monitor when these sensations occur, how long they last, and any other symptoms experienced (like headaches, light sensitivity, or pain). This information can help to identify patterns and potential triggers.
-
Limit Stress and Triggers: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or gentle yoga. Stress can exacerbate neurological symptoms, so managing it can be helpful.
-
Stay Hydrated and Maintain Nutrition: Ensure you’re drinking enough fluids and eating a balanced diet, as dehydration or nutrient deficiencies can affect neurological function.
-
Consider Vestibular Rehabilitation: This type of therapy can be beneficial if the sensations are related to balance and perception issues. Look for specialists or programs nearby that can provide an evaluation.
-
Consult a Specialist: If your symptoms persist or worsen, consider seeking a second opinion from a neurologist or a specialist in vestibular disorders, as they might have more insights into your situation.
Please remember to take care of yourself and reach out for support when needed. Your well-being is the top priority. If you notice any severe symptoms like changes in consciousness, difficulty speaking, or severe headaches, seek immediate medical attention.
Related Questions
Challenges with Appetite and Discomfort While Eating — Difficulty in Gaining Weight
As an 18-year-old male, I find that I become satisfied after consuming rather minimal amounts of food. This situation presents a considerable challenge, particularly since I only need to have a standard breakfast, lunch, or dinner to feel completely satiated for the remainder of the day. My goal of increasing my weight has made this issue even more complicated. When I limit myself to one meal per day, I often face weight loss or an uncomfortable sensation of fullness that leaves me feeling sluggish. Opting for two meals makes me feel excessively bloated, distracting me from my daily responsibilities. Moreover, I suffer from an unusual issue with my throat, where almost any food I consume causes discomfort, as detailed in the list below. I have contemplated focusing on having just lunch while continuing my weightlifting regimen to maintain my current weight and gradually build muscle. What advice could you offer? Could there be an underlying cause for these symptoms? Lastly, would it be wise for me to consult a healthcare professional? Foods That Cause Discomfort: Bread, flour, pizza, fruits, sugary or starchy items, seed oils, chips, and essentially everything else. Foods That Are Tolerable: Rice, salads, chicken, fish, and vegetables. Overall Symptoms Include: * Quick satiety after normal meals * Challenges in gaining weight * Bloated and lethargic sensations when consuming more than one meal * Persistent throat sensitivity to a wide variety of foods
Seeking Insights: My Journey with Undiagnosed Neurological Symptoms
Hello everyone, I'm a 34-year-old female grappling with neurological symptoms that first appeared in October, and I’m eager to hear from anyone who might have faced similar challenges. My journey began with unexpected migraines, blurred vision, and an ongoing sensation of being off-balance or intoxicated. Gradually, I began experiencing mainly sensory-related symptoms, such as tingling and burning sensations, feelings of extreme heat and cold, sharp pains radiating in my arms and back, as well as discomfort in my hands and toes, alongside intermittent numbness. I also endure varying degrees of weakness and heaviness in my right side, specifically my arm and leg, although I haven’t suffered complete functional loss. The nature of my symptoms is erratic; they fluctuate rather than consistently deteriorate. An MRI revealed mild, scattered lesions in the white matter, which were deemed nonspecific. Further tests from a lumbar puncture returned normal results, showing no markers of inflammation, and the oligoclonal bands were not present. A thorough range of lab tests yielded no significant findings. After evaluating my case, the neurology team suggested a possible diagnosis of MS and administered a three-day course of intravenous steroids. While I noticed a slight improvement in some sensory pain, my symptoms persist and continue to vary day by day. I still experience headaches and pressure in my head along with episodes of blurred vision, but there have been no new deficits since treatment. I am reaching out to connect with others who have had similar experiences. I would like to learn about the insights or diagnoses you encountered and what treatments proved beneficial (such as those related to migraine disorders, dysautonomia, or sensory neuropathy, for example). If you have navigated a similar path, I would greatly appreciate your sharing your story. Thank you!
Should I Seek Medical Attention for Left Ear Pulsatile Tinnitus?
A 31-year-old woman reports an ongoing issue with pulsatile tinnitus, which she is currently experiencing solely in her left ear. Although she's noticed this condition intermittently before, she hadn’t paid it much mind due to the absence of pain. Recently, however, her curiosity piqued her interest in researching the condition, where she stumbled upon information suggesting it could be serious. Usually, she avoids searching online for health worries, but now she is contemplating whether a visit to the doctor might be warranted. Can anyone advise on the need for a medical evaluation in this case?
Unusual Heart Sensation
I’m an 18-year-old, weighing 50 kilograms and standing at 170 centimeters (and yes, I’m aware that I’m quite slender). For the past couple of years, I’ve developed a habit of smoking about half a pack of cigarettes each day. So, the other day I was lying on my left side, relaxing, when I stumbled upon an unusual sensation. It felt as though my heart was pulsating so intensely that it was almost outside my body. Out of curiosity, I pressed a bit on the area and was instantly hit with a rush; my head started to tingle, my vision momentarily blurred, and it felt as though my heart dropped. It was as if my entire system had malfunctioned. Just for context, I’ve experienced something similar before after a ketamine overdose, and it persisted for about a month afterward, occurring occasionally while trying to sleep or during random moments in bed. This current episode has me quite anxious, especially since it hasn’t happened in a while, but this time felt particularly alarming.
Mass on the Glottis
Patient Details: 63-year-old male, height 165 cm, weight 66 kg, Asian descent. Lifestyle Factors: No history of smoking or alcohol consumption. Medical History: Diagnosed with asthma and angina. Current Medications: Uses a Symbicort inhaler and takes Concor tablets. Main Concern: A mass was detected during a gastroendoscopy carried out a year ago. There is no report of pain, but the patient experiences mild hoarseness. What might be the diagnosis?