[30M] Experiencing dizziness, nausea, and heart palpitations

Patient Description

A 30-year-old male has been feeling off with symptoms including lightheadedness, nausea, and heart palpitations. The dizziness, described as a slight spinning sensation, has been occurring for three weeks and worsens when looking down. The nausea, rated at a severity of 6 out of 10, accompanies the dizziness. Heart palpitations, which have been present for 15 years, appear to lessen after exercise. The patient reports high levels of stress and has a history of asthma, depression, and anxiety diagnosed a decade ago. Known allergies include sulfur and Robitussin, and the patient is not currently on any medications.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are a few possibilities:

  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This is a common cause of vertigo, or a spinning sensation. It often occurs when you change the position of your head, such as when you look down. BPPV happens when tiny calcium particles clump up in the inner ear canals, causing brief episodes of mild to intense dizziness.

    • Treatment often involves a series of maneuvers performed by a doctor to move the calcium deposits out of the ear canal.
  • Anxiety Disorder: Given your history of anxiety and depression, and the fact that you've been feeling very stressed recently, it's possible that your symptoms are related to anxiety. Anxiety can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, and heart palpitations.

    • Treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy (talk therapy), cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication.
  • Cardiac Arrhythmia: This is a condition characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm, which can cause heart palpitations. Although you've been experiencing heart palpitations for 15 years, it's important to rule out any potential heart conditions, especially since your palpitations seem to lessen after exercise.

    • Treatment depends on the type and severity of the arrhythmia and may include medication, lifestyle changes, or in some cases, surgery.

What you can do

  1. Consult a healthcare professional: Given your symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare professional who can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary.

  2. Monitor your symptoms: Keep a record of when your symptoms occur, what you're doing when they happen, and how long they last. This information can be helpful to your healthcare provider.

  3. Manage your stress: Since you've been feeling very stressed recently, finding ways to manage your stress can be beneficial. This could include relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

  4. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet: Dehydration and lack of nutrients can sometimes contribute to feelings of dizziness and nausea.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Sudden, severe headache
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  • Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body

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

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


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 or a spinning sensation, often triggered by changes in head position. It occurs when tiny calcium particles clump up in the inner ear canals. Treatment typically involves a series of head movements performed by a doctor to move the particles out of the ear canal.


Can anxiety cause physical symptoms like dizziness and heart palpitations?

Yes, anxiety can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, and heart palpitations. These symptoms are often a result of the body's stress response. Treatment for anxiety-related symptoms may include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication.


What are the potential causes of heart palpitations and how are they treated?

Heart palpitations can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, anxiety, caffeine, alcohol, and certain medications. They can also be a sign of a cardiac arrhythmia, which is an abnormal heart rhythm. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include lifestyle changes, medication, or in some cases, surgery.


How can stress management techniques help with symptoms like dizziness and nausea?

Stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help reduce stress levels, which may alleviate symptoms like dizziness and nausea. These techniques promote relaxation and can help manage the body's stress response, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of these symptoms.


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