Seeking Guidance After Nine Months of Unexplained Neurological Disturbances
I’m a 27-year-old male weighing 210 pounds, and I’m not currently taking any medication. Nine months back, I visited the dentist for some fillings. During the procedure, after receiving an anesthetic injection of prilocaine, I began to experience an unusual sensation. It was as if warmth enveloped my body and I was slipping into an altered state of consciousness. Assuming it was a temporary side effect, I tried to dismiss it, but the sensations never faded. That altered state of awareness and some facial numbness have lingered for nine months, accompanied by a range of other neurological and psychiatric symptoms. These include memory issues, incessant burping sometimes leading to vomiting, and episodes that feel vividly surreal, almost psychedelic in nature. While I remain aware of reality, these occurrences are extremely unsettling, rendering me unable to function normally. There are previous posts that elaborate further on my symptoms (one of which can be found in my history). My life is virtually on hold; I cannot work and endure frequent, inexplicable panic throughout the day. My thought processes are muddled, and despite trying numerous medications—such as clonazepam, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, clonidine, gabapentin, and various antibiotics (to rule out infections), alongside multiple steroid treatments—I have seen no improvements. I am also set to begin antipsychotics in a few weeks. Both MRI and CT scans returned normal results, and although I was originally diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy, that diagnosis is no longer in play, leaving me without a clear medical explanation. What I experience is akin to a perpetual state of neither being fully awake nor entirely asleep; it feels like I am in a perpetual dream-like haze. Additionally, I notice a significant difference between the sensations on each side of my body—my left side feels as though it's been “sedated,” while my right side seems to function normally. Still, both sides share the same strength physically. At this point, I am uncertain about my next steps. My symptoms are unbearable, and it seems like I’m not progressing toward any viable treatment options, as nothing alleviates my discomfort. In fact, medications that are supposed to be calming or anxiety-reducing often exacerbate my perceptual disturbances, leading me to prefer anxiety over the intensified confusion. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations or insights into possible next measures.
Answers (1)
9/1/2025, 12:13:55 AM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you're going through a deeply unsettling experience with persistent neurological symptoms and a lack of effective treatment. Your situation is complex, but I will aim to provide some structured guidance to help you identify the next steps you might take.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms could indicate an underlying neurological issue that requires targeted investigation.
- Continued evaluation and possible referral to specialists are essential next steps.
- Exploring non-medication-based strategies for symptom management may also provide some relief.
Explanation:
The symptoms you describe, particularly the altered state of consciousness, facial numbness, and surreal experiences, can be distressing and significantly impactful on your daily life. Given the current state of your health and the treatments you have already tried, it’s important to focus on what options are available for further evaluation and management. The unusual sensations might imply that the root cause is not clearly identified, which means further assessment could be beneficial.
Specific Next Steps:
-
Neurology Referral: Request a referral to a neurologist with expertise in rare neurological conditions, especially if you haven't seen a specialist recently. They may conduct advanced testing, like neuropsychological assessments, and consider the possibility of other conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome, autoimmune disorders, or even rare side effects from the anesthetic.
-
Symptom Diary: Maintain a daily diary tracking your symptoms, including their onset, duration, and any potential triggers. This can provide valuable insights both for you and your healthcare team. Note any correlations between symptoms and foods, activities, or emotional states.
-
Mental Health Evaluation: Since you are experiencing significant anxiety and confusion, a consultation with a psychiatrist might help refine your treatment plan. This can be especially important given your mention of medications that have not been effective. Some psychotherapy techniques, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can also help you manage anxiety and provide coping strategies.
-
Lifestyle Adjustments: Focus on small changes that might improve your overall wellness, such as:
- Mindfulness Practices: Techniques such as meditation or gentle yoga may help ground you during episodes of anxiety.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are well-hydrated and eating balanced meals as sometimes dietary influences can affect neurological health.
-
Support Groups: Consider joining a support group for individuals with chronic neurological symptoms. Connecting with others who understand your experience can provide comfort and could generate new ideas for coping strategies.
The combination of these evaluations and adjustments could help clarify your situation further and aid in symptom relief. Stay hopeful; sometimes it takes time to find the right path to healing, and your efforts to seek solutions are commendable. Please keep track of your symptoms, stay in touch with your healthcare provider, and lean on your support network as you navigate this challenging situation.
Related Questions
Seeking Guidance on Persistent Chest Discomfort After Extensive Testing
I'm a 43-year-old male, standing at 5'11" and weighing 180 pounds. My journey began around March to April of 2025 when, despite regularly hitting the gym four times a week, I was struck by severe chest pain along with frequent belching and a tight feeling in my diaphragm. At times, the pain became so intense that I feared it might be a heart attack. **Medical History:** In May 2019, I received a diagnosis of **PVS** and have since been under the care of a cardiac electrophysiologist. Upon experiencing these new symptoms, I consulted my EP, who conducted an EKG right then and set me up with a 7-day heart monitor. The results showed no irregularities. Subsequently, I was directed to a cardiologist, who carried out both a **stress test** and an **echocardiogram**, both of which yielded normal findings. Afterward, I returned to my primary care physician, who speculated that my gallbladder might be involved. An **ultrasound** was performed but revealed no issues. I then requested a **chest X-ray**, which also came back normal. My PCP then considered the possibility of a **hiatal hernia** and referred me to a gastroenterologist; unfortunately, that appointment took almost **five months** to materialize. In the meantime, my symptoms persisted, prompting me to cease weightlifting and switch my focus to **cardio and running**. Surprisingly, these activities didn’t exacerbate my symptoms, though the chest pain remained constant. When I finally saw the gastroenterologist, they suggested an **upper endoscopy**, which took another roughly three months to arrange. During this procedure, I was diagnosed with **Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE)**, a condition I had not previously experienced. The doctors also placed a pH monitoring device for acid reflux assessment, which indicated **no unusual acid exposure**. Following this, I began a treatment plan that included a swallowed steroid inhaler and an increased dosage of **omeprazole**. Sixty days later, I underwent another endoscopy, which showed that the EOE had largely resolved, with minimal residual symptoms. Unfortunately, my chest discomfort persisted without any improvement. It has now been about **a year** since these issues emerged, and I still have not found substantial relief. A recent chest MRI completed at a dedicated imaging center revealed no abnormalities. I entertained the idea of **costochondritis**, but again, the MRI did not support that hypothesis. The only minor relief I find comes from consciously pulling my shoulders back and expanding my chest. I continue to experience discomfort around my **diaphragm** and tenderness in the area of the **xiphoid process**. My PCP prescribed a steroid pack, which was somewhat beneficial for the pain but failed to alleviate the pressure or constant discomfort. At this juncture, I feel quite lost and uncertain about my next steps. I would greatly appreciate any insights or experiences from others who have faced similar issues. Additionally, if there are any physicians here willing to offer advice, I am open to traveling to find the answers or relief I'm desperately seeking.
Understanding Mild Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease
I am a 29-year-old female, standing at 5'7" and weighing 130 pounds. Recently, a CT scan revealed that I have mild diverticulitis. About a week ago, I experienced significant discomfort, particularly in the pelvic region, along with pain in my right leg and hip, and some mild discomfort on the left side. After undergoing a CT scan, which confirmed the presence of mild diverticular disease, I was surprised that no one from my medical team provided any follow-up or acknowledged the condition. My blood tests returned normal results, and I was discharged without further information. While the pain subsided after about three days, it has unfortunately reappeared four days later. Is this something I should be worried about? What does this mean for me? I had a colonoscopy around 11 months ago, which indicated no issues.
Concerns After Gallbladder Surgery (Three Weeks Post-Op) - Is It an Infection?
Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Duration of Symptoms: Last Three Weeks Location: United States Recent Medical History: Nearly three weeks have passed since my gallbladder removal surgery. Over the last few days, I've noticed a small amount of unclear fluid coming from the incision. I just observed what seems to be pus oozing from the surgical site. Although there is slight tenderness when I move or touch the area, it isn't painful. Thankfully, I haven’t experienced any fever or chills, and there’s no unpleasant odor emanating from the wound. Should I continue to clean it with soap and water, or is it necessary for me to visit the emergency room for further evaluation?
Seeking Clarity on My Spinal Tap Results: A Bit Anxious
I am a 31-year-old woman experiencing a continuous headache for the past four months, accompanied by feelings of nausea and exhaustion. I take Lexapro each day to manage my mental health. I have a history of migraines and headaches, but this recent episode doesn't align with my previous experiences. Here are the findings from my spinal tap: - **Opening Pressure of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)**: 9 cm H₂O - **Presence of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) in CSF**: 2,570 - **Total Protein Level in CSF**: 107 mg/dL - **ACE Level in CSF**: 4.4 - **Other Tests on CSF**: Results were normal. - **Brain MRI and MR Venography**: Both tests yielded normal results. - **Blood Test Results**: Normal results were obtained. Given these results, I'm feeling a bit uneasy and I’m hoping to better understand what they might indicate about my health.
Navigating Ear Infections While Traveling in Thailand
**Age:** 23 **Height:** 6'3" **Weight:** 88 kg **Medication Taken:** 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin with Potassium Clavulanate, along with pain relief and antihistamines. **Summary:** I’m hesitant to consult a doctor overseas only to receive a prescription for the same antibiotics available at a local pharmacy for a fraction of the price. What strategies can I employ to effectively manage this persistent ear infection? Am I being too hasty in my expectations? I have a long history of ear infections, often triggered by exposure to water or any activity impacting my ears. I regularly use a specialized oil before showering to prevent water from entering my ears. While backpacking in Thailand, I've developed a particularly severe ear infection over the last several days. Initially, a course of 500mg amoxicillin seemed effective, but significantly, just yesterday my condition took a downturn, shifting from nearly healed to painfully inflamed. Now, my ear is not only swollen but also incredibly sore. In an attempt to combat this, I’ve been taking 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin and Potassium Clavulanate, having consumed seven tablets in the last two days; unfortunately, there's been no noticeable improvement. I’m reluctant to seek medical attention, fearing I would be prescribed the same medication I could acquire from a pharmacy, albeit at a much higher cost. Yet, I’m also starting to question the efficacy of the pharmacy’s medication. I’ve only recently begun the stronger treatment since my symptoms returned. Any advice would be greatly valued! In addition, I’d like to share that just a week into my four-month journey, I feel as though my ongoing ear issues are gradually dominating my life. I am incredibly grateful for this travel opportunity, and while my health isn’t at risk in a serious way, these ear complications are becoming quite overwhelming. Could there be surgical options available? Might there be an underlying health concern that I’m unaware of? It doesn’t seem normal to be plagued by constant ringing, popping sounds, and wax buildup in my ears. Moreover, it feels excessive to have to apply products in my ears every time I shower.