[28F] With chronic headaches, neurological episodes, and fatigue

Patient Description

A 28-year-old female reports experiencing chronic mild headaches almost daily since a severe headache episode. The severe episode was accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and a blood pressure reading of 200/100. Headache pain is typically located at the back or top of the head and occurs randomly without specific triggers. Additionally, the patient experiences sudden, brief neurological episodes characterized by intense head pressure, muffled hearing, dizziness, lightheadedness, and blurred vision, with vision going completely black on two occasions. These episodes feel like they could lead to fainting but resolve quickly. The patient also reports chronic mild pain in random parts of the body, chronic fatigue, and brain fog affecting daily activities and concentration. There is no numbness or tingling in the limbs, and only mild weakness is noted. The patient has a family history of seizures and migraines due to injuries in the mother. No significant changes in sleep patterns are reported. The patient is seeking further evaluation and management for these symptoms.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms and medical history, there are a few possibilities to consider:

  1. Chronic Migraine: Your daily mild headaches, along with the severe episode you experienced, could be indicative of chronic migraines. Migraines can cause a range of symptoms, including head pressure, dizziness, and vision changes. Treatment often involves medications to prevent migraines and relieve symptoms during an attack.

  2. Intracranial Hypertension: This condition involves increased pressure inside the skull, which can lead to headaches, vision changes, and other neurological symptoms. Your description of head pressure and vision changes could be related to this. Diagnosis typically involves imaging tests and sometimes a lumbar puncture.

  3. Vestibular Migraine: This type of migraine can cause dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues, along with headache symptoms. It might explain the episodes of dizziness and muffled hearing you've experienced.

  4. Autoimmune or Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like multiple sclerosis, lupus, or vasculitis can cause neurological symptoms, headaches, and fatigue. Further evaluation by a specialist might be needed to explore this possibility.

What you can do

Headaches and Neurological Symptoms:

  • Continue to work with your neurologist to explore potential causes and treatment options. Keep a detailed symptom diary to help identify patterns and triggers.
  • Consider over-the-counter pain relief options like acetaminophen or NSAIDs for mild headache relief, but consult your doctor for more targeted treatments.

Chronic Fatigue and Brain Fog:

  • Prioritize good sleep hygiene, including a regular sleep schedule and a comfortable sleep environment.
  • Engage in regular, moderate exercise to help improve energy levels and cognitive function.
  • Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, and share insights with your healthcare provider.

Chronic Pain:

  • Consider gentle stretching or physical therapy exercises to help manage chronic pain.
  • Apply heat or cold packs to painful areas for temporary relief.

What you should look out for

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it's important to stay vigilant and seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Sudden, severe headache or a change in headache pattern
  • New or worsening neurological symptoms, such as vision changes or weakness
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Any new or concerning symptoms that affect your daily life

Remember, it's important to continue working with your healthcare provider to explore these possibilities and any other potential causes. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.

Show More

2
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

7 d ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Migraines: Best OTC Medications Doctors Recommend

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of chronic migraines?

Chronic migraines often involve frequent headaches, sometimes daily, that can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances. They can also cause head pressure and dizziness.


How is intracranial hypertension diagnosed and treated?

Intracranial hypertension is diagnosed through imaging tests like MRI or CT scans, and sometimes a lumbar puncture to measure cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Treatment may include medications to reduce pressure, lifestyle changes, or surgical interventions in severe cases.


What is a vestibular migraine and how does it differ from regular migraines?

A vestibular migraine is a type of migraine that primarily affects balance and can cause dizziness, vertigo, and hearing changes, in addition to headache symptoms. It differs from regular migraines by its prominent vestibular symptoms.


Could autoimmune or inflammatory conditions be causing my symptoms?

Yes, autoimmune or inflammatory conditions like multiple sclerosis, lupus, or vasculitis can cause neurological symptoms, headaches, and fatigue. A specialist can conduct specific tests to determine if these conditions are contributing to your symptoms.


Preview

Post

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

Share your feedback