Ask a doctor on the topic of Orthopedics

Severe vision and concentration problems

January 26, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by MD Felix Aaslepp

Hello,

I, 25 years old and male, have been suffering from various symptoms for more than 3 years.

- a constantly persistent vision disorder, which is sometimes better and sometimes worse. The vision is "grainy" or "flickering". Difficult to describe, everything seems a bit blurry.
- dizziness, which is sometimes there and sometimes not
- the feeling of not being there properly, almost a mild to sometimes very strong concentration disorder, also sometimes much better and sometimes much worse.

It all started with a stabbing pain in the chest, then an ambulance was called. A heart attack was ruled out and it was attributed to my psyche, and an anxiety disorder was diagnosed. If it ever existed, it is long gone, but the symptoms as described above remain.

I have undergone the following examinations and therapy attempts:

- Complete eye examination at the University Hospital Erlangen -> slight nearsightedness, that's it
- MRI of the brain and upper cervical spine -> all normal
- Neck muscles: "relaxation injections" (don't know the technical term) and physiotherapy -> definitely tense, but not more than average, no improvement here either
- Adjustment and examination by a orthopedist and chiropractor -> it cracked a few times but didn't help
- general examinations like (long-term) blood pressure, pulse, blood sugar etc. All without major deviations.
- Removal of all 4 wisdom teeth -> no change
- 5 times a week gym to loosen and strengthen everything (for 1 year) -> no change

After all this had no success, it was stamped as a "functional disorder". My eyes just don't seem to work properly.

I have also observed that the symptoms can vary greatly after sleeping. I have not been able to notice any noticeable difference with changes in sleep length, sleep quality or sleep position. It seems to me to always be "random".

For me as a layman, it would make sense if not enough blood/oxygen reaches my head, but of course I don't know.

I often feel so incredibly out of it and cannot properly enjoy my life.
I wish for nothing more than therapy or at least an explanation of the causes.

I earnestly ask for advice,

Thank you.

MD Felix Aaslepp

Hello,
you have already had a comprehensive investigation of all possible physical causes. However, they have not written about a diagnosis or therapy for psychological causes. Such rather diffuse and persistent symptoms are, after ruling out all physical causes, actually most often psychologically based. The distinction is usually very difficult, as the body often presents it (at least in part) as a physical problem.
Why not introduce yourself to a psychotherapist and discuss the issue with them? Often, much comes to light there, which can explain the symptoms. The body and mind are very dependent on each other and influence each other.
I wish you all the best!