[33F] Experiencing persistent blurry vision and joint pain

Patient Description

Kristine, a 33-year-old female, reports experiencing persistent blurry vision for about a year, which does not improve with prescription changes. The blurry vision sometimes causes her eyes to feel achy. She also experiences headaches, though they are not accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light or sound. Additionally, Kristine reports tingling in her hands, joint pain, weakness in her limbs and joints, poor balance, and episodes of vertigo. She has been evaluated by a neurologist and has had multiple eye exams, which did not reveal any unusual findings. Kristine has a medical history of sinus pain, ADHD, anxiety, and depression, diagnosed approximately 10 years ago. She is currently taking sertraline, buspirone, and buprenorphine once a day, though she is unsure of the specific dosages. She began these medications about 2 years ago. There is no family history of neurological conditions, and she has not started any new medications or traveled to new places around the time her symptoms began.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are a few potential explanations:

  1. Neurological Conditions: The combination of blurry vision, headaches, tingling in your hands, weakness in your limbs, balance issues, and vertigo could suggest a neurological condition. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one possibility, as it can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms. However, since you've already seen a neurologist, it's important to follow up with them for further evaluation and testing.

  2. Migraine: Although you mentioned that your headaches are not associated with nausea or sensitivity to light, migraines can sometimes present with atypical symptoms, including visual disturbances and vertigo.

  3. TMJ Disorder: Your severe TMJ could contribute to headaches and possibly affect your balance and vertigo. TMJ can also cause referred pain and tension in the head and neck area.

  4. Medication Side Effects: While you haven't started any new medications recently, it's worth considering whether your current medications might contribute to some of your symptoms. Discussing this with your healthcare provider could be helpful.

  5. PCOS and Hormonal Imbalances: PCOS can lead to various symptoms, but it's less likely to directly cause the neurological symptoms you're experiencing. However, hormonal imbalances can sometimes contribute to mood changes and fatigue.

What you can do

Vision Changes and Neurological Symptoms:

  • Follow up with your neurologist to discuss your ongoing symptoms and any additional testing that might be needed.
  • Keep a detailed journal of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their severity, and any potential triggers. This can help your healthcare provider better understand your condition.
  • Use MDandMe to track your symptoms and share this information with your healthcare provider.

TMJ Management:

  • Consider seeing a dentist or TMJ specialist for evaluation and management of your TMJ disorder. They may recommend treatments such as physical therapy, dental splints, or other interventions.
  • Practice stress-reduction techniques, as stress can exacerbate TMJ symptoms.

General Health and Well-being:

  • Ensure you're maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise routine, as these can help manage PCOS and improve overall well-being.
  • Continue taking your prescribed medications as directed, but discuss any concerns about side effects with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

  • If you experience any sudden or severe changes in your vision, such as complete vision loss or double vision, seek medical attention immediately.
  • If your headaches become severe or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms like confusion or difficulty speaking, seek urgent medical care.
  • Keep an eye on any new or worsening symptoms, and report these to your healthcare provider.

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

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2 mo ago

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People Also Ask


Can blurry vision and headaches be related to a neurological condition?

Yes, blurry vision and headaches can be related to neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, which can cause a variety of symptoms including visual disturbances and headaches. It's important to follow up with a neurologist for further evaluation.


What are some atypical symptoms of migraines that might not include nausea or light sensitivity?

Migraines can sometimes present with atypical symptoms such as visual disturbances (like blurry vision), vertigo, and even tingling sensations, without the classic symptoms of nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.


How can TMJ disorder contribute to symptoms like headaches and vertigo?

TMJ disorder can cause headaches due to muscle tension and referred pain in the head and neck area. It can also affect balance and cause vertigo due to the close proximity of the jaw joint to the inner ear, which is involved in balance.


Could my current medications be causing or worsening my symptoms?

Yes, medications like sertraline, buspirone, and buprenorphine can have side effects that might contribute to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or vision changes. It's important to discuss any concerns about medication side effects with your healthcare provider.


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