OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Guidance on Unresolved Neurological Symptoms

Hi there, I’m a 20-year-old female, standing at 5 feet tall and weighing 92 pounds, and I’ve been experiencing some perplexing neurological issues since the 10th of this month. Initially, I felt nerve discomfort in both arms; it started off as soreness and was primarily noticeable at night. However, two days later, the pain became apparent during the day as well. I arranged a same-day appointment on the 16th to consult with a physician. During our meeting, I described my symptoms and noted that I have poor posture, characterized by rounded shoulders and a slightly forward neck. The doctor suggested that my symptoms could indicate a compressed nerve in the neck. She ordered X-rays of my neck and chest that same day, and by the next morning, the results came back clear. She also recommended that I take B12 and a multivitamin to help with the nerve discomfort. A few days later, I started experiencing a peculiar, sharp pain on the right side of my head, beginning at the back. The pain was quite intense and it lingered until I managed to fall asleep. The following day, although it was less severe, the pain persisted. The day after, it evolved into a sensation similar to a chemical burn, which felt intolerably sensitive, as if I had overreacted to a hair product. I also noticed heightened sensitivity on my scalp; even lightly running my fingers through my hair felt painful. This pain then radiated to the top of my right ear and down towards the lower part of my skull, though the burning sensation remained focused on that one area. Prior to all this, I had noticed recurrent twitching in my face and increased sensitivity to bright lights, whether from film screens or sunlight, which was more pronounced than before. Although the twitching eventually subsided, my sensitivity endured (regular lighting and noises don’t seem to bother me). As the burning intensified, I began to feel tingling on the right side of my face, along with tightness around my eye, eyebrow pain, and pressure on my cheek—again, all on the same side. At one point, the burning sensation was so severe when lying on my back that it began to feel like it was spreading across the surface of my head until I shifted positions. Despite experiencing some improvement in the past couple of days, there’s still an unsettling feeling that I can’t shake. I forgot to mention that I was prescribed muscle relaxants for a week, but they yielded no relief. I talked to my mother, who suggested that my symptoms might resemble a migraine (which I have never experienced before), and she offered me some of her prescription migraine medication, but it did not alleviate my symptoms. Over the last two weeks, I’ve spent a considerable amount of time upset and overwhelmed. I recently visited another doctor and shared my ongoing issues, resulting in a referral to a neurologist. During that appointment, I inquired about getting a CT scan because the previous doctor had indicated it might be safe given my titanium implants from past open-heart surgeries when I was an infant. However, the new doctor denied my request. I left his office feeling unsatisfied with only a referral to neurology and instructions for physical therapy. I feel like I should have pressed further, especially since the other doctor had suggested a CT scan would be acceptable despite my chest hardware. To clarify, I haven’t gone to the emergency room, and while I recognize the potential seriousness of my condition, my family believes that it’s not an emergency. While I'm feeling somewhat better, I still experience soreness in my arms and intermittent nerve sensations. For clarity, here’s a summary of my symptoms: **Head Symptoms:** - Burning, stinging, and pressure on the right side of the scalp. - Sensitive scalp. - Pressure on the right cheekbone. **Arm Symptoms:** - Occasional tightness and discomfort in my wrists. - Burning sensations in my lower arms (intermittently). - Tightness in the upper forearms, especially with arm movements. - Rare elbow pain (now resolved). - Popping sounds when bending or extending my arms. - Occasional muscle spasms in the right arm. - Electrical sensations in both hands and arms (on and off). **Neck Symptoms:** - On-and-off shoulder pain (mostly on the right side). - Popping sounds in the shoulder area when moving from side to side. - Tightness in the neck (mainly on the right side). **Other Symptoms:** - Tightness in the upper part of the left leg. - Brief burning sensations in the lower leg. - Occasional popping in that area. - Feelings reminiscent of sciatica, since I have a long-standing pinched sciatic nerve in my left leg. - Fluctuating pressure in the right ear. - I have a history of jaw clenching. Despite seeking medical help, I'm still without clear answers regarding the cause of these symptoms. Additionally, it’s noteworthy that I had COVID and Strep throat for the first time while visiting California earlier this month, treated with amoxicillin for ten days, and I felt better by the end of the course. I’m reaching out for advice or insights because I’m truly at a loss as to what actions to take next.

Answers (1)

7/30/2025, 1:50:59 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are going through a very challenging time with your neurological symptoms, and it's understandable to feel overwhelmed. You have been proactive in seeking medical help, which is essential. Here’s a structured approach to help address your concerns:

Summary of Key Points:

1. Nerve Issues and Sensitivity: You’re experiencing various neurological symptoms, including burning sensations, tightness, and nerve discomfort in both your arms and head.
2. Ongoing Evaluation: You've had some tests done, and while the results were normal, you're still experiencing symptoms that are concerning.
3. Next Steps: It’s great that you have a referral to a neurologist, and it’s essential to continue advocating for your health.

Explanation:

The symptoms you're describing, such as burning sensations, hypersensitivity, and nerve discomfort, can be linked to several conditions, including nerve compression or other neurological issues. Your recent history of COVID and strep throat may also have played a role in your current symptoms. It’s promising that you've consulted with doctors and are being referred to a neurologist for further evaluation.

Actionable Next Steps:

1. Follow Through with the Neurologist: Keep your appointment with the neurologist. It’s crucial to communicate all your symptoms in detail, including any changes or patterns you notice over the next few weeks. Bring a list of all your symptoms to ensure nothing is overlooked.

2. Document Your Symptoms: Start a daily log of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, any triggers you notice, and how long they last. This information will be helpful for your doctors.

3. Consider Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can be beneficial, especially for posture issues you mentioned. A physical therapist can give you exercises to improve your posture and may help alleviate some nerve discomfort.

4. Request Further Testing If Needed: If your symptoms continue without improvement, don’t hesitate to discuss further testing with your neurologist. Sometimes, a second opinion or follow-up imaging can be necessary to rule out certain conditions.

5. Self-Care Practices:

   • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support overall health.
   • Gentle Exercises: Engage in gentle stretching or low-impact activities like yoga, which can improve posture and relieve muscle tension.
   • Manage Stress: Consider relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness to help manage stress, which can worsen physical symptoms.

6. Be Open About Your Concerns: If you're worried about a specific diagnosis, such as Multiple Sclerosis or Lupus, discuss these concerns directly with your neurologist. It’s important to voice your feelings and seek clarity.

Conclusion:

You are taking the right steps by seeking medical help, and it’s important to remain persistent in advocating for your health. While it may take time to find answers, continuous communication with healthcare professionals, documenting symptoms, and engaging in self-care will serve you well. If your symptoms worsen or change significantly, consider seeking immediate medical attention. Remember, you’re not alone in this, and support from medical professionals and your family is vital as you navigate these challenges.