Could Poor Circulation Be the Cause?
At just 17 years old, standing at 6'5" and weighing 147 pounds, I’m a female who currently takes no medications but does use a vape occasionally. I’ve had no notable health issues in the past or present. Every now and then, when I rise to my feet, I experience episodes of tunnel vision that make it difficult to stabilize myself. During these moments, my vision becomes restricted, and it feels as though I'm swaying. While I wouldn’t classify this as a seizure, I sometimes lose grip on the objects I’m holding, and I feel a peculiar sensation in my eyes, almost like they might roll back. However, I remain aware and never lose consciousness. Just last night it happened again, and I ended up hurting my collarbone when I collided with the doorframe while attempting to steady myself. These episodes typically last for about 30 seconds, perhaps a bit longer. I’m reaching out to determine whether this could be a cause for concern or if I should consider myself fine, as I have a strong aversion to medical checkups.
Answers (1)
8/20/2025, 8:11:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your symptoms, especially given how they affect your stability and wellbeing. The episodes of tunnel vision and swaying that you experience when standing could be related to several factors, such as changes in blood pressure, dehydration, or possibly some underlying issues related to circulation or even vestibular (balance-related) functions.
Explanation: When you rise quickly, your body needs to adjust blood flow to prevent dizziness. If this process is delayed, you might feel lightheaded or have visual disturbances like tunnel vision. This can happen for various reasons, including:
- Orthostatic hypotension: A sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can affect your body's ability to maintain blood pressure.
- Nutritional factors: An imbalance in diet (like low iron or Vitamin D) could also contribute.
- Vaping: Excessive nicotine may also play a role in how your body responds when you stand.
Given your height and weight, it’s important to ensure that you're maintaining a balanced diet to support your physical health.
Next Steps:
- Hydration: Make sure you're drinking enough water throughout the day, especially before you stand up after sitting or lying down for a while.
- Diet: Focus on a balanced diet that includes adequate fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains. Ensuring you're getting enough iron and other important nutrients can help.
- Slow Movements: When rising from sitting or lying down, do so slowly and try to pause for a moment before fully standing to prevent sudden drops in blood pressure.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a note of when these episodes occur, what you were doing before they happened, and how long they last. Patterns can help identify triggers.
- Seek Professional Help: While visiting a healthcare provider may feel daunting, considering the frequency and impact of your episodes, it might be essential to speak with someone who can evaluate your symptoms more deeply and run any necessary tests.
Though you may be wary of medical checkups, reaching out to a healthcare professional can provide reassurance and clarity about your condition. Taking these steps can help improve your situation and peace of mind.
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