[19F] Experiencing arm pain, headache, chest tightness, and night sweats

Patient Description

A 19-year-old female reports a 2-day history of left arm pain, described as a dull ache with intermittent sharp stabbing sensations, rated 6/10 for severity. The pain is localized from the shoulder to the bicep and is not affected by movement or rest. Additionally, she has been experiencing a constant, sharp headache for 1 month, localized to the left side behind the eye, rated 4/10 in severity, which is alleviated by applying cold. She also mentions a feeling of pressure in the middle of the chest, rated 5/10, and night sweats that occur every time she sleeps, both symptoms having started 1 month ago. The patient has a history of functional paralysis and seizures, diagnosed in October, and is currently on medications including lithium, trazodone, lurasidone, fluoxetine, thorazine, and hydroxyzine. She reports recent weight gain, blurred vision at times, but no shortness of breath, fever, or known drug allergies.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Anxiety or Panic Disorder: These conditions can cause symptoms such as chest tightness, headaches, and night sweats. Your arm pain could be due to muscle tension related to anxiety. However, these conditions are usually diagnosed after other potential causes have been ruled out.

    • Treatment typically involves psychotherapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy is often effective), medications (such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or benzodiazepines), and lifestyle modifications (like regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet).
  • Functional Neurological Disorder (FND): This is a condition you've already been diagnosed with. FND can cause a wide range of physical symptoms, including pain, movement disorders, and seizures. The symptoms you're experiencing could potentially be related to your FND.

    • Treatment often involves physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and sometimes medications.
  • Side effects of medication: You're currently taking several medications, some of which can cause side effects like headaches, night sweats, and weight gain. It's also possible that these medications could be interacting with each other in a way that's causing your symptoms.

    • Treatment would involve reviewing your medications with your doctor to see if any changes need to be made.

Please note that there are many potential causes for your symptoms, and it's important to get a formal evaluation from a healthcare provider to determine the exact cause.

What you can do

  1. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. They may want to perform some tests or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.
  2. Keep a symptom diary. Note when each symptom occurs, how long it lasts, and what you're doing when it starts. This can help your healthcare provider identify patterns and potential triggers.
  3. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can help manage many health conditions.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your symptoms significantly worsen
  • You develop new symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, or a sudden, severe headache
  • You have a seizure that lasts longer than usual or is different from your typical seizures

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare provider.

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11 mo ago

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People Also Ask


Can anxiety or panic disorders cause physical symptoms like chest tightness and night sweats?

Yes, anxiety or panic disorders can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including chest tightness, headaches, and night sweats. These symptoms are often due to the body's stress response and can be managed with therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.


What is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and how can it affect the body?

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a condition where there are neurological symptoms that cannot be explained by a neurological disease. It can cause symptoms like pain, movement disorders, and seizures. Treatment often involves physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and sometimes medications.


Could the medications I'm taking be causing my symptoms like headaches and weight gain?

Yes, medications can cause side effects such as headaches, weight gain, and night sweats. It's important to review your medications with your doctor to determine if they might be contributing to your symptoms and if any adjustments are needed.


What should I do if my symptoms worsen or I experience new symptoms?

If your symptoms worsen or you experience new symptoms like difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, or a sudden, severe headache, you should seek immediate medical attention. It's important to monitor your symptoms and consult with your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management.


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