[28F] Experiencing dizziness, headache, and persistent nausea

Patient Description

A 28-year-old female presents with a 2-week history of persistent nausea, independent of meals, accompanied by an aching headache and dizziness. The nausea is described as extreme and is not relieved by any known interventions. The headache, which is also of 2 weeks' duration, is described as aching and comes and goes. The patient has experienced similar headaches in the past. Additionally, the patient reports weakness but denies any fever, stiff neck, rash, confusion, seizure, double vision, numbness, or trouble speaking. There are no specific exacerbating factors identified for the nausea or headache.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Migraine: This is a type of headache characterized by severe, throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. It can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so severe that it interferes with your daily activities.

    • Treatment typically involves pain relieving medications and preventive medications.
  • Tension headache: This is the most common type of headache, and it causes a constant ache or pressure around the head, especially at the temples or back of the head and neck. They are often related to stress, depression, or anxiety. Over-the-counter treatments such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen might be helpful.

  • Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): This condition can cause nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever and chills. It's caused by a viral infection and usually resolves on its own within a few days.

    • Treatment involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies to help with symptoms.
  • Vertigo: This is a sensation of feeling off balance and experiencing a dizzy feeling like spinning. It's often caused by issues in the inner ear or brain.

    • Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms but may include physical therapy, medication, or surgery.

Remember, these are just possibilities and a healthcare professional should make a definitive diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. Rest and hydrate: Make sure you're getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of fluids. Dehydration can make headaches and nausea worse.
  2. Over-the-counter remedies: Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with the headache. There are also over-the-counter medications that can help with nausea.
  3. Avoid triggers: If you notice that certain foods or activities make your symptoms worse, try to avoid them.
  4. Seek medical attention: If your symptoms persist or get worse, make sure to see a healthcare professional.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek urgent medical attention:

  • If your headache is sudden and severe, or it's accompanied by a fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizure, numbness, weakness, or trouble speaking.
  • If your nausea and vomiting are so severe that you can't keep down any fluids or food, or you're showing signs of dehydration like dark urine, dry mouth, or feeling lightheaded when standing up.
  • If you experience persistent or worsening weakness.

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

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of a migraine and how can it be treated?

Common symptoms of a migraine include severe, throbbing pain usually on one side of the head, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Treatment often involves pain-relieving medications like NSAIDs or triptans, and preventive medications for frequent migraines.


How can I differentiate between a tension headache and a migraine?

A tension headache typically causes a constant ache or pressure around the head, especially at the temples or back of the head and neck, and is often related to stress. Migraines, on the other hand, are more severe, often one-sided, and accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.


What are the typical causes and treatments for vertigo?

Vertigo is often caused by issues in the inner ear or brain, leading to a sensation of spinning or imbalance. Treatment depends on the cause and may include physical therapy, medications like antihistamines or anti-nausea drugs, and in some cases, surgery.


When should I seek medical attention for persistent nausea and headaches?

You should seek medical attention if your headache is sudden and severe, or if it's accompanied by symptoms like fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizure, numbness, weakness, or trouble speaking. Also, if nausea and vomiting prevent you from keeping down fluids or food, or if you show signs of dehydration.


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