[28F] Experiencing dizziness, upper back pain, and intermittent numbness/heaviness

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible explanations for your symptoms include:

• Vestibular Disorders: These are conditions that affect the inner ear and balance, causing symptoms such as dizziness, a spinning sensation (vertigo), and unsteadiness. This could potentially explain your dizziness and the feeling of the room spinning.

  • Treatment typically involves physical therapy, medications to control symptoms, and in some cases, surgery.

• Cervical Spondylosis: This is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in your neck. This can cause neck pain and numbness or weakness in your arms. The dizziness could potentially be due to this if it's related to neck movement.

  • Treatment can include physical therapy, medications to ease pain and inflammation, and in severe cases, surgery.

• Anxiety Disorders: You've mentioned a history of panic attacks and generalized anxiety. Anxiety can sometimes cause physical symptoms such as dizziness, numbness, and a feeling of heaviness in the limbs.

  • Treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication.

• Side Effects of Medication: Benadryl can sometimes cause dizziness as a side effect. It's also possible that stopping the Lexapro and Hydroxyzine could have caused some withdrawal symptoms, although this would typically happen soon after stopping the medication, not years later.

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

What you can do

1. Try to identify any triggers for your dizziness and avoid them if possible.
2. Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet.
3. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule and ensure you're getting enough sleep.
4. Consider restarting your anxiety medication or seeking other treatment for anxiety, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.
5. Regular exercise can sometimes help with dizziness and anxiety symptoms.

What you should look out for

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

• Sudden, severe headache
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden, severe weakness or numbness in your face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of your body
• Sudden loss of balance or coordination, especially if accompanied by any of the above symptoms

These could be signs of a serious condition such as a stroke. Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.