Experiencing Involuntary Eye Movements
Hello everyone, I hope you’re doing well. To begin with, I want to assure you that I plan to consult with a medical professional soon—likely an ENT specialist, an ophthalmologist, or a neurologist, depending on the advice from my general practitioner. In the meantime, I'm seeking some insights and possibly some advice. Lately, I’ve been experiencing involuntary movements of my eyes. Although these episodes are infrequent, they tend to occur when I'm feeling unwell. The movements can vary; sometimes they shift side to side, other times they take on a wavy or spiral pattern, and I have no control over them. While these episodes are brief and not painful, they are quite uncomfortable and can induce a sense of dizziness. What troubles me is that, typically, when faced with symptoms like abdominal discomfort, headaches, or fatigue, there are usually common solutions (such as medication, resting, or lying down). However, in this instance, I’m at a loss for any effective relief. Closing my eyes doesn’t seem to help, and changing my posture or the position of my head also doesn’t make a difference. A bit about my history: I was a heavy cannabis user during my high school years, which has likely left some residual effects. I recall experiencing a similar eye movement episode during a particularly challenging trip, but I didn’t have this issue again for years. It resurfaced last year when I fell ill, again two months ago, and then again just this morning. I am currently 26 years old. In the years following high school, I also dealt with occasional hallucinations linked to stress, though those diminished with time. Instead, I began to suffer from recurring stomach problems, which flare up from time to time, often influenced by the season. I would greatly appreciate any tips or perspectives you might have on this matter. Thank you very much for your assistance! (P.S. I use a translator as English is not my primary language, so I apologize if my writing appears a bit off.)
Answers (1)
9/9/2025, 4:20:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about experiencing involuntary eye movements, especially when they come with dizziness and discomfort. It sounds like you've been mindful of your health and are on track to consult healthcare professionals, which is a solid approach.
Explanation
Involuntary eye movements, known as nystagmus, can have various causes, including inner ear issues, neurological conditions, and side effects from substances or medications. The fact that these episodes often occur when you're feeling unwell suggests that your body might be responding to stress or illness in some way. Given your history of cannabis use and occasional hallucinations linked to stress, it’s possible that stress or neurological factors could be playing a role.
Since you mentioned your symptoms do not respond to closing your eyes or changing position, focusing on managing your overall well-being is essential while you await further evaluations from specialists.
Actionable Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed journal of your episodes, noting when they occur, duration, any accompanying symptoms (like headache or stomach issues), and what you were doing beforehand. This information can help your doctor pinpoint potential triggers.
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Stay Hydrated and Rest: Dehydration or fatigue can exacerbate symptoms. Make sure you’re drinking enough water and getting adequate sleep.
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Reduce Stress: Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga. Managing stress may help alleviate the frequency or intensity of your episodes.
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Limit Stimulants: Since you mentioned a history of cannabis use, consider avoiding stimulants (like caffeine) and any substances that might trigger or worsen your symptoms until you get professional advice.
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Seek Support: Connecting with a support group or community for those with similar symptoms can provide reassurance and practical coping strategies.
It's important to see your healthcare provider as planned, especially if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop. Your detailed history will be crucial in helping them assess your situation accurately. Stay proactive about your health, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when needed.
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