[29F] Experiencing Migraines and Auditory Sensations with Eye Movement

Patient Description

A 29-year-old female reports experiencing a range of symptoms for approximately 2-3 weeks, including a whooshing noise coinciding with eye movements, severe migraines, nausea leading to vomiting, muscle pain, blurred vision, balance issues, and an amplified internal perception of her own voice and neck creaking. The migraines are particularly debilitating, occurring behind the eyes and in the temples, and are worsened by various noises including those made by the patient's own body, such as blinking and swallowing. Despite wearing glasses, her vision has become blurrier, described as seeing double or like viewing a 3D movie without the glasses. The patient has a history of chronic depression, anxiety, and OCD diagnosed in 2010, for which she is taking Wellbutrin and Escitalopram and undergoing TMS treatment. She also has a family history of Multiple Sclerosis. No known allergies or adverse reactions to medications have been reported.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, the following conditions could be considered:

  • Migraines: Migraines are a type of headache characterized by severe, throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. They can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The fact that you're experiencing severe headaches, nausea, and sensitivity to certain noises could indicate that you're experiencing migraines.

    • Migraine treatment often involves a combination of medications to relieve symptoms and prevent future attacks, as well as lifestyle changes to help manage triggers.
  • Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS): SCDS is a rare medical condition of the inner ear, leading to hearing of internal sounds (like eye movements), balance disturbances, and other symptoms. The whooshing noise you hear when moving your eyes, the balance issues, and the increased internal perception of your own voice are symptoms that can be associated with this condition.

    • Treatment for SCDS often involves surgery to correct the dehiscence, or opening, in the bone of the superior semicircular canal.
  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is a condition that causes brief episodes of mild to intense dizziness, often triggered by specific changes in the position of your head. This could explain your balance issues and dizziness when standing up.

    • Treatment for BPPV often involves maneuvers performed by a healthcare provider to help alleviate symptoms.
  • Anxiety and Depression: These conditions can sometimes exacerbate the perception of physical symptoms. Given your history of chronic depression and anxiety, it's possible that these conditions could be playing a role in your current symptoms.

    • Treatment for anxiety and depression often involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.

Please note that these are potential explanations based on the symptoms you've described, but they are not definitive diagnoses. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.

What you can do

  1. Consult a healthcare provider: Given the severity and range of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your healthcare provider can perform a thorough evaluation, order necessary tests, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

  2. Keep a symptom diary: Documenting your symptoms, their severity, and when they occur can be helpful in identifying patterns and potential triggers. This information can also be useful when discussing your symptoms with your healthcare provider.

  3. Practice good sleep hygiene: Ensuring you get enough quality sleep can help manage migraines and improve overall health. This includes maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and making your sleep environment comfortable and conducive to sleep.

  4. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet: Dehydration and certain foods can trigger migraines in some people. Drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet can help manage your symptoms.

  5. Manage stress: High levels of stress can exacerbate symptoms of migraines, anxiety, and depression. Techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, and mindfulness meditation can help manage stress levels.

What you should look out for

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

  • A sudden, severe headache that's different from past headaches
  • A sudden, severe headache accompanied by a stiff neck, high fever, mental confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness, or speaking difficulties
  • A headache after a head injury, especially if the headache worsens
  • A chronic headache that's worse after coughing, exertion, straining, or a sudden movement
  • New headache pain if you're over 50

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.

Show More

1
 Hugs
1
 Comments

Save

8 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS)?

Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS) symptoms include hearing internal sounds like eye movements, balance disturbances, dizziness, and an increased perception of one's own voice. Treatment often involves surgery to correct the dehiscence in the bone of the superior semicircular canal.


How can migraines be effectively managed or treated?

Migraines can be managed with a combination of medications to relieve symptoms and prevent future attacks, lifestyle changes to manage triggers, and sometimes alternative therapies like acupuncture or biofeedback. It's important to work with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan.


What is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and how is it treated?

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a condition that causes brief episodes of dizziness triggered by changes in head position. Treatment typically involves specific head maneuvers performed by a healthcare provider to reposition the small crystals in the inner ear that cause the dizziness.


Can anxiety and depression affect physical symptoms like migraines and balance issues?

Yes, anxiety and depression can exacerbate the perception of physical symptoms, including migraines and balance issues. Managing these mental health conditions with medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes can help reduce their impact on physical symptoms.

1 Comments


Janice#97

8 mo ago

If this happened all of a sudden, to be honest you might want to see a neurologist who can give you an MRI or CT scan of your head or brain to make sure there aren't any structural causes to your symptoms. It's often really hard to book an appointment with a neurologist directly so going to the ED of a major hospital or one that you trust might be best

1
 Hugs
Reply

Share your feedback

All Stories


Experiencing symptoms?

Our AI will conduct a medical interview and assess what might be happening. You can also make a post afterwards.

Share your feedback