Unusual Body Symptoms: A Guide to Neurological Issues

Q: Unusual Body Symptoms: A Guide to Neurological Issues

Hello San： It is recommended to visit the neurology outpatient clinic.

Feeling unwell?

Hello doctor, about three months ago, while I was using my phone, I suddenly experienced a moment of darkness (not sure if it was a hallucination).
Later, after waking up in the afternoon, I felt my heart racing and noticed a flickering sensation in my vision, which subsided after a while.
Since then, I've been feeling strange; sometimes my head feels very heavy and tight, with a sensation of pressure in my forehead.
I can hear my heartbeat quickly, and my legs feel weak.
My body feels unsteady, and I occasionally hear a thumping sound in my left ear.
Upon waking, I experience a rustling noise and static in the back of my head.
When my left ear feels blocked, my left side of the face swells, and I feel weakness and poor circulation on the left side (after lifting heavy objects, the heaviness in my head and weakness on the left side worsen).
I also feel like my heart is trembling.
I noticed that taking Centrum or iron supplements seems to help a bit.
My vision sometimes appears to have poor quality with a bit of noise.
I consulted an ENT specialist who said I have inner ear imbalance, and blood tests indicated I have thalassemia.
Later, I visited a family doctor who suggested it might be autonomic nervous system dysfunction and referred me to a neurologist.
An EEG showed no issues, and blood tests revealed elevated platelet levels, so I am now being referred to a hematologist for an appointment next week.
Sometimes, I feel like I might have a stroke, and I am very anxious.
Doctor, what do you think is my problem, and which specialist should I see?

San, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/30

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology

Hello San: It is recommended to visit the neurology outpatient clinic.

Reply Date: 2023/10/30

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a complex array of symptoms that can be quite distressing. Based on your description, there are several potential neurological and physiological issues that could be contributing to your sensations. Let's break down your symptoms and explore possible causes and recommendations for further evaluation.

Symptoms Overview
1. Visual Disturbances: You mentioned experiencing a "flickering" sensation in your vision, which can be associated with various conditions, including migraines, visual aura, or even anxiety-related symptoms.
2. Head Pressure and Sensation: The feeling of tightness or heaviness in your head, along with a rapid heartbeat, could indicate a tension-type headache or even a migraine. These headaches can sometimes be accompanied by sensory disturbances.

3. Weakness and Sensation Changes: The weakness in your legs and the sensation of your left side feeling "off" could be concerning, especially with your mention of feeling like you might be having a stroke. While it’s good that you’ve had a brain wave test (EEG) that came back normal, persistent weakness and sensory changes warrant further investigation.

4. Auditory Symptoms: The "thumping" sound in your left ear and the sensation of fullness could suggest issues with your inner ear, which can affect balance and hearing. This aligns with what your ENT specialist noted about inner ear imbalance.

5. Anxiety and Stress: The feelings of anxiety and the fear of having a stroke can exacerbate physical symptoms. Anxiety can manifest physically, leading to increased heart rate, muscle tension, and even sensations of dizziness or lightheadedness.

Possible Conditions
Given your symptoms, several conditions could be at play:
- Migraine with Aura: This could explain the visual disturbances and head pressure. Migraines can also cause sensory changes and weakness.

- Vestibular Disorders: Your inner ear issues could be contributing to balance problems and auditory symptoms.

- Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction: This could explain the heart palpitations and feelings of weakness, particularly if you are experiencing stress or anxiety.

- Anemia: Your Mediterranean anemia could be contributing to fatigue and weakness, which might explain some of your symptoms.

- Anxiety Disorders: Given the physical manifestations of anxiety, it’s essential to consider whether your symptoms are exacerbated by stress or anxiety.

Recommendations
1. Follow-Up with Specialists: Since you have already seen an ENT and a family physician, it might be beneficial to continue working with a neurologist, especially given your concerns about stroke and neurological symptoms. They may recommend further imaging studies, such as an MRI, to rule out any structural issues.

2. Blood Work: Since you mentioned having elevated platelets and Mediterranean anemia, it would be wise to follow up with a hematologist to understand the implications of these findings and how they might relate to your symptoms.

3. Mental Health Evaluation: Consider consulting with a mental health professional. Anxiety can significantly impact physical health, and addressing any underlying anxiety may help alleviate some of your symptoms.

4. Lifestyle Modifications: Engage in stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or regular physical exercise, which can help manage anxiety and improve overall well-being.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any potential triggers. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing your condition.

Conclusion
Your symptoms are multifaceted and could stem from a combination of neurological, physiological, and psychological factors. It’s essential to continue seeking medical advice and follow up with the appropriate specialists. By addressing both the physical and mental aspects of your health, you can work towards finding relief and improving your quality of life. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are healthcare professionals ready to support you.

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