[20F] With widespread pain, fatigue, dizziness, and other systemic symptoms

Patient Description

A 20-year-old female presents with a constellation of symptoms that have been ongoing for varying durations. She reports a constant headache for a week, described as throbbing and aching, localized at the back of the head towards the neck, with a severity of 5-7 out of 10. Additionally, she experiences extreme body pain in the back, neck, legs, arms, and ribs, described as sharp and aching, which started suddenly after a month-long migraine and has persisted for almost three weeks. The pain is exacerbated by any activity, including walking and lying down, and is particularly worse at night, with a severity of 6-8 out of 10. She has tried Tylenol, Aleve, and muscle relaxers with minimal relief. She is scheduled for a spinal tap in September to investigate further. Other symptoms include an inability to regulate body temperature, extreme fatigue making it hard to get out of bed, nausea, constant dizziness, night sweats for the past month, frequent nosebleeds occurring 3-5 times a day (worsened from a history of nosebleeds since age 12), itchy skin without a rash, no appetite, and episodes of passing out. She denies any recent infections or illnesses other than a possible UTI.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are a few potential diagnoses that could explain your condition. However, please remember that only a healthcare professional can provide a formal diagnosis.

1. Infection or Inflammatory Condition

  • Rationale: Your symptoms of constant headache, extreme body pain, fever-like symptoms (difficulty regulating body temperature), night sweats, and fatigue could be indicative of an underlying infection or inflammatory condition. Infections like viral or bacterial meningitis, or inflammatory conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), could present with these symptoms.
  • Typical Treatments/Testing: Blood tests, imaging studies, and possibly a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to check for infections or inflammatory markers.

2. Hematologic or Oncologic Condition

  • Rationale: The combination of extreme fatigue, night sweats, frequent nosebleeds, and unexplained weight loss could be concerning for a hematologic condition such as leukemia or lymphoma.
  • Typical Treatments/Testing: Blood tests, imaging studies, and possibly a bone marrow biopsy to check for abnormal cells.

3. Neurological Condition

  • Rationale: Given your history of migraines and the sudden onset of severe body pain and headaches, a neurological condition such as a chronic migraine or even a more serious condition like a brain tumor could be considered.
  • Typical Treatments/Testing: Neurological examination, MRI or CT scan of the brain, and possibly a lumbar puncture.

4. Endocrine or Metabolic Disorder

  • Rationale: Symptoms like extreme fatigue, difficulty regulating body temperature, and unexplained weight loss could be related to an endocrine disorder such as hyperthyroidism or adrenal insufficiency.
  • Typical Treatments/Testing: Blood tests to check hormone levels, imaging studies of the thyroid or adrenal glands.

What you can do

Extreme Body Pain, Tiredness, and Dizziness

  • See a Doctor: Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it's crucial to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. They may perform blood tests, imaging studies, and other diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause.
  • At Home:
    • Rest: Ensure you get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities.
    • Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
    • Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Aleve can be used, but consult your doctor for appropriate dosages and alternatives.
    • Symptom Journal: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, and share longitudinal medical notes with your provider.

Night Sweats and Weight Loss

  • See a Doctor: These symptoms can be concerning and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. They may perform blood tests, imaging studies, and possibly a biopsy to determine the cause.
  • At Home:
    • Cool Environment: Keep your sleeping environment cool and wear light, breathable clothing.
    • Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
    • Symptom Journal: Use MDandMe to track your night sweats and any other symptoms.

Frequent Nosebleeds

  • See a Doctor: Frequent nosebleeds can be a sign of an underlying condition that needs medical evaluation. Your doctor may perform blood tests and a nasal examination.
  • At Home:
    • Humidify: Use a humidifier in your room to keep the air moist.
    • Nasal Care: Apply a saline nasal spray or gel to keep your nasal passages moist.
    • Avoid Irritants: Avoid picking your nose and exposure to irritants like smoke.

What you should look out for

Given the severity of your symptoms and the possibility of life-threatening causes, you should seek medical care as soon as you can. Reasons to seek care even more urgently include:

  • Severe or Sudden Worsening of Symptoms: If your pain, dizziness, or other symptoms suddenly worsen.
  • Neurological Symptoms: Any new symptoms like vision changes, severe headaches, or weakness.
  • Uncontrolled Bleeding: If your nosebleeds become uncontrollable or you experience bleeding from other sites.
  • Fainting or Shortness of Breath: If you experience fainting spells or difficulty breathing.

Please remember that this advice is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation and treatment. Make sure to consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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3 mo ago


People Also Ask


What could be causing my constant headaches and body pain?

Constant headaches and body pain could be due to a variety of conditions, including infections, inflammatory conditions, neurological issues, or even hematologic disorders. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.


Why am I experiencing frequent nosebleeds and night sweats?

Frequent nosebleeds and night sweats can be symptoms of underlying conditions such as hematologic disorders like leukemia, infections, or hormonal imbalances. These symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.


What tests might be necessary to diagnose my symptoms?

To diagnose your symptoms, your doctor might recommend blood tests, imaging studies like MRI or CT scans, and possibly a lumbar puncture or bone marrow biopsy to check for infections, inflammatory markers, or abnormal cells.


How can I manage my symptoms at home while waiting for a diagnosis?

At home, you can manage symptoms by getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, using over-the-counter pain relievers as advised by your doctor, keeping a symptom journal, and maintaining a cool sleeping environment. However, it's crucial to seek medical advice for a comprehensive treatment plan.


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