Unusual Neurological Symptoms Without a Clear Diagnosis
I have been grappling with some strange neurological symptoms. After numerous visits to the emergency room, urgent care, and multiple consultations with my primary doctor, I'm feeling frustrated because all my lab results are normal, and my CT scan shows no signs of tumors or bleeding. To provide some context, I'm a 25-year-old woman, standing 5'5" and weighing 230 pounds. My medical background is relatively uneventful aside from being diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), having slightly elevated blood pressure (but not enough for medication), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I am on two medications: 30 mg of Vyvanse every morning and 10 mg of Trintellix at night. Recently, I experienced a troubling episode characterized by tingling on the right side of my body, weakness in my limbs, blurred vision, dizziness, vertigo, and difficulty in speaking (aphasia). I was taken to the emergency department because my symptoms suggested a possible stroke. However, after a thorough series of tests, everything returned normal. Blood tests indicated excellent results, blood sugar levels were stable, and the CT scan was clear. The doctor speculated that this might be an atypical migraine and administered a dose of Toradol, alongside steroids and anti-nausea medication, even though I wasn't in pain or feeling nauseous at the time. Two days later, the same symptoms recurred, but I also began experiencing swollen lymph nodes and a headache, prompting another trip to urgent care. Unfortunately, the doctor did not conduct a physical examination, simply attributing it to a migraine and advising me to rest. There was a mention of labyrinthitis, but nothing definitive. Fast forward another couple of days, and I returned to urgent care with heightened fatigue, muscle twitching, and severe vertigo. Once again, the doctor dismissed it as just a migraine and suggested I go home, remarking on my anxiety. Throughout this period, I maintained good hydration, ate balanced meals, and even consulted an eye specialist to rule out vision issues. I sought a massage to alleviate any potential muscle tension, leading me to see a physician filling in for my regular doctor. Upon examining my throat, she noted significant inflammation and decided to swab for tests. I ended up testing negative for strep throat, influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, but was nevertheless prescribed azithromycin. Now, two weeks have passed, and I'm still dealing with tremors in my hands—it's becoming challenging to even hold my phone due to the tension and shaking. Additionally, I continue to experience muscle twitching, weakness, tingling on my right side, accompanied by headaches on that side, neck pain, and unusual daytime fatigue that I've never encountered before. I can't shake the feeling that something is wrong, yet every medical professional insists it’s either migraines or a virus. These symptoms have persisted for a fortnight. I am reaching out for advice on what steps I might take next to seek further assistance. I even tried to persuade the urgent care physician to test for the West Nile virus, considering I had been outdoors in an area where there was a peak in cases, but my concerns were met with laughter. I feel like no one is taking my situation seriously, and it is starting to interfere significantly with my daily life and work responsibilities.
Answers (1)
9/10/2025, 8:01:57 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through a very challenging time with your neurological symptoms and your frustration with seeking care is completely understandable. It’s important that your concerns are taken seriously, especially since these symptoms are impacting your daily life. Here are some key points to consider moving forward:
Overview of Your Situation
You are experiencing persistent neurological symptoms, including tingling, weakness, blurred vision, dizziness, vertigo, aphasia, fatigue, and tremors. Despite multiple visits to healthcare providers and normal test results, your concerns remain unresolved.
Understanding Your Symptoms
The symptoms you've described could indicate a variety of issues, including but not limited to:
- Atypical Migraines: As suggested, migraines can sometimes present with neurological symptoms but usually have a clear pattern and response to treatment.
- Virus or Infectious Process: While your tests for common viruses returned negative, certain viral infections can sometimes be missed, especially if symptoms are atypical.
- Autoimmune Conditions: Conditions like multiple sclerosis or lupus can have overlapping symptoms and might not always show up on initial tests.
- Anxiety-related Symptoms: This is often considered when no physiological cause is found, but it doesn't mean your symptoms aren't real or impactful.
Next Steps to Take
Here’s a structured approach to help you advocate for your health:
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Symptom Diary: Keep a daily log of your symptoms detailing when they occur, their duration, intensity, and any triggers you've noticed (including time of day, activities, diet, etc.). This can help identify patterns.
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Follow Up with Your Doctor: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your primary care physician or a neurologist. Bring your symptom diary to discuss your ongoing issues more thoroughly. Share your concerns about conditions like multiple sclerosis and autoimmune disorders.
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Request Additional Testing:
- Consider asking for specific autoimmune testing or MRI scans if not already done.
- You may want to discuss the link between your symptoms and possible viral infections.
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Consult a Specialist: If possible, see a neurologist or an infectious disease specialist who can provide more insight into your symptoms and suggest further evaluations.
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Physical Therapy Evaluation: Since you’re experiencing muscle weakness and tremors, a physical therapist can offer exercises to help improve coordination and strength.
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Mental Health Support: Since some providers have mentioned anxiety, it might be beneficial to consult a mental health professional, especially if your symptoms worsen with stress. They can help you develop coping strategies.
Reassurance and Support
It's clear that you are facing a significant burden with these symptoms, and it's important to advocate for your health. It’s not uncommon to feel dismissed when symptoms are not easily explained; persistence is key. Trust your instincts about your health, and remember that you deserve thorough evaluation and support.
If you continue to feel unheard, consider seeking a second opinion or exploring patient advocacy resources to assist you in navigating the healthcare system effectively.
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