[30F] Experiencing severe nausea, dizziness, and balance issues
Patient Description
A 30-year-old female reports severe nausea, dizziness, and balance issues persisting for 21 hours. She rates her nausea as 7 out of 10 in severity, which is constant and exacerbated by movement, making it difficult to walk without feeling like she will vomit. Additionally, she experiences ear popping but no hearing loss or ringing. She also notes pressure towards the back of her head and occasional sensations of heat. The patient has a history of intermittent vertigo since her late teens, which has not been medically evaluated. She is not currently on any medications, has no known allergies, and has not been diagnosed with any chronic conditions.
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on your symptoms, here are a few possibilities:
- Vestibular Neuritis: This is an inflammation of the inner ear usually caused by a viral infection, resulting in dizziness and loss of balance. The symptoms can last for several days and are usually treated with medications to relieve nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
- Meniere's Disease: This is a disorder of the inner ear that can lead to dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In most cases, Meniere's disease affects only one ear. It can also cause a feeling of fullness or pressure in your ear, ringing in your ear (tinnitus), and fluctuating hearing loss.
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition causes intense, brief episodes of dizziness or vertigo associated with moving the head, often when rolling in bed or getting up in the morning. Some people may also feel nauseous between episodes of vertigo.
- Migraines: Some people may experience symptoms of vertigo, dizziness, and balance problems before or during migraines. Other symptoms could include a sensitivity to light, noise, or smells, and feeling tired or confused.
What you can do
- Rest and Hydrate: Make sure you are getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated. Dehydration can sometimes cause dizziness and nausea.
- Avoid Rapid Movements: Try to avoid rapid changes in position or sudden movements which could exacerbate your vertigo.
- Safety Measures: Due to the imbalance and difficulty walking, take safety measures such as avoiding stairs, using a cane or walker, and sitting down immediately when feeling dizzy to prevent falls.
- Seek Medical Attention: Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider can conduct a thorough evaluation and provide appropriate treatment.
What you should look out for
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- A new, severe headache
- A sudden decrease in hearing
- Difficulty seeing
- Trouble speaking
- Leg or arm weakness
- Loss of consciousness
- Persistent vomiting
Please 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.
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11 mo ago