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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Physical Therapy Evaluation: Since you’re experiencing muscle weakness and tremors, a physical therapist can offer exercises to help improve coordination and strength.
-
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.
Related Questions
Understanding Post-Surgical Pain After Ganglion Cyst Removal
I’m 17 years old (female, though I prefer He/him pronouns) and I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) along with Dysautonomia. Currently, I’m not taking any medications that might impact my situation apart from an SNRI and birth control to manage cramping. Around a month ago, I underwent surgery to remove a ganglion cyst located on my dominant wrist (the right one). This cyst had been present for roughly three years, and despite my doctor attempting to aspirate it, the procedure was unsuccessful due to its firmness, leading to surgical intervention. This cyst significantly limited my wrist mobility. Now, after approximately four weeks post-surgery, I can say that my wrist is mostly improved. The scar is healing fairly well, and I’ve regained about half of my wrist’s mobility compared to the left one. Yet, I still experience significant pain when I move or apply pressure on the area that housed the cyst. Is this pain considered normal? Additionally, my fingers are in constant discomfort, and my wrist seems to dislocate frequently. Due to my EDS, I am accustomed to joint pain and dislocations, but this particular pain feels more severe than what I usually endure. When I brought this up with my surgeon, he dismissed my concerns, stating that such dislocations are common for individuals my age. However, I experience dislocations at least twice daily, and the process of resetting them creates such a loud sound that I've been asked to leave classes to avoid disturbing others. Is this normal? Could it be related to the cyst? Moreover, about four days ago, I noticed a small lump forming on my wrist just above the surgical area. When I consulted my doctor about it, he informed me that it was a benign fatty tumor and assured me it wasn't a serious issue. However, I've never encountered anything like this before, and while the lump is not painful, soft, and relatively small, I’m puzzled about its sudden appearance. Why did this occur, and what could explain my doctor’s nonchalant attitude towards my symptoms? I understand that experiencing pain and limited mobility after surgery is not unusual, but given my doctor’s dismissive approach towards my concerns, I felt compelled to seek insight here as well. He often seems skeptical about the symptoms I report, making it difficult for me to fully trust his evaluations.
Seeking Answers: Unexplained Symptoms
Profile Information: - **Age**: 15 - **Gender**: Female - **Height**: 5'3 - **Ethnicity**: Caucasian **Medication Regimen**: - Lisdexamfetamine: 40 mg daily - Famotidine: 20 mg, twice daily - Cetirizine: 40 mg daily I have been experiencing persistent pain for as long as I can recall, even before I started taking any medication, so I am skeptical about the drugs affecting my condition. Below is a compilation of my symptoms that I can remember offhand. My family has been advised on multiple occasions to consider testing for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) due to the alignment of my symptoms with the condition. My latest physician conducted laboratory tests to evaluate my tryptase levels without an initial baseline measurement. This was taken roughly 1.5 hours post-flare-up, which came back low. Consequently, she concluded that I do not have MCAS, but after researching further, I found that low levels do not definitively rule it out. I am reaching out for guidance—can anyone assist me in understanding my situation? **Presented Symptoms**: - Persistent hives - Facial flushing - Cognitive fog - Recurring headaches - Abdominal discomfort - Irregular bowel movements (ranging from diarrhea to constipation) - Anxiety attacks - Low blood pressure - Episodes of dizziness - Rapid heartbeat - Chronic fatigue - Episodes of fever - Severe joint pain - Night sweats - Bloating - Elevated sensitivity to sunlight - Intolerance to heat I frequently experience multiple symptoms together during flare-ups, with at least one flare occurring daily. The hives tend to emerge 1 to 3 times each day, primarily triggered by sun exposure and heightened emotional states, although at times they arise with no apparent cause. These flare-ups can occur abruptly, lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours.
Should I Seek Medical Attention?
At 22 years old, I am a female who has been on medications like duloxetine, lamotrigine, and hydroxyzine for several years. I have managed to keep my Graves' disease under control, but I have reasons to believe I may also be experiencing symptoms of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). Last year, I was scheduled to consult a neurologist regarding hand tremors and the possibility of fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, I could not continue my treatment after relocating and losing my health insurance. Just 15 minutes ago, I fainted. Prior to that incident, I was feeling unwell—dizzy, my vision was blurry, and I experienced a whooshing sensation along with heat in my ears. My face and arms also felt tingly. After fainting, I experienced a heavy, aching sensation in my head, and I still have a headache now. Additionally, I’ve been waking up with headaches for a couple of days. I want to know if it's advisable to go to the emergency room. It's important to note that this isn’t my first fainting spell; I had one incident years back, which helped me recognize the signs when it started happening. At that time, I was lifting a heavy bed frame, and when I began to feel faint, I tried to sit down but stood back up to assist, and that’s when I lost consciousness. I’m unsure how long I was out, but I initially thought I was just sleeping before realizing what had happened when I regained awareness.
Seeking Guidance for My Mother's Sudden Hearing Loss Case
I am looking for advice regarding my mother's situation with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). **Patient Overview:** - **Age:** 48 years - **Gender:** Female - **Medical Issues:** Hypothyroidism and overweight (approximately 95 kg at the onset) - **Treatment:** Thyroid medication (25 mcg taken daily) **Medical Background:** In November 2025, my mother experienced an abrupt hearing loss in her right ear accompanied by dizziness and nausea. We consulted several ENT specialists within approximately 36 hours following the onset of her symptoms. She received a diagnosis of SSNHL but unfortunately, she did not undergo intratympanic steroid injections during the critical first 24 hours that could have aided her recovery. Despite receiving subsequent treatment, she has not regained hearing in her affected ear. **Examination Results:** - **Audiogram:** Loss of approximately 100 dB in the right ear; left ear shows normal hearing. - **Brain MRI:** A normal scan was conducted previously, ruling out tumors. - **Laboratory Tests:** Recent blood tests (including thyroid function, HbA1c, renal and liver function tests, CBC, etc.) show elevated TSH (6.73) and a HbA1c of 8.5%. We are currently preparing for a contrast MRI to eliminate the possibility of a vestibular schwannoma or nerve issues. **Current Condition:** The hearing loss persists in her right ear. She is feeling anxious about the upcoming contrast MRI, which involves gadolinium injection. However, she has started making positive lifestyle changes and has lost about 4.5 kg over the past two months, adhering to a protein-rich diet and a walking regimen. **My Inquiries:** 1. Is it still beneficial to perform a contrast MRI several months after the initial SSNHL diagnosis, considering that a normal MRI has already been completed? 2. For cases such as this—severe SSNHL with delayed steroid intervention—are there realistic prospects for hearing recovery at a later date? 3. Are there any additional tests or treatments that should be taken into account at this stage? 4. For family gatherings where loud music will be present, would high-quality earplugs or noise-canceling earbuds be a good option to safeguard her healthier ear? 5. Is it advisable for her to continue with whey protein supplementation and the weight-loss plan? 6. What should we prioritize for long-term management: hearing aids, rehabilitation, regular monitoring, etc.? I recognize that the chances of recovery may be slim, but I want to ensure we are covering all bases and that her care plan is appropriate. I appreciate any insights or suggestions you can offer. Thank you for your assistance!
Seeking Clarity on Medical Notes
Greetings, I’ve chosen to use a throwaway account to keep my medical details private from my main one. My daughter, a 3-year-old with cerebral palsy, is prescribed baclofen, gabapentin, senna, and occasionally, Miralax. She is raised in a smoke-free and alcohol-free environment. Recently, my daughter has exhibited instances of staring and being unresponsive, which we discussed with her pediatric neurologist. These episodes occurred multiple times over three weeks. Concerned about potential seizure activity, we recorded some incidents and shared them with the doctor. He advised us to schedule an EEG, which was set for the soonest available time a week later, while instructing us to call if more episodes occurred. When another episode took place, we reached out to the neurologist, who practices at a children’s hospital approximately two hours away. He recommended that we go to our local emergency room. Upon arriving there, the attending physician reviewed her history but seemed skeptical. After a lengthy wait and attempts to clarify our situation, the on-call neurologist eventually came to see us—although he showed little interest in the video evidence we provided. He proceeded with an EEG that lasted only 15 minutes during which my daughter did not have any episodes. Unfortunately, this neurologist was rather abrupt and seemed dismissive, ultimately sending us home without satisfactory answers. Now, I find myself puzzled. In the EEG report, the neurologist mentioned something called a "teddy bear sign." As I had never encountered this term before, I did some research and discovered that it may suggest that seizure activity is not genuine if the patient is in possession of a stuffed animal or similar item. Is this a legitimate observation? My daughter indeed had her beloved baby doll, which she takes with her everywhere. I fail to comprehend how this could be relevant or why it might indicate that her potential seizure activity is fabricated. I plan to reach out to her primary neurologist to gain deeper insight into the meaning of this "teddy bear sign." Thank you for your help!