[21F] With chronic vomiting, headaches, and associated symptoms

Patient Description

A 21-year-old female reports experiencing chronic vomiting for years, occurring 2-3 times a day, lasting for weeks to months. The vomiting episodes sometimes occur suddenly, while other times they are preceded by tiredness and dizziness. No specific triggers have been identified. The patient has sought medical attention, but test results showed no findings, and no effective treatment has been found yet. Significant weight loss and dehydration have been noted. Additionally, the patient experiences headaches located in the temples and above the eyebrows, accompanied by visual disturbances, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and sometimes aura. The headaches are also associated with numbness, tingling, and weakness in the face and limbs. The patient consumes alcohol 3-6 times a week (1-5 drinks each time) and uses weed daily. The patient reports not eating much and has not been exposed to any known environmental toxins or traveled recently. No additional pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses were mentioned.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, here are some possible explanations:

Chronic Vomiting

  • Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions like gastroparesis, cyclic vomiting syndrome, or chronic gastritis could cause persistent vomiting. These conditions often require specialized tests like endoscopy or gastric emptying studies for diagnosis.
  • Neurological Causes: Migraines can sometimes cause vomiting, especially if accompanied by visual disturbances, sensitivity to light and sound, and aura. Neurological conditions like increased intracranial pressure or vestibular disorders could also be contributing factors.

Headaches

  • Migraines: Given your symptoms of headaches in the temple and above the eyebrows, along with visual disturbances, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and aura, migraines are a likely cause. Migraines can also cause numbness, tingling, and even weakness in some cases.
  • Cluster Headaches: These are severe headaches that occur in cyclical patterns or clusters. They can cause intense pain around one eye or one side of the head.

Weakness and Dizziness

  • Dehydration and Malnutrition: Chronic vomiting can lead to significant weight loss, dehydration, and malnutrition, which can cause weakness and dizziness.
  • Substance Use: Daily use of weed and frequent alcohol consumption can contribute to dizziness and weakness. These substances can also exacerbate other underlying conditions.

Hot Flashes

  • Hormonal Imbalances: Hot flashes can be related to hormonal changes, which might be worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

What you can do

Vomiting

  • Seek Medical Attention: Given the chronic nature and severity of your vomiting, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend tests like endoscopy, gastric emptying studies, or neurological assessments.
  • Stay Hydrated: Try to drink small sips of water or electrolyte solutions frequently to prevent dehydration.
  • Dietary Adjustments: Eating small, frequent meals that are easy to digest may help. Avoiding spicy, fatty, or acidic foods can also be beneficial.

Headaches

  • Consult a Neurologist: A specialist can help diagnose and manage migraines or other types of headaches. They may recommend medications like triptans, anti-nausea drugs, or preventive treatments.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Keeping a headache diary to track triggers, symptoms, and treatments can be helpful. Avoiding known triggers like certain foods, stress, or lack of sleep can also reduce headache frequency.

Weakness and Dizziness

  • Nutritional Support: Given your reduced food intake, consider consulting a dietitian for a balanced meal plan that meets your nutritional needs.
  • Limit Substance Use: Reducing or eliminating the use of weed and alcohol can improve your overall health and reduce symptoms of dizziness and weakness.

Hot Flashes

  • Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of when hot flashes occur and any potential triggers. This information can be useful for your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Given the severity and chronic nature of your symptoms, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Reasons to seek care even more urgently include:

  • Severe Dehydration: Signs include extreme thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, and dizziness.
  • Neurological Symptoms: Worsening headaches, visual disturbances, or new neurological symptoms like weakness or numbness should be evaluated immediately.
  • Substance Withdrawal: If you decide to reduce or stop using weed or alcohol, do so under medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan. You can also use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, get insights, and share longitudinal medical notes with your provider.

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5 mo ago

People Also Ask


What could be causing chronic vomiting without any specific triggers?

Chronic vomiting without specific triggers could be due to conditions like gastroparesis, cyclic vomiting syndrome, or neurological issues such as migraines. These conditions often require specialized tests for diagnosis.


How can migraines lead to symptoms like numbness and visual disturbances?

Migraines can cause a range of symptoms due to changes in brain activity and blood flow. These can include visual disturbances (aura), sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes numbness or tingling due to nerve involvement.


What are the potential effects of frequent alcohol and weed use on health?

Frequent alcohol and weed use can contribute to dizziness, weakness, and exacerbate underlying health conditions. They can also lead to dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, and impact mental health.


How can dehydration and malnutrition from chronic vomiting be managed?

Managing dehydration and malnutrition involves staying hydrated with small sips of water or electrolyte solutions and eating small, frequent meals that are easy to digest. Consulting a healthcare provider for a tailored nutritional plan is also recommended.


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