OpenHealth Q&A

Trouble Visualizing: Seeking Answers

Summary: I have difficulty visualizing images in my mind, making it hard to maintain them once they begin to form. Could this be connected to an unresolved medical issue I have experienced in the past? Greetings, I'm a 21-year-old male. **Concern:** I’ve recently come to realize that my experience is unusual. Whenever I attempt to form a mental picture, I find it incredibly challenging to retain it in my mind. For instance, if I focus on visualizing a car, the image starts to develop but then halts abruptly, reminiscent of a boomerang, constantly reverting to its original state before I can fully grasp it. This cycle continues until I divert my attention elsewhere. In instances where the “boomerang” effect doesn’t happen, I encounter a similar scenario where an image partially appears, only to be interrupted midway and reset back to the starting point, repeating this process. At times, I feel a stronger connection to whatever I’m envisioning, causing the mental image to shift from one side of my mind to the other, vanishing as if it’s on a conveyor belt. Yet again, this action loops, giving the impression that the imagery is caught on a rotating wheel inside my head. During classroom exercises when asked to close our eyes and imagine something specific, I find it difficult to relax and engage with the calming guidance since I struggle to focus. **Additional Background:** I have experienced various neurological challenges, including episodes resembling mini-strokes where I temporarily lose motor control in my right arm, leading to involuntary upward bending and clenching of my fist, alongside a diagonal slant in my mouth. Occasionally, my vision turns blurry or remains normal, and I am unable to articulate words. Each episode lasts only about 5-10 seconds. I’ve undergone an MRI and EEG, along with a thorough eye examination at an optician. All results appeared normal, revealing no immediate concerns. I do not feel any pain, and due to the brief duration of these episodes, capturing them on video is difficult, even for those around me. This has rendered it quite challenging for the medical professionals I’ve consulted to comprehend the nature of my issues, as they only have my descriptions to rely upon. These mini-stroke episodes began nearly three years ago, and I suspect the problems with imagery commenced before that; however, I didn’t pay much attention to them at the time. **Substance Usage:** Given my age, I acknowledge that my judgment is not always sound. I occasionally smoke marijuana, but with limited frequency (fewer than ten times a year). Additionally, I have used ketamine during social outings while in college, around a maximum of 12 times, and have engaged with cocaine more frequently than with ketamine. I have also experimented with LSD three times. I started smoking cigarettes three years ago, averaging about five a day, and I have increased my beer consumption significantly over the past two months. At present, I am not on any medication, although I was prescribed sertraline for four to five months at 16, but I discontinued it due to its perceived ineffectiveness. I do not take any vitamins or supplements at this time. **Medical History:** As an infant, I experienced febrile convulsions, which my mother believes might be linked to my subsequent mini-stroke episodes. I would greatly appreciate any insights regarding either of these issues, as I genuinely feel overwhelmed with what might be happening in my mind. Thank you for your time!

Answers (1)

9/1/2025, 1:31:26 AM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your concerns; it sounds like you’ve been experiencing some significant challenges with visualization and have a complex medical history. Let's break down this situation into manageable parts.

Key Points:

1. Difficulty Visualizing: Your trouble with mental imagery may relate to your neurological history, but it can also have other explanations.
2. Mini-Stroke Episodes: The brief episodes you described, which resemble mini-strokes, warrant close attention as they may impact brain function.
3. Substance Use and Mental Health: Your history of substance use and depression treatment could potentially influence cognitive functions.

Explanation:

The challenges you're facing with visualization can occur for several reasons. In contrast to normal mental imagery, some people experience something called aphantasia, where they can't create visual memories or images in their mind. However, your case might connect more to neurological issues, especially given your described episodes which suggest a neurological concern that could be affecting how your brain processes visual information.

The fact that you've undergone an MRI and EEG without revealing clear diagnostic issues is a positive sign. It suggests there isn’t an obvious structural brain problem, but it doesn’t fully explain your symptoms. Given your episodes, it could be related to transient neurological events, possibly linked back to your earlier febrile convulsions.

Next Steps:

1. Maintain a Symptom Journal: Record details about your visualization difficulties and any mini-stroke episodes, including triggers, duration, and frequency. This information can help doctors understand and assess your condition better.

2. Limit Substance Use: Reducing or eliminating substance use (such as cigarettes, alcohol, and recreational drugs) can improve cognitive function and overall mental health. These substances can also exacerbate neurological issues.

3. Engage in Relaxation Techniques: Since you mentioned issues with focusing during mental exercises, practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or guided imagery. These may help you become more comfortable with visualization tasks.

4. Seek a Neurologist: Given your medical history and current symptoms, seeing a neurologist, preferably one who specializes in cognitive issues, could provide additional insights and more specialized testing.

5. Consider Psychological Support: Exploring your mental health, perhaps with a therapist who understands cognitive difficulties, may also be beneficial in managing stress related to your experiences.

Reassurance:

It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, but you’re taking a proactive step by seeking help and addressing your concerns. Many neurologists and psychologists can guide you through this process. Stay connected and keep open lines of communication with any healthcare providers involved, as they can help piece together your symptoms comprehensively.