Inquiry Regarding Movement Issues
I am a 27-year-old male, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 185 pounds. Currently, I take 15 mg of mirtazapine each night and occasionally 25 mg of hydroxyzine hydrochloride for daily anxiety management. Additionally, I am a heavy tobacco user and have received diagnoses of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Major Depressive Disorder. I experience a peculiar reaction when I perform voluntary movements, such as standing up quickly from a seated position, particularly on my left side. For instance, during a visit to the barber, as I await my turn while seated, once my name is called and I spring to my feet, my left foot tends to tighten and curl up, making mobility incredibly challenging. Similarly, my left hand often curls unintentionally, and at times, I notice tension building in my face. This phenomenon appears to escalate with my nervousness or anxiety levels. This particular issue has persisted for eight years. Notably, a little while before these symptoms began, I experienced a fainting episode at work which resulted in a head injury. I've consulted various general practitioners who attribute this to anxiety, but I remain uncertain about the root cause. Although I manage to lead a relatively happy and normal life despite these challenges, it can be disheartening to frequently grapple with this condition, particularly in social settings where it can lead to embarrassment. I apologize for the lengthy description; I just feel bewildered about why this issue has lasted for so long and am seeking clarity on what it might be.
Answers (1)
8/7/2025, 9:50:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for providing such a detailed description of your symptoms and concerns. It sounds quite challenging to experience these reactions, especially after so many years. Let's break this down to help clarify potential causes and provide some actionable steps.
Main Points:
- Persistent Movement Issues: You experience tightening and curling of your left foot and hand, particularly under stress or when moving quickly.
- Possible Connections: Your symptoms have persisted for eight years and followed a fainting episode with a head injury. Anxiety appears to exacerbate the symptoms.
- Concern About Diagnosis: While general practitioners have linked this to anxiety, you are seeking further clarity due to the longevity and physical nature of the issues.
Explanation:
The symptoms you're describing, such as involuntary curling of the hand and foot, might be related to several factors. Given their onset after a fainting episode and head injury, it’s possible that there could be neurological components involved. That said, anxiety and stress can also lead to physical manifestations like muscle tension and spasms.
It's understandable that receiving an anxiety-related explanation may feel incomplete given the physical nature of your symptoms. The lack of noticeable reasons for such symptoms can create additional frustration and uncertainty.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary for the next few weeks. Note when the symptoms occur, their intensity, and your emotional state at the time. This can help identify patterns and triggers.
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Consider Physical Therapy: Look into exercises that focus on improving muscle control and reducing tension. A physical therapist can provide strategies tailored to your specific symptoms which can be very beneficial.
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Practice Relaxation Techniques: Given that anxiety appears to escalate your symptoms, incorporating regular relaxation practices can be helpful. Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, or yoga may help reduce overall anxiety and possibly ease physical symptoms.
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Seek Further Evaluation: If symptoms persist or worsen, consider asking for a neurological evaluation to rule out any other underlying conditions, especially given your history of fainting and head injury. A specialist can offer additional insights into your symptoms.
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Tobacco Use Support: Since you're a heavy tobacco user, consider seeking support for cessation, as tobacco can worsen anxiety and has multiple health impacts. Reducing or quitting could help improve your overall physical well-being.
Remember, you are not alone in this experience, and it’s okay to seek clarity and support. Please keep me updated on how you progress or if you have further questions.
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