[21F] Experiencing head swelling, headache, and blurry vision

Patient Description

A 21-year-old female presents with a one-week history of a swollen area on the right side of the head by the temple, which is described as raised, squishy, and accompanied by a headache. The patient also reports shooting pains in the back of the head, blurry vision in the right eye, and a recent episode of a sore throat that resolved on its own. Additionally, the patient has been experiencing diarrhea for two weeks, leading to weight loss. The patient has a history of migraines but is not currently on any medications and reports no allergies. There have been no recent injuries or infections in the area of swelling, and no sudden loss of vision or double vision has been noted.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

  • Temporal Arteritis: This is an inflammation of the arteries in and around the scalp. This condition often presents with a tender, swollen temple, headache, and sometimes changes in vision. It is more common in individuals over 50, but it can occur in younger people.

    • The standard test for this condition is a biopsy of the temporal artery. Treatment typically involves high-dose corticosteroids.
  • Migraines: Given your history of migraines, it's possible that your symptoms are related to a particularly severe or unusual migraine episode. Migraines can sometimes cause visual changes, dizziness, and neck stiffness.

    • Treatment for migraines often involves pain relievers, triptans, ergots, anti-nausea drugs, and preventive medications.
  • Infection: Given your recent sore throat and ongoing diarrhea, it's possible that you have an infection that's causing your symptoms. Some viral infections can cause headaches, neck stiffness, and dizziness.

    • Treatment would depend on the specific type of infection, but may involve rest, hydration, and over-the-counter or prescription medications.

What you can do

You should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your symptoms, particularly the combination of headache, visual changes, and neck stiffness, warrant a prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider. They can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Sudden, severe headache
  • Sudden loss of vision or double vision
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  • Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
  • Fever or chills

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the symptoms you've told me. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of temporal arteritis?

Common symptoms of temporal arteritis include a tender, swollen temple, severe headaches, jaw pain when chewing, scalp tenderness, and sometimes changes in vision such as blurred or double vision.


How can migraines affect vision?

Migraines can affect vision by causing visual disturbances known as auras, which may include flashing lights, zigzag patterns, or temporary loss of vision. These changes usually occur before the headache phase of a migraine.


What types of infections could cause headaches and diarrhea?

Infections that could cause headaches and diarrhea include viral infections like the flu or gastroenteritis, and bacterial infections such as salmonella or E. coli. These infections can lead to systemic symptoms like headaches, fever, and gastrointestinal upset.


When should I seek immediate medical attention for headaches?

You should seek immediate medical attention for headaches if you experience a sudden, severe headache, sudden loss of vision or double vision, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, difficulty walking or maintaining balance, or if you have a fever or chills.


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