[32F] With sudden intense headaches and lightheadedness

Patient Description

A 32-year-old female has been experiencing sudden and intense headaches on the left side of her head, behind the left eye, and on the left side of her tongue. These headaches began approximately two years ago after completing treatment with Mavryt for hepatitis C. The pain is described as more than a 10 on a scale of 1-10, occurring randomly and often triggered by a neck pop. Relief is found by sitting still, with the pain lasting about 30 seconds. The patient also reports feeling very lightheaded upon standing since the onset of these headaches. Vision changes, including flashes of light and rainbow-colored spots, have occurred three times. There is occasional numbness in the toes, but no nausea, vomiting, or difficulty speaking. The patient has a history of pelvic inflammatory disease and past childhood injuries from falls, with no family history of neurological conditions. Currently taking ibuprofen 800 mg every 8 hours and has not started Paxil due to concerns about dizziness. No known medication allergies.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, you could be experiencing a condition known as a "thunderclap headache," which is a sudden and severe headache that can indicate a serious underlying issue. Given the intensity and sudden onset, it's important to rule out conditions like a brain aneurysm or other vascular issues. The vision changes and numbness in your toes are also concerning and warrant immediate attention.

What you can do

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: It's crucial to visit an emergency room or urgent care facility as soon as possible. These symptoms need to be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out any serious conditions.

  2. Avoid Triggers: Since movement seems to trigger your headaches, try to minimize sudden movements until you can see a doctor.

  3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any new symptoms or changes in your current symptoms, such as increased frequency or intensity of headaches, changes in vision, or any new areas of numbness.

  4. Follow Up: After receiving emergency care, follow up with a neurologist for a comprehensive evaluation.

Please seek care immediately, and if you feel your symptoms worsening, call 911 or have someone take you to the hospital.

Show More

1
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

2 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are thunderclap headaches and why are they concerning?

Thunderclap headaches are sudden and severe headaches that reach maximum intensity within 60 seconds. They are concerning because they can be a sign of serious conditions such as a brain aneurysm, hemorrhage, or other vascular issues that require immediate medical attention.

Can neck movements trigger severe headaches?

Yes, neck movements can sometimes trigger severe headaches, especially if there is an underlying issue such as a pinched nerve or vascular problem. It's important to have this evaluated by a healthcare professional.

What could cause vision changes like flashes of light and rainbow-colored spots?

Vision changes like flashes of light and rainbow-colored spots can be caused by a variety of issues, including migraines, retinal detachment, or other neurological conditions. These symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor to determine the underlying cause.

Why might someone feel lightheaded upon standing?

Feeling lightheaded upon standing, also known as orthostatic hypotension, can occur due to a sudden drop in blood pressure. It can be caused by dehydration, certain medications, or underlying health conditions. It's important to discuss this symptom with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation.

Preview

Post

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

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