Possible Symptoms of a Neurological Event
I am a 35-year-old woman, previously a smoker, with a diagnosis of eosinophilic asthma. My current medications include Advair, Dupixent, and I also use albuterol when necessary. Last night, after returning home from work, I found myself sitting in my car, struggling to gather the will to go inside. Suddenly, I experienced a sensation that reminded me of being heavily intoxicated or under the influence of hallucinogenic substances. An overwhelming dizziness hit me unexpectedly, accompanied by visual disturbances that felt like I was spinning. Additionally, I felt a peculiar tingling sensation on just the left side of my scalp, and I had the distinct impression that I was floating. Feeling alarmed, I decided to call my husband for assistance to get into the house. Fortunately, within a few minutes, the intense sensations began to fade, but I was left with a slight discomfort behind my left eye and in my lower jaw. Today, I still experience some dizziness, though it's significantly less severe compared to last night. I can’t shake the worry that I might have experienced a stroke and find myself questioning whether a trip to the emergency room is warranted or if I am simply overreacting.
Answers (1)
8/25/2025, 8:43:15 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about experiences like the ones you've described, particularly given your medical history and the symptoms you've experienced, which include dizziness, visual disturbances, and tingling. While some symptoms might be benign or attributed to factors like stress or fatigue, your symptoms could indicate a neurological event that requires further evaluation.
Explanation
The sensations of dizziness, visual disturbances, and tingling, especially localized to one side of the body, might suggest the possibility of a migraine, vertigo, or, in some cases, could indeed raise concern for a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). A stroke happens when there's a disruption of blood flow to the brain, and symptoms can include sudden dizziness, confusion, difficulty speaking, or weakness, sometimes accompanied by sensory changes.
While your symptoms have started to fade, it is essential to prioritize safety when it comes to neurological concerns.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms. Note any changes in intensity or duration, and pay particular attention to new symptoms like difficulty speaking, severe headache, or weakness.
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Seek Immediate Care: Given the nature of your experience, especially with the tingling and visual disturbances, it would be wise to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden, severe headache
- Difficulty with speech or understanding
- Weakness in one side of your body
- Symptoms that worsen or do not improve
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Avoid Triggers: Until you have clarity, it may be best to avoid any known stressors or activities that could exacerbate your symptoms.
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Hydrate and Rest: Ensure you are drink plenty of water and rest as needed, especially after experiencing significant symptoms.
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Plan for Follow-Up: Regardless of immediate care needs, consider scheduling an appointment with a healthcare provider to discuss these experiences in detail, which could help in establishing a longer-term management plan.
Your health is a priority, and having clarity on these symptoms is essential. Take care, and I urge you to consider care based on how you feel.
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