[20F] Experiencing chest pain with vision changes and lightheadedness

Patient Description

A 20-year-old female reports experiencing intermittent stabbing tightness in the chest for several weeks, rated as a 6 out of 10 in severity, which becomes very noticeable when lying on her sides. The chest pain is not affected by deep breathing or coughing, and there is no shortness of breath or palpitations. Additionally, the patient has been experiencing vision changes described as tunnel vision or an inability to focus, which started about a year ago. The patient also mentioned experiencing brain fog. There is no history of recent illness, fever, injury to the chest, or any severe acute symptoms such as sudden onset of severe chest pain, pain radiating to the arm or jaw, or severe shortness of breath.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

  • Anxiety Disorders: These conditions can cause physical symptoms such as chest pain, lightheadedness, and brain fog. They can also cause changes in vision, although this is less common.

    • Treatment typically involves a combination of therapy and medication.
  • Costochondritis: This is an inflammation of the cartilage in your rib cage. It can cause chest pain that is often worse when you take a deep breath or lie down.

    • Treatment usually involves pain relievers and rest.
  • Vision Disorders: There are many conditions that can cause changes in vision. Some of these conditions can also cause lightheadedness and brain fog.

    • Treatment depends on the specific condition and may involve glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery.

Please note that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. You should consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis.

What you can do

Here are some steps you can take to manage your symptoms:

  1. If you haven't already, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. They can provide a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.
  2. If your symptoms are causing significant distress or interfering with your daily activities, consider seeking immediate medical attention.
  3. If your symptoms are mild and not causing significant distress, you can try some self-care measures. This might include rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and stress management techniques.

What you should look out for

Here are some signs that you should seek immediate medical attention:

  • Severe chest pain
  • Chest pain that spreads to your jaw, left arm, or back
  • Chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or nausea
  • Sudden, severe headache
  • Sudden loss of balance or coordination
  • Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always important to consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.

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9 mo ago


People Also Ask


Can anxiety cause physical symptoms like chest pain and vision changes?

Yes, anxiety disorders can cause a range of physical symptoms, including chest pain, lightheadedness, and sometimes changes in vision. Treatment often involves therapy and medication.


What is costochondritis and how is it treated?

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage, causing chest pain that can worsen with deep breathing or lying down. Treatment typically includes pain relievers and rest.


What could cause tunnel vision and brain fog?

Tunnel vision and brain fog can be caused by various conditions, including vision disorders and neurological issues. It's important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.


When should I seek immediate medical attention for chest pain?

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe chest pain, chest pain that spreads to your jaw, left arm, or back, or if it's accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or nausea.

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