[19F] Experiencing constant dizziness and severe migraines

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms and medical history, here are some possible conditions:

• Vestibular Migraine: This is a type of migraine that may or may not cause a headache, but can cause dizziness, problems with balance, and other symptoms. The dizziness can be severe enough to cause imbalance. It's possible that your migraines have evolved into this type.

  • Treatment often involves medications to control the migraines, such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, or antidepressants.

• Meniere's Disease: This is a disorder of the inner ear that can lead to dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In most cases, Meniere's disease affects only one ear. It can occur at any age, but it usually starts between young to middle-aged adulthood.

  • Treatment typically involves a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery.

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This is one of the most common causes of vertigo — the sudden sensation that you're spinning or that the inside of your head is spinning. BPPV causes brief episodes of mild to intense dizziness. It is usually triggered by specific changes in the position of your head.

  • Treatment involves a series of movements to help move the crystals in your inner ear.

• Side effects of medication: Both duloxetine and glycopyrrolate can cause dizziness and nausea as side effects. It's possible that your symptoms are related to your medication.

  • Treatment would involve discussing these side effects with your doctor, who may adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication.

What you can do

You should definitely see a healthcare professional about your symptoms. They can provide a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In the meantime, here are some things you can do:

1. Try to avoid triggers for your migraines and dizziness, such as certain foods, stress, or lack of sleep.
2. Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet. This can help manage your nausea.
3. Be careful when you move or change positions to avoid falls due to dizziness.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your symptoms suddenly get worse.
• You have a severe headache unlike any you've had before.
• You have trouble speaking or understanding speech, or you have vision problems. These could be signs of a stroke.
• You have a high fever along with your headache and neck stiffness. This could be a sign of meningitis.

Please remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.