[21F] Experiencing dizziness, headache, and cognitive symptoms

Patient Description

A 21-year-old female is reporting persistent dizziness described as a spinning sensation, rated 8/10 in severity, exacerbated by certain movements such as turning over in bed, sitting up, and standing up, and worse after eating and later in the day. Accompanying symptoms include a throbbing headache at the top and front of the head, rated 6/10, lasting over a week, with a history of similar episodes over multiple years. The patient also experiences brain fog, characterized by memory lapses and difficulty problem-solving, alongside weakness in the limbs, rated 3/10, and auditory changes such as muffled hearing and ringing. Additional symptoms include neck stiffness and irregular bowel movements. The patient's medication regimen includes Adderall XR 20mg and Larn FE 1/20, with no known allergies or adverse reactions to medications. There is no reported history of recent injuries, accidents, or pre-existing conditions.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Migraine: This is a type of headache characterized by throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and sensitivity to light and sound. The dizziness and ringing in your ears could be related to a variant of migraines known as vestibular migraines.

    • Treatment for migraines often involves medication to relieve symptoms and prevent future attacks. Lifestyle changes, such as stress management and regular sleep, can also help.
  • Vestibular Neuritis: This is an inflammation of the inner ear usually caused by a viral infection, resulting in dizziness and loss of balance. The ringing in your ears and the feeling of things sounding far away could be related to this condition.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms, as well as physical therapy to help improve balance.
  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This condition causes brief episodes of mild to intense dizziness, often triggered by specific changes in the position of your head. This could explain why your dizziness gets worse when you turn over in bed, sit up, or stand up.

    • Treatment often involves maneuvers performed by a doctor or physical therapist to help dislodge the tiny calcium particles in the inner ear that cause the condition.
  • Anemia: This is a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. This could explain your symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and dizziness.

    • Treatment for anemia usually involves taking iron supplements and making changes to your diet.
  • Side effects of Adderall: Adderall, a medication used to treat ADHD, can cause side effects such as dizziness, headache, and changes in vision or hearing.

    • If you suspect your symptoms are related to your medication, it's important to talk to your doctor. Do not stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor first.

Remember, these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. Consult a healthcare professional: It's important to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider who can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary.
  2. Monitor your symptoms: Keep track of when your symptoms occur, what triggers them, and how long they last. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider.
  3. Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet: This can help manage symptoms of dizziness and fatigue.
  4. Rest and avoid triggers: Try to identify and avoid triggers for your headaches and dizziness, such as certain foods or activities. Make sure to get enough sleep and rest when you need to.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your symptoms become severe or worsen
  • You experience sudden, severe headache or dizziness
  • You have difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  • You have vision changes or loss of consciousness
  • You have severe weakness or numbness, especially on one side of your body

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm an AI and not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of vestibular migraines?

Vestibular migraines can cause symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, sensitivity to motion, and sometimes headache. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound.


How is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) diagnosed and treated?

BPPV is often diagnosed through a physical examination and specific tests like the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, which involves moving the head into different positions to trigger symptoms. Treatment typically involves repositioning maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver, to move the calcium particles out of the inner ear canals.


Can Adderall cause dizziness and headaches as side effects?

Yes, Adderall can cause side effects such as dizziness, headaches, and changes in vision or hearing. If you suspect these symptoms are related to your medication, it's important to discuss them with your doctor.


What lifestyle changes can help manage migraine symptoms?

Lifestyle changes that can help manage migraine symptoms include maintaining a regular sleep schedule, managing stress, staying hydrated, avoiding known triggers (such as certain foods or bright lights), and engaging in regular physical activity.


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