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
-
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.
-
Stay Hydrated and Rest: Dehydration or fatigue can exacerbate symptoms. Make sure you’re drinking enough water and getting adequate sleep.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Related Questions
Concerns About My Toddler's Chin Injury
Approximately a month ago, my granddaughter, who is just two and a half years old, had an unfortunate fall at the playground. We took her to an urgent care facility where the staff thoroughly cleaned the wound and applied steri strips for closure. However, after two weeks, while playing at home, she bumped her chin again, causing the injury to reopen. Upon our visit to the doctor, we learned that stitches should have been used during the initial treatment. They opted for medical adhesive this time and secured it with tape. Now, three weeks later, the chin has been disturbed yet again after another minor bump. What steps should we take from here? Should we consult with a plastic surgeon? We are hopeful that this injury will eventually heal properly, though it seems to be an ongoing issue.
Understanding My Mysterious Episodes: Are They Migraines?
Is it Hemiplegic or Complicated Migraines, or perhaps something entirely different? I am a 52-year-old woman weighing 163 pounds, and I am not currently taking any medication. Since December 7th, 2023, I've been experiencing episodes that occur 2 to 3 times weekly, sometimes with more intensity than others, and they can last anywhere from an hour to several days. These episodes often make me feel as though I'm having a stroke, accompanied by various sensory anomalies. I experience dizziness, light-headedness, tingling sensations in my head, face, hands, and feet, weakness, and at times, paralysis. This profound weakness affects my ability to walk and stand; I often feel like I might topple over. My coordination is severely impacted, and I perceive my movements as being delayed, as if I am operating in slow motion. Nausea is frequent but varies in intensity, and I have faced episodes of aphasia on a few occasions. Medical professionals have ruled out a stroke due to the absence of visible damage, and while they hesitate to label my condition as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), they continue prescribing migraine medications without confirming the diagnosis when I inquire. Interestingly, I do not experience headache pain, nor do I have visual disturbances or heightened sensitivity to light and sound during these incidents. I have consulted numerous neurologists and visited multiple hospitals, undergoing several tests that have returned negative results. The medications tested so far have either been ineffective or led to adverse reactions. I've maintained a detailed journal documenting my symptoms and food intake, and I’ve also met with a nutritionist. However, I have yet to identify any specific triggers for my symptoms. I would greatly appreciate any insights or theories regarding my situation.
Vomiting Blood Concerns
Patient Age: 23 Gender: Female Height: 5 feet 3 inches Weight: 125 pounds Ethnicity: Caucasian Symptom Duration: Single episode a few hours prior Location: Ireland Relevant Medical History: None noted Current Medications: None Hello, I experienced vomiting a few hours ago, accompanied by water-like diarrhea. Since my stomach was empty, I ended up ejecting bile, which was quite uncomfortable. During one of my episodes of vomiting, I noticed a small quantity of pink to bright red blood mixed in, though subsequent episodes didn’t show any blood. Aside from the nausea and diarrhea, I feel relatively fine, and I checked for fever but found none present. I am feeling a bit anxious as I’ve read that I should visit the emergency room based on what I found out. I will definitely consider going if the situation necessitates it. Thank you for your attention.
Elevated Prolactin and DHEA-S - 27 Years Old, 182lbs
After nearly a year of experiencing irregular and absent menstrual cycles, I finally consulted a physician to evaluate my hormonal levels. The tests revealed elevated levels of Prolactin and DHEA-S, while other tests for insulin, cortisol, thyroid hormones, and iron returned normal results. There appears to be no ovarian issues, and I am currently awaiting the interpretation of an MRI scan of my brain, as well as kidney function results. My symptoms have worsened over time. What initially seemed to be mere sadness and depression a few months back has escalated into severe cognitive fog, a struggle to process new information, feelings of detachment, poor time management, impulsive decision-making, pelvic discomfort, frequent calf cramps, insomnia, profound tiredness, hair thinning, and most recently, evening headaches. Over the past seven years, I have faced a series of distressing life events that led me into a very dark period. During this time, I isolated myself from social interactions, engaging only with work, which resulted in a more inactive lifestyle. Could the weight of these experiences have weighed me down so heavily? Additionally, I have been intermittently using Vyvanse for the past three years, having switched to its generic form four months ago. Coincidentally, that period marked a noticeable decline in my overall well-being. I have read that Vyvanse can lower prolactin levels due to its dopamine effects, which makes me curious if anyone else has encountered a similar circumstance. I’d like to know if my experiences resonate with any of you. While I'm waiting for my test results, I am eager to explore possible diets, exercises, books, or any other suggestions that might alleviate my condition. I sincerely value any advice or shared experiences you could offer.
Is There a Connection Between Transverse Myelitis and Vitamin B12 Deficiency? Female, 31
Greetings, I'm reaching out in hopes of gaining some insight. Up until recently, I was in good health, only taking iron supplements in the past and maintaining my vitamin D levels. As a mother to two children, both delivered via c-section within the last three years, I’ve been focused on my family. ### Overview of My Situation - **Before Symptoms Began (November 2024)**: I struggled with continuous fatigue, mental fog, and memory lapses, which I attributed to low ferritin and vitamin D levels, as corroborated by lab tests showing I had deficiencies. At that time, I was about a year postpartum. - **Symptoms Emerged (June 9)**: I awoke to find numbness and tingling sensations extending from my hips down to my feet, roughly 1.5 years after giving birth. - **Initial Diagnosis (June 16)**: At this point, I was diagnosed with a vitamin B12 deficiency, with a serum level of 213 identified. Given my limited meat intake, this diagnosis made sense. - **Commencement of Treatment (Starting June 16)**: I was prescribed B12 injections (cyanocobalamin) three times a week. Initially, I received shots twice weekly, which showed some improvement in my symptoms, although I noted a spread of numbness to my waist during that first week. After 7 weeks of adhering to the B12 regimen: - Tingling and numbness saw enhancement of approximately 70%, primarily localized to my feet by this point. - Both brain fog and fatigue significantly diminished. - **First Emergency Room Visit (June 24)**: I sought emergency care due to an escalation of my symptoms, particularly the spreading numbness. They prescribed a spinal MRI, but it was scheduled for seven weeks later. Throughout this waiting period, I continued the B12 injections, which helped alleviate my symptoms further. - **MRI Results (July 27, available July 30)**: The MRI revealed several T2-weighted hyperintense lesions on the spinal cord from T3 to T8, with specific findings including: - At T3–T4: patchy enhancement in the central area. - At T4–T5: lesions at the right and mid-dorsal regions. - The most significant lesion appeared at T5–T6 on both the central and left sides with patchy enhancement, while T8 was noted as mid-dorsal. - There was no compression observed on the spinal cord. - **Second Emergency Room Visit & Neurology Admission (August 18)**: After returning from travel, I was admitted for a comprehensive evaluation. Numerous tests, including a brain MRI, lumbar puncture, and autoimmune antibody tests, yielded negative results. The brain MRI appeared normal with no signs of oligo bands. - **Follow-Up MRI**: A subsequent spinal MRI indicated multiple T2 hyperintense lesions from T3 to T8, showing a slight decrease in both size and quantity compared to the July scan, and no longer indicating enhancement (suggesting no active inflammation). - **Treatment Adaptations**: I underwent three days of IV steroid treatment, which resulted in minimal symptom changes. In stark contrast, I noticed that stopping B12 injections led to a notable intensification of numbness and tingling. - **Treatment Complications**: I had to suspend my B12 injections due to experiencing a spinal headache post-lumbar puncture, necessitating a blood patch that ultimately alleviated the headache. Currently, I am dealing with back pain which has delayed my return to B12 treatment. - **Present Symptoms**: I continue to have numbness and tingling that improve with B12 but worsen in its absence. Recently, I've encountered sporadic twitching around my cheek near the nose and intermittent tingling in one finger. ### My Inquiry I am wondering if a vitamin B12 deficiency could potentially cause transverse myelitis. My neurologists have indicated that this level of spinal cord damage is unlikely to stem from B12 deficiency alone. However, given that my symptoms significantly improved during the 7 weeks of B12 treatment before my MRI and intensified upon discontinuation, I wonder if there is a potential connection between my low B12 levels and the observed spinal cord lesions/neurological symptoms. I have been referred to a specialist at an MS clinic for further assessment, but the appointment is scheduled four months away. This wait has been incredibly frustrating as I seek answers to my condition.