Desperate for Guidance After Nine Months of Unexplained Neurological Distress
I'm a 27-year-old male weighing 210 pounds, and I am currently not taking any medication. Nine months ago, I visited the dentist for routine fillings. However, after receiving a shot of prilocaine, I suddenly felt unusually warm and as if I was drifting into a surreal, dreamlike state. Initially, I dismissed it as a temporary reaction but, regrettably, the sensations have persisted. Throughout these months, I have also developed an array of neurological and psychiatric issues, including difficulties with memory, incessant burping that occasionally leads to vomiting, and vivid experiences that I can only categorize as "psychedelic." Despite my understanding of reality still being intact, these occurrences are profoundly frightening and hinder my daily functioning. In my post history, I have shared more about these troubling symptoms. Currently, I find myself in a state of incapacitation—unable to work, plagued by random episodes of terror throughout the day, and struggling to think clearly. The medications I've tried so far have offered no relief, leaving me feeling hopeless. I have been prescribed clonazepam, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, clonidine, gabapentin, antibiotics (to rule out any infection), multiple courses of steroids, and others I can barely recall. I am contemplating beginning antipsychotic treatment in the near future. While I have undergone MRI and CT scans that yielded normal results, the initial diagnosis of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy was ultimately disregarded, leaving me without a clear diagnosis. What I can articulate is the sense that I exist in a constant state between wakefulness and sleep; it's as if I’m perpetually in a half-dream. Furthermore, there's a notable disparity between my left and right sides—my left side seems to carry a sensation of sedation, while my right side feels entirely normal, even though my physical strength is unchanged on both sides. I feel stuck and unsure of how to move forward. My symptoms are unbearable, and I see no light at the end of the tunnel regarding an effective treatment plan. It seems that any medications meant to alleviate anxiety or sedation actually intensify my perceptual distortions, which makes me prefer facing anxiety instead. I would greatly appreciate any advice or recommendations you might have.
Answers (1)
9/14/2025, 11:20:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the ongoing struggles you are facing with your neurological and psychiatric symptoms. It sounds like an incredibly challenging experience, and it's understandable to feel overwhelmed in your current situation. Let's break down some potential pathways forward and prioritize actions that may help.
Key Points:
- Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Following Prilocaine Injection
- Persistent Symptoms with No Clear Diagnosis
- Current State of Distress and Desire for Effective Treatment
Explanation:
Your symptoms following the prilocaine injection could suggest a reaction that may have affected your neurological system, even if it wasn't immediately apparent. It's concerning that these issues have persisted for nine months, impacting your daily functioning and quality of life.
Considering the complex nature of your symptoms—memory difficulties, persistent perceptual distortions, and a sense of disconnection—it's crucial to approach this systematically. Your experience with various medications and their limited effectiveness adds another layer of complexity to your situation.
Next Steps:
Here are prioritized actions you can take to try and alleviate your symptoms:
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Consult with a Neurologist: Since you've had imaging studies done but still feel unwell, it may be worth revisiting a neurologist who specializes in functional neurological disorders or post-viral syndromes. A fresh evaluation could provide new insights or alternative approaches.
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Psychoeducation and Therapy: Given the psychological burden of your symptoms, consider working with a mental health professional who has experience with chronic neurological conditions. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may help you develop coping strategies for anxiety and manage your distressing symptoms.
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Symptom Tracking: Maintain a detailed diary of your symptoms, their triggers, and any changes over time. This can provide valuable insights for healthcare providers and help track what seems to exacerbate or alleviate your sensations.
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Lifestyle Adjustments: Incorporate stress-reducing practices such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or gentle physical activity as tolerated. These may help with overall relaxation and mental clarity while reducing anxiety levels.
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Consider Specialized Clinics or Integrative Approaches: Look into clinics specializing in integrative medicine or functional neurology. They may offer additional treatment options like neurofeedback, nutritional therapy, or lifestyle management tailored specifically to chronic neurological symptoms.
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Support Groups: Connecting with others who have similar experiences may also alleviate feelings of isolation and provide a sense of community and support.
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Explore Medication Adjustments: If you decide to pursue antipsychotic treatment, ensure this decision is guided by a thorough conversation with a psychiatrist about your symptoms and previous medication experiences. A review of your medication regimen may also identify alternatives or combinations that could work better for you.
It's essential to gather a support system around you during this time and ensure that you communicate regularly with your healthcare providers about your experiences. You deserve relief and a clearer path forward. Please let me know if there's anything specific you would like more detail on or other areas where I can assist you.
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