OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Pre-Surgery Concerns: Eye and Head Tremors

9/7/2025, 3:30:38 PMMale25-34

I am a 29-year-old female facing an upcoming surgery that requires general anesthesia this Wednesday. For some time, I’ve been experiencing a peculiar knot beneath my right eyelid, which seems to be a cluster of nerves. This knot shifts around and causes noticeable twitching in the area. Additionally, a thin, dark vein has surfaced above the usual location of this knot. On the opposite side of my head, approximately an inch left of my temple, I’ve identified a twitching area with a circumferential diameter of around two inches. This involuntary movement has been occurring intermittently throughout the day for over a month now. Could these symptoms signify a deeper medical issue? I find myself increasingly anxious about the possibility of an aneurysm or similar conditions while I am under anesthesia. The procedure scheduled is a non-invasive Microdiscectomy, and I’ve been informed that the entire process, including pre-op, the procedure itself, and post-operative recovery, will take around one and a half hours in total.

LupusFibromyalgiaInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

9/7/2025, 3:30:56 PM

OpenHealth AI

I understand you're feeling anxious about your upcoming surgery, particularly regarding the symptoms you're experiencing with your eye and head. It's important to address your concerns, and I’ll provide clarity along with some actionable steps you can take.

Main Points:

  1. Twitching and Knot Symptoms: These could be related to benign conditions like muscle spasms or eye issues rather than serious problems like an aneurysm.
  2. Anxiety About Surgery: Feeling anxious before surgery is common, but there are ways to manage that.

Explanation: The twitching (or myokymia) you’re noticing near your eyelid and temple can often stem from stress, fatigue, or irritation of the nerves or muscles. The dark vein and bump under your eyelid may also be benign — perhaps a result of localized swelling or changes in blood vessels, especially if you've been under stress lately.

While the idea of an aneurysm is understandably worrying, this specific twitching alone, especially in the absence of other severe symptoms (like severe headaches, visual changes, or neurological signs), is less likely to indicate such a serious condition. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to monitor these symptoms.

Next Steps:

  1. Document Symptoms: Keep a journal of when the twitching occurs and any associated factors (like stress levels, sleep patterns, or caffeine intake). This can help recognize potential triggers.
  2. Relaxation Techniques: Practice deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga to help manage anxiety, especially leading up to your surgery.
  3. Stay Hydrated and Rested: Ensure you're well-hydrated and getting enough rest before your surgery; this can help with overall wellness and potentially reduce muscle spasm frequency.
  4. Consult with Your Surgical Team: Bring up these symptoms with your surgical team before the procedure. They can address any specific concerns about anesthesia and may provide reassurance.

Remember, open communication with your healthcare providers will not only help you address these physical symptoms but will also support your emotional well-being. Your health and comfort during this process are paramount, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your medical team for further guidance.

Let me know if you have any other questions or need more information!

Related Questions

Chronic Joint Pain Since Childhood

Since I was eight years old, I’ve endured intense and persistent pain in my joints. Initially, the discomfort was primarily in my knees, characterized by a sharp sensation right beneath the kneecap. As someone on the autism spectrum, I often visualize a strange, soothing thought: the idea of removing my kneecap and using an ice cream scoop to relieve the pressure underneath it. My parents sought help from several medical professionals, all of whom attributed my symptoms to growing pains. I even underwent cancer screenings at the age of nine because doctors felt my level of discomfort was excessive for mere growing pains. At school, I frequently had to wear dual knee braces. When I turned 14, I had a CT scan, but the results were inconclusive; doctors continued to insist it was just growing pains. At 18, I had an X-ray that also revealed nothing abnormal. Now at 20, my joint pain persists and is progressively worsening. My hands now ache in addition to my knees, and on particularly bad days, the pain radiates down to my ankles, making walking and sleeping almost impossible for half the week. The discomfort has entirely hindered my ability to work. My family and I strongly suspect that I may have some form of arthritis, but I struggle to convince the medical community of this due to my young age. My father, who suffers from arthritis himself, often empathizes when I express my pain, telling me, "that sounds familiar." I have broken down in front of numerous doctors, pleading for assistance, yet I consistently leave without answers, only to be scheduled for more scans that come back normal. The medical care I have received thus far has been far from satisfactory; for instance, I was prescribed eye drops that nearly resulted in serious damage to my vision when I consulted an eye specialist. This is just one of many frustrating experiences I’ve faced. I feel completely overwhelmed and in agony, and I have no way to reach out for specialized medical help since my only means of transportation is my father, who is also afflicted by arthritis. I feel lost and in deep pain without a clear path forward.

ArthritisInternal MedicineEndocrinology
Male25-34
5 minutes ago

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.

FibromyalgiaThyroid DisordersInternal Medicine
Male25-34
15 minutes ago

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.

Crohn's DiseaseCOPDInternal Medicine
Male25-34
25 minutes ago

Understanding the Reality of End-Stage Pancreatic Cancer

Navigating the complexities of end-stage pancreatic cancer can be overwhelming, and I'm seeking clarity on what lies ahead. My mother, who is 59 years old and weighs about 115 pounds, received her diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer in October 2025. Unfortunately, she has largely rejected the option of chemotherapy and is consuming her pain relief medications—specifically oxycodone and morphine—at an alarming rate. While I’m not worried about the dosage, the severity of her pain has reached a level that is becoming unbearable. Despite this, she is adamant about avoiding any hospital treatment, even though that's where she would receive the most effective pain management. I’ve attempted multiple times to get her medical attention, calling both hospitals and emergency services. However, due to her refusal for assistance, they have also turned us down. It was explained to me that taking her against her will could be considered kidnapping. After consulting with various healthcare professionals, I have been informed that her time may be measured in days or weeks. There’s also a chance that she could slip into unconsciousness, leaving me deeply unsettled. I am already in a state of mourning, yet I am desperate to understand what to expect in the coming days. It is crucial for me to prepare myself—emotionally and mentally—so that I can help ensure her comfort in these final moments. Plans are underway to engage hospice care, but the uncertainty fills me with apprehension. This is my mother, and I want to alleviate my fear so I can provide her with the support she needs as she nears the end of her journey. I yearn to be present for her without being entirely consumed by grief before she passes away. Any guidance or insight you could provide would be invaluable. I'm at a loss for what steps to take next and truly desire to navigate this situation with as much grace and readiness as possible.

FibromyalgiaCrohn's DiseaseEndocrinology
Male25-34
45 minutes ago

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?

Multiple SclerosisLupusInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago