[35F] Experiencing widespread body pain, weakness, and neurological symptoms

Patient Description

A 35-year-old female reports suffering from widespread body pain rated at 7/10 in severity, with aching and burning sensations in the legs and feet, and sharp aching pain in the arms. The patient also experiences significant weakness in the legs and arms, described as heaviness and fatigue, leading to frequent dropping of objects. These symptoms have been present for 3 years, with the weakness becoming more pronounced over the last year. Additionally, the patient reports bladder leakage and occasional chest tightness that affects breathing. The patient has a history of chronic migraines and blurry vision, which has been ongoing for 8 years and has recently worsened. Numbness, tingling, and 'pins and needles' sensations are present in both legs and arms. Cognitive issues include memory problems and difficulty thinking, which have been worsening over the past 6 months. The patient has a past medical history of anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and IBS, with a noted sulfa allergy. Currently, the patient is not on any prescription medications but takes vitamins.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Fibromyalgia: A disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. It amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and nonpainful signals. The pain is often described as a constant dull ache, typically arising from muscles.

    • Treatment often involves a combination of medications, exercise, stress management measures, and healthy lifestyle habits.
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): A complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can't be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with rest. Other symptoms can include weakness, muscle pain, impaired memory and mental concentration, and insomnia.

    • Treatment focuses on symptom relief.
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS): A potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). Symptoms can include fatigue, difficulty walking, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and problems with coordination and balance.

    • Treatment typically focuses on speeding recovery from attacks, slowing the progression of the disease and managing symptoms.

Please note that these are only potential diagnoses and you should consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms.
  2. Keep a symptom diary. This can help you and your healthcare provider identify triggers or patterns to your symptoms.
  3. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. These can help manage symptoms of many conditions.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your symptoms significantly worsen
  • You experience severe difficulty breathing
  • You have a sudden onset of severe headache, vision changes, or loss of consciousness

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 accurate information.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Common symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties (often referred to as 'fibro fog'), and sometimes mood disorders. The pain is often described as a constant dull ache that lasts for at least three months.


How is chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosed?

Chronic fatigue syndrome is diagnosed primarily based on ruling out other conditions with similar symptoms. There is no specific test for CFS, so doctors rely on a detailed medical history, physical examination, and sometimes lab tests to exclude other possible causes of the symptoms.


What are the early signs of multiple sclerosis?

Early signs of multiple sclerosis can include fatigue, numbness or tingling in the limbs, muscle weakness, vision problems, and issues with coordination and balance. These symptoms can vary widely among individuals and may come and go.


Can anxiety and bipolar disorder affect physical symptoms like pain and fatigue?

Yes, anxiety and bipolar disorder can contribute to physical symptoms such as pain and fatigue. Stress and mood fluctuations can exacerbate physical symptoms, and conditions like anxiety can lead to muscle tension and fatigue, while bipolar disorder can affect energy levels and sleep patterns.


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