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Floaters/Right Cheek Feelings
I was looking for some information on eye floaters and right cheek feelings I experience. I had some stomach bleeding with anemia and transfusions about 6 months ago. Several weeks later, I started seeing floaters. They are mostly small, dark circles or look like uncolorful cobwebs. I usually only see floaters in bright light such as a sunny day or under office lighting.
After I started experiencing floaters, I saw my ophthalmologist, who dilated my eyes and examined me, but found nothing wrong. My primary care doctor also did blood work to check for diabetes, but that was negative. I do not have high blood pressure. I am a 30 year old white male. I take small amounts of Clonazepam at night for an anxiety disorder, as well as Protonix and Hemocyte Plus during the day. My primary doctor advised me to try stopping the Hemocyte, which I did for about 10 days with no noticeable changes in the floaters. I do moderate exercise 5-6 times a week (jogging, weight lifting, hiking).
My hemoglobin is now normal, but I continue to see floaters. My ferritin levels were still low at last check (11). I have not seen flashing lights. I have had a few mild aches around my eyes, but no migraines.
I also experience some tingly feelings in my right cheek. I have been examined by two dentists who found nothing wrong. I have also had a head CT scan, which was negative.
I was wondering if any of this is concerning from a neurological perspective? Should I see a neurologist? I have good health insurance.
After I started experiencing floaters, I saw my ophthalmologist, who dilated my eyes and examined me, but found nothing wrong. My primary care doctor also did blood work to check for diabetes, but that was negative. I do not have high blood pressure. I am a 30 year old white male. I take small amounts of Clonazepam at night for an anxiety disorder, as well as Protonix and Hemocyte Plus during the day. My primary doctor advised me to try stopping the Hemocyte, which I did for about 10 days with no noticeable changes in the floaters. I do moderate exercise 5-6 times a week (jogging, weight lifting, hiking).
My hemoglobin is now normal, but I continue to see floaters. My ferritin levels were still low at last check (11). I have not seen flashing lights. I have had a few mild aches around my eyes, but no migraines.
I also experience some tingly feelings in my right cheek. I have been examined by two dentists who found nothing wrong. I have also had a head CT scan, which was negative.
I was wondering if any of this is concerning from a neurological perspective? Should I see a neurologist? I have good health insurance.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi!
Well, yes, your symptoms do sound perplexing as you do not see flashes of light, now have normal iron level and do not appear to have any known medical illness.
Floaters in the eye can be a sign of retinal detachment (ruled out in your case), shrinkage of the vitreous humour (gel like substance in the eye—though you had an eye exam, check this point with your eye specialist), ophthalmic/retinal migraine (can cause eye symptoms without a headache), macular edema (ruled out as you had an internal eye exam), debris in tear film, allergies, a blow or fall on the head or due to some inflammation. Floaters can also be chronic eye static due to the electrical activity inside our eye. This produces an image of the vitreous and retina, sometimes white spots against black or vice versa and sometimes red hues too. This is normal. Rarely this is due to inflammation. Most floaters never completely disappear. There is no medicine or eye drop that can really cure this. However, conditions like retinal/ophthalmic migraines, allergies and debris in tear film can be treated with medications or eye drops.
Floaters can also be due to low or high blood pressure or due to low blood sugar. Hence, these conditions should be looked into.
The tingling feeling in the right cheek can be due to teeth related causes which have been ruled out in your case. The other possibility is maxillary sinusitis. In this case X-rays and CT scans will have to be done focusing on the sinuses.
TMJ or temperomandibular joint disorder is another possibility as your dentist noticed some clenching. You need to consult a well trained Neuromuscular Dentist for an evaluation of TMJ. You will need to get a CBCT or a 3D CT Scan done. This will give the position of your TMJ condyles in relation to the ear. A more posterior placement can cause dizziness for some patients. Also, it is important to evaluate whether additionally you have elongated, calcified Stylomandibular Ligaments. This can cause pain while bending the neck and turning.
You have to press on muscles of the cheek to look for sore points. Then massage these points with short strokes. To massage the masseter muscles on each side of your jaw, place your thumb inside your mouth and squeeze the thick muscle in your cheek with your fingers. To massage the jaw muscles inside your mouth, use your index finger to probe and massage these spots. If this is due to TMJ it will help. Moist heat or cold packs on the face, vitamin supplements, or biofeedback are useful for some people. Usually people find a method that brings relief by trial and error. Consult an ENT specialist.
If all the above mentioned causes are ruled out then yes, consulting a neurologist may help. Please discuss all the above mentioned points in detail with your treating doctor. Hope you get well soon! Good Luck and take care!
Well, yes, your symptoms do sound perplexing as you do not see flashes of light, now have normal iron level and do not appear to have any known medical illness.
Floaters in the eye can be a sign of retinal detachment (ruled out in your case), shrinkage of the vitreous humour (gel like substance in the eye—though you had an eye exam, check this point with your eye specialist), ophthalmic/retinal migraine (can cause eye symptoms without a headache), macular edema (ruled out as you had an internal eye exam), debris in tear film, allergies, a blow or fall on the head or due to some inflammation. Floaters can also be chronic eye static due to the electrical activity inside our eye. This produces an image of the vitreous and retina, sometimes white spots against black or vice versa and sometimes red hues too. This is normal. Rarely this is due to inflammation. Most floaters never completely disappear. There is no medicine or eye drop that can really cure this. However, conditions like retinal/ophthalmic migraines, allergies and debris in tear film can be treated with medications or eye drops.
Floaters can also be due to low or high blood pressure or due to low blood sugar. Hence, these conditions should be looked into.
The tingling feeling in the right cheek can be due to teeth related causes which have been ruled out in your case. The other possibility is maxillary sinusitis. In this case X-rays and CT scans will have to be done focusing on the sinuses.
TMJ or temperomandibular joint disorder is another possibility as your dentist noticed some clenching. You need to consult a well trained Neuromuscular Dentist for an evaluation of TMJ. You will need to get a CBCT or a 3D CT Scan done. This will give the position of your TMJ condyles in relation to the ear. A more posterior placement can cause dizziness for some patients. Also, it is important to evaluate whether additionally you have elongated, calcified Stylomandibular Ligaments. This can cause pain while bending the neck and turning.
You have to press on muscles of the cheek to look for sore points. Then massage these points with short strokes. To massage the masseter muscles on each side of your jaw, place your thumb inside your mouth and squeeze the thick muscle in your cheek with your fingers. To massage the jaw muscles inside your mouth, use your index finger to probe and massage these spots. If this is due to TMJ it will help. Moist heat or cold packs on the face, vitamin supplements, or biofeedback are useful for some people. Usually people find a method that brings relief by trial and error. Consult an ENT specialist.
If all the above mentioned causes are ruled out then yes, consulting a neurologist may help. Please discuss all the above mentioned points in detail with your treating doctor. Hope you get well soon! Good Luck and take care!
Actually, the dentist said it appeared that I clenched my teeth, but didn't find an abscess or anything.
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