Experiencing a Stiff Neck with Dilated Pupils
At 21 years old, I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, endometriosis, an overactive bladder, and idiopathic intracranial hypertension. My current medications include Synthroid at a dose of 50 mcg and Loloestrin for birth control. Recently, I sensed an illness beginning to take hold—there was a slight discomfort in my throat, but nothing beyond that. No fever or cough, just a nagging soreness in the back of my throat. Earlier today, I opted for an immunity booster shot containing propolis and raw honey, a remedy I've used previously without issue. However, shortly after consuming it, while sitting on the toilet, I started to feel an intense heaviness in my head. My throat became significantly more sore than it had been, and I developed a stiff neck that made it painful to move up and down, although I could still turn my head side to side. Strangely, I also observed that my pupils were highly dilated, even though the bathroom lights were on. I checked my pulse and body temperature (but I don’t have a blood pressure monitor), and both readings were normal. The stiffness in my neck has since eased, and I was able to examine my pupils using a penlight, finding that they are reactive and have returned to their usual size. I’m uncertain about what might have triggered this episode—could it be linked to the juice shot? I hadn’t experienced this the last time I took it. Though my neck feels sore now, I can move it without restriction, yet I’ve noticed tenderness in my throat and jaw (especially when I press underneath my chin), which wasn’t present before. Does anyone have any insights into what might have occurred? This experience has left me feeling somewhat unsettled.
Answers (1)
8/10/2025, 6:01:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've had a concerning experience with multiple symptoms happening at once, and it's understandable that you feel unsettled. Let’s break down what might be happening and consider some initial steps to help you feel more at ease.
Main Points
You experienced a sudden onset of stiffness in your neck, throat soreness, and dilated pupils following your consumption of an immunity booster shot. While your symptoms have eased, it’s important to consider what might have triggered them.
Explanation
The combination of symptoms you described—stiff neck, sore throat, and changes to your pupils—could be caused by a few different issues. For example:
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Infection: A sore throat and stiff neck can sometimes be associated with viral or bacterial infections. Given your other health conditions, your immune response might be more sensitive.
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Tension or Anxiety: Physical symptoms like neck stiffness and pupil dilation can also result from anxiety or tension. The heaviness in your head could relate to this.
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Allergic Reaction or Sensitivity: Since you mentioned the booster shot (which included propolis and raw honey), it’s possible that you experienced a mild allergic reaction, even if you’ve used it before without issue. This could explain sudden changes like throat soreness and stiffness.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your throat soreness and any other symptoms. If they worsen, such as developing a fever, or if you experience severe headaches or changes in consciousness, it would be important to seek further help.
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Hydration and Rest: Ensure you are well-hydrated and try to get plenty of rest. Gentle neck stretches may help if you're still feeling tight, but avoid any movements that increase pain.
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Evaluate Your Environment: Consider if there have been any recent stressors, allergens, or other changes in your environment that might explain your symptoms.
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Document Your Symptoms: Keep a record of any changes in your health, including throat and neck stiffness and any other unusual sensations. This will help you if further evaluation becomes necessary.
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Consult a Professional if Needed: If you feel persistent discomfort or are worried about the symptoms returning, especially the stiffness or changes in pupil size, reaching out to a healthcare provider would be advisable.
Remember, you’re not alone in feeling unsettled by these sudden symptoms. It’s normal to seek answers, especially when managing multiple health conditions. If anything feels off, don’t hesitate to look deeper into your symptoms.
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