Neurological Concerns
Age: 16, Height: 5’6", Weight: 115 lbs. I have been experiencing episodes of syncope along with involuntary jerking, roughly three times each month over the past one to two years. Recently, I encountered a troubling instance where I lost my vision and felt intense pressure behind my eyes. Following that incident, I have been subjected to frequent, vivid visual hallucinations, often distressing, each time I close my eyes, and even while I blink, today it occurred again. Additionally, I have been dealing with persistent pressure in my head and eyes that shifts from side to side; currently, the discomfort is most acute behind my right eye and the back right part of my head. This pressure is accompanied by pain that radiates down my neck and an unusual sensation in my right ear. I also experience persistent tremors in my left arm, which sometimes extend throughout my entire body. Today, I noted the emergence of involuntary jerking movements and sudden shifts in my body while I was fully aware, affecting areas such as my legs, right foot, abdomen, and chest, which would move upward or forward unexpectedly. Alongside this, I have been feeling mentally clouded and occasionally unable to concentrate. Although my blood tests and a brief EEG returned normal results, my symptoms continue to intensify. I’ve noticed that I am often able to sense an impending episode; this prelude is marked by feelings of unease and severe brain fog that can last for days prior to an event. At times, I experience vision loss solely when I stand up (despite my iron levels being normal), and in addition to the syncope accompanied by jerking movements, I have now encountered vision loss alongside the severe pressure in my eyes for the first time.
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 7:51:07 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your symptoms are quite concerning and suggest multiple neurological issues that need to be addressed thoughtfully and urgently. It sounds like you're experiencing episodes of syncope (loss of consciousness), involuntary movements or jerking, severe visual issues, and persistent pressure in your head and eyes. The presence of these symptoms, particularly the recent changes with visual hallucinations and the inability to concentrate, should not be overlooked.
Explanation:
- Syncope: This typically involves a temporary loss of consciousness due to a lack of blood flow to the brain, which can happen for various reasons, including neurologic conditions.
- Involuntary Jerking: This could indicate possible seizure activity or other neurological conditions.
- Visual Hallucinations: These can arise from various sources, including neurological disorders or changes in brain function.
- Pressure and Pain: The sensation of pressure in your head, particularly behind your eyes, alongside neck pain and unusual ear sensations, may suggest issues related to cranial nerves or increased intracranial pressure.
Given your collection of symptoms, especially the visual disturbances and neurological changes, it's very important to take action.
Next Steps (Prioritized Actions):
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your symptoms are complex and may require urgent evaluation by a neurologist or a healthcare provider experienced in such issues. Although you have had normal tests so far, the persistence and worsening of symptoms necessitate further investigation.
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Document your episodes, noting the occurrence, duration, any pre-symptoms (e.g., brain fog), and exactly how you feel during these episodes. This will help healthcare providers understand your situation better.
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Monitor Changes Closely: Pay special attention to any new symptoms. If you experience severe headache, sudden changes in vision, or significant confusion, seek emergency care.
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Manage Triggers and Safety: Make sure to take precautions in your daily life to ensure safety and minimize risk during episodes. This may include avoiding sudden changes in posture (like standing up quickly) and having a buddy system in place, especially when performing activities like driving.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you stay hydrated and eat balanced meals to help support your overall health, as sometimes these factors can influence symptoms.
Your experiences are valid and deserve attention; please take these steps seriously for your health and safety.
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