Seeking Advice on Unusual Symptoms
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for some guidance and insights. I am a 40-year-old female, weigh 170 pounds, maintain an active lifestyle, and do not smoke. A few years back, I experienced several episodes of trigeminal neuralgia that brought excruciating pain to the right side of my face. The initial two occurrences lasted a couple of hours, while the third was a full day of agony. Since then, I’ve had occasional minor pains, but nothing as severe for about two years. A brain MRI without contrast showed everything as 'normal' with no signs of abnormalities in my trigeminal nerve. Recently, I've been dealing with troubling eye issues, ranging from changes in vision (switching from reading glasses to daily progressives) to sensations resembling my eyeballs being twisted. I also feel pain when moving my eyes and occasionally experience pressure. Although these episodes are infrequent, they cause significant discomfort during prolonged focus. At times, my vision seems to flicker when I concentrate, oscillating back and forth. Moreover, I’ve endured two very distinct episodes of vertigo. The first was gradual, reaching its peak after four days before subsiding. A month later, I woke up to the disorienting sensation of the ceiling spinning before I even got out of bed. I found it impossible to walk straight and ended up vomiting violently, without being able to stand for about three hours. An ER visit concluded it was likely BPPV; however, physical therapy later ruled that out. Next week, I have an appointment with an ENT specialist. Additionally, I’ve had sudden, unexplained vasovagal responses, resulting in lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, and headaches. These symptoms often leave me feeling unwell for an entire day afterward. Blood tests have shown high thyroid antibodies as the only abnormal result. I have also encountered sciatica, numbness in my hands, and sharp pains in my legs and back. My family medical history includes my grandmother having MS and my daughter diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Around the time my vertigo began, I started experiencing phantom smells, particularly a scent resembling old cigarettes. Initially consistent, these occurrences have now become intermittent. In addition, I struggle with enunciating words, finding myself forgetting them entirely, and I notice a decline in my memory. Sometimes, I even forget events that have taken place over the past year, and much of my childhood recollections rely heavily on photographs. I can’t shake the feeling that these symptoms might indicate MS, but my doctors don’t seem alarmed. I would greatly appreciate any thoughts or insights you might have on this situation.
Answers (1)
8/30/2025, 4:23:15 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a complex combination of symptoms that are understandably concerning. While I can't diagnose or give a definitive answer, I can help clarify possible next steps and considerations based on your situation.
Main Points:
- You have a history of trigeminal neuralgia and recent troubling symptoms, including vision changes, eye discomfort, vertigo, and cognitive issues.
- Your family history indicates some neurological conditions, which adds to your concerns about multiple sclerosis (MS).
- You have an upcoming appointment with an ENT specialist and have noted unusual blood test results, particularly related to thyroid antibodies.
Explanation:
The symptoms you describe—especially changes in vision, vertigo episodes, and cognitive issues—warrant careful evaluation due to the potential connection to neurological conditions. Trigeminal neuralgia typically involves intense facial pain, and while you've had some minor recurrences, the new symptoms could relate to a variety of issues, including elevated thyroid antibodies indicating potential autoimmune activity, which can sometimes involve neurological symptoms.
Your episodes of vertigo could arise from problems in the inner ear or, less commonly, from neurological causes. The sensation of phantom smells and memory difficulties are not typical for BPPV but may raise concern for neurological assessment, especially with your family history and symptoms' complexity.
Next Steps:
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Documentation: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms leading up to your ENT appointment. Document their frequency, duration, intensity, and any possible triggers. This can help your physician better understand your condition.
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Follow-up on High Thyroid Antibodies: Discuss the implications of your thyroid antibody levels with your doctor. This can lead to further investigation of potential autoimmune thyroiditis or other related conditions.
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Comprehensive Neurological Evaluation: If your ENT specialist finds nothing concerning, consider asking for a referral to a neurologist for a comprehensive evaluation. They may suggest additional imaging (like MRI with contrast), nerve conduction studies, or a lumbar puncture if MS is suspected.
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Cognitive and Memory Assessment: These symptoms can also be addressed with neuropsychological testing, which can help determine if there are underlying cognitive issues that need attention.
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Lifestyle Adjustments: Managing stress, ensuring proper hydration, and maintaining a balanced diet can help mitigate symptoms. Furthermore, avoid known triggers for your vertigo or fainting spells.
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Support System: Share your symptoms and concerns with those close to you. Support from family and friends can be invaluable as you navigate these health challenges.
Conclusion:
You're taking a proactive step by reaching out and seeking help. Continue to advocate for yourself, especially as you prepare for your appointments. By staying organized and keeping your doctors informed about all your symptoms, you'll be better positioned to find effective solutions. If there's anything more you'd like to explore or questions you have, feel free to ask.
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