Understanding My Unsettling Symptoms
I'm an 18-year-old female who's been experiencing some peculiar sensations for over a year now. Lately, I’ve noticed that I frequently encounter déjà vu, accompanied by persistent ringing in my ears. I’ve undergone a head CT scan, which ruled out any brain tumors, so I’m somewhat relieved about that. Additionally, I sometimes detect unusual scents, like burnt material, which briefly appear before disappearing. During my déjà vu episodes, I often feel trapped within the moment, and it can be quite alarming. I am currently undergoing tests for conditions such as hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (HEDS) and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). This leads me to question whether I should seek further evaluation for potential seizure activity. My concern also extends to the frequent and loud ringing in my ears — it resembles a distorted speaker at times. Could these sensations and episodes merely be linked to my ears or perhaps just a normal occurrence of déjà vu? I’m eager to understand what’s going on with my body and whether I need to address these issues with a medical professional.
Answers (1)
12/17/2025, 6:40:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel unsettled by the unusual sensations you've been experiencing. Your symptoms, including déjà vu, persistent ringing in your ears (tinnitus), and detecting strange scents, are indeed notable and warrant careful assessment.
Summary of Main Points
- Symptoms Overview: You've experienced déjà vu, ringing in the ears, and unusual scents.
- Previous Evaluations: A CT scan has ruled out brain tumors, which is reassuring.
- Potential Links: Your ongoing tests for hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (HEDS) and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) may relate to your symptoms.
Understanding Your Symptoms
- Déjà vu: This phenomenon can happen occasionally to many people, but experiencing it frequently, especially when combined with other symptoms, could indicate a neurological issue that should be evaluated further.
- Ringing in Ears (Tinnitus): This could be related to auditory nerve sensitivity, potential issues with the inner ear, or even stress. It's not uncommon for tinnitus to accompany other neurological or sensory phenomena.
- Unusual Scents: Detecting strange smells (olfactory hallucinations) may relate to neurological conditions and often links to temporal lobe activity, which could overlap with your déjà vu experiences.
Prioritized Next Steps
- Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your episodes, noting when they happen, their duration, and any triggers you may notice. This information can be very helpful for medical evaluations.
- Consult a Neurologist: Given the combination of your symptoms, particularly the déjà vu and unusual smells, it would be beneficial to have a thorough evaluation for potential seizure activity or other neurological conditions. Neuroimaging or EEG tests may be recommended.
- Follow-Up on Tinnitus: Seek evaluation from an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) regarding your tinnitus. They can help determine if it's related to ear health or other factors.
- Monitor Your Overall Health: As you undergo testing for HEDS and POTS, it's crucial to manage any symptoms associated with these conditions, like dizziness or fatigue, as they can also affect your overall sensation experiences.
Additional Support
Remember that you’re not alone in dealing with these symptoms, and they can often be managed effectively with the right guidance and care. Stay in close communication with your healthcare providers about your concerns and progress. If you feel overwhelmed, consider speaking with a mental health professional for support as you navigate these experiences.
Please take these steps at your own pace, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help whenever you need it.
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