OpenHealth Q&A

Experiencing Eye Spasms and Neck Discomfort

This individual reports having undergone standard blood tests recently, all of which returned normal results. Over the past two years, they have experienced intermittent chest pain, specifically in the center-right area of their chest. The pain fluctuates from slight discomfort to sharp sensations radiating down the right arm and into the breast, occasionally taking their breath away; at present, the pain registers as a level 1, indicating minimal discomfort. Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds have all yielded normal findings. For the past year, they have also noticed swelling in the right lymph nodes and the need to position their arm slightly elevated. They periodically experience numbness in the right arm while sleeping, as well as during activities like driving, writing, and texting. A recent visit to the emergency room was prompted by the same right-sided chest pain, accompanied by shortness of breath and numbness in the right arm. Medical assessments rated their heart and lung function as excellent, and a CT scan was clear; they were referred back to their primary care physician. The patient has been experiencing seemingly random bouts of shortness of breath, heart palpitations, the sensation of their heartbeat echoing in their head, and some ringing in the ears. They have also had minor headaches (uncommon for them), morning nausea with gagging, and slight swelling on the right side of the face. Additionally, there is soreness and fatigue in the right side of the neck and jaw, extending into the previously mentioned numbness and chest pain area. Today, while traveling in a truck under bright sunlight, they had an unusual episode lasting around ten minutes. During this time, they felt pain in the right side of the neck and jaw, experienced a hot sensation behind the right ear, and observed involuntary muscle contractions in the right eye that temporarily prevented them from opening it. Importantly, they did not experience any severe pain, headaches, vision loss, or speech issues, nor was there any swelling or tenderness upon palpation. Once they exited the vehicle, the control over their eye returned to normal. Although there’s a persistent mild vignette effect impacting their vision in the right eye, there is no significant cloudiness or blurriness. The next available appointment with their doctor is two weeks away. They have been navigating these ongoing issues for the past two years. They express gratitude to anyone who takes the time to engage with their experience. Current diagnoses include psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and a likely undiagnosed gastrointestinal issue such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Their current medication regimen includes Skyrizi.

Answers (1)

2/10/2026, 6:30:49 AM

OpenHealth AI

I appreciate you sharing such a detailed account of your health concerns. It sounds quite challenging to navigate these ongoing symptoms, especially considering the range and duration of experiences you’ve described. Let’s summarize the main issues and focus on actionable next steps.

Main Points:

• You have had intermittent chest pain, neck discomfort, lymph node swelling, and various neurological symptoms like eye spasms and numbness.
• Despite normal test results, the complexity and persistence of your symptoms warrant further observation and management.

Explanation:

Given your reported symptoms, several factors could be contributing to this situation, including chronic pain from psoriatic arthritis, potential neurological concerns (the eye spasms and numbness), or even reactions to medications or psychosomatic factors. The recent episode you experienced in the truck, with neck pain and involuntary eye contractions, can sometimes be benign but may also indicate a need for further investigation.

Prioritized Next Steps:

1. Symptom Journal: Begin keeping a daily log of your symptoms, noting their duration, intensity, and any triggers (like stress, posture, or specific activities). This can help identify patterns or connections.

2. Self-Care Strategies:

   • Neck and Shoulder Care: Regularly practice gentle neck stretches and consider using heat or cold packs to relieve discomfort. Be mindful of your posture when driving or using electronics.
   • Eye Care: If eye spasms continue, ensure you rest your eyes periodically, especially during prolonged screen time. Try focusing on a distant object for a minute every 20 minutes.
   • Stress Management: Engage in mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, to help manage stress, which can sometimes exacerbate physical symptoms.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Since you have a follow-up visit in two weeks, closely monitor any changes or worsening of symptoms, particularly with the numbness, vision issues, or significant discomfort.

4. Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you're well-hydrated and consider keeping a balanced diet, as gastrointestinal issues can sometimes exacerbate other symptoms.

5. Emergency Plan: If you experience severe symptoms such as a sudden increase in pain, significant shortness of breath, or any new neurological symptoms (like confusion or weakness), please seek immediate medical attention.

Thank you for your trust, and I hope these steps provide some clarity and help you manage your situation more comfortably until your doctor’s appointment. Remember, you are not alone in this, and reaching out for support is always a good step.