[22F] Experiencing a wide range of severe symptoms for two months

Patient Description

A 22-year-old female has been experiencing a complex array of symptoms for the past two months, including violent vomiting, visual disturbances, difficulty hearing, balance issues, dizziness with episodes of tunnel vision requiring her to lay down, deep ear pain, blurred vision, involuntary twitching described as electric-like pulses, and severe stomach pain described as a constant, stabbing, and twisting sensation. Additionally, she has had dark to light-colored stool changes, fever and chills (with recent episodes primarily involving chills), and significant discomfort at night affecting her sleep. Past medical interventions include three hospital visits with CT scans of the head and abdomen revealing stomach lining inflammation, and normal white blood cell levels. Current medications include Zofran for nausea, an acid reducer, and a pain reliever, taken as per prescribed dosages. The patient also reports a history of mental illness diagnosed at age 14, and an allergy to adhesive tape. Despite extensive testing, a definitive diagnosis has not been reached, leading to significant distress.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually resulting from a viral or bacterial infection. It can cause symptoms like severe stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, it typically improves within a few days and doesn't usually cause the other symptoms you're experiencing.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies to alleviate symptoms.

  • Ménière's disease: This is an inner ear disorder that can cause vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness or congestion in the ear. However, it doesn't usually cause the other symptoms you're experiencing.

    • Treatment usually involves medications to control vertigo and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms.

  • Neurological conditions: Some neurological conditions, like multiple sclerosis or a brain tumor, can cause a wide range of symptoms, including those you're experiencing. However, these are serious conditions that require immediate medical attention.

    • Treatment depends on the specific condition and can involve medications, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

  • Anxiety or panic disorder: These mental health conditions can cause physical symptoms, including stomach pain, dizziness, and tingling or numbness in the extremities. However, they typically also cause psychological symptoms, like excessive worry or fear.

    • Treatment usually involves psychotherapy and medications.

Please remember that these are only possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. Continue to take your prescribed medications as directed by your healthcare provider.
  2. Try to stay hydrated, especially if you're vomiting or have diarrhea.
  3. Try to rest as much as possible.
  4. Consider seeking a second opinion if you're not satisfied with the care you're receiving.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Sudden, severe headache
  • Sudden, severe abdominal pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Seizures

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may need different approaches. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment.

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8 mo ago

People Also Ask

What could cause severe stomach pain and vomiting in a young adult?

Severe stomach pain and vomiting can be caused by a variety of conditions, including gastroenteritis, food poisoning, peptic ulcers, or more serious conditions like appendicitis. It's important to seek medical evaluation to determine the exact cause.

How can visual disturbances and balance issues be related to ear problems?

Visual disturbances and balance issues can be related to ear problems due to the inner ear's role in maintaining balance. Conditions like Ménière's disease or vestibular neuritis can affect the inner ear, leading to symptoms like vertigo, dizziness, and visual disturbances.

What are the potential causes of involuntary twitching and electric-like pulses in the body?

Involuntary twitching and electric-like pulses can be caused by neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, or even stress and anxiety. A thorough neurological evaluation is often necessary to determine the underlying cause.

Why might someone experience changes in stool color along with fever and chills?

Changes in stool color, along with fever and chills, can indicate an infection or inflammation in the digestive tract, such as gastroenteritis or a liver condition. These symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

1 Comments

Janice#97

8 mo ago

Some of these symptoms such as vomiting, visual disturbances, difficulty hearing, balance issues, dizziness with episodes of tunnel vision requiring her to lay down may be related to complex migraines, assuming that your repeat CT head scans have been negative

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