[36F] With stiffness, numbness, and severe headaches
Patient Description
A 36-year-old female reports experiencing stiffness and numbness in her lower legs and feet for the past two days, with the numbness having been present for a few months. The stiffness occurs upon waking, and the swelling happens at night. She has not found any relief for the stiffness. The numbness starts as a tingling sensation and then progresses to a loss of feeling. She also notes the presence of visible veins and experiences heaviness in her legs, especially after standing or sitting for long periods. Additionally, there is redness and very dry, cracked skin on her feet.
She also reports muscle spasms or jerking in her neck, causing sudden and quick pain that makes her jerk her neck upward. This has been happening without any recent injuries or changes in activity levels.
Furthermore, she has frequent headaches that are throbbing and sharp, located across the front of her forehead. These headaches have been occurring for a few years and are very severe, rated as a 10 out of 10 in pain. They worsen with movement and exposure to light. She also experiences blurred vision, dizziness, and sometimes sees bright lights flying around her head. Occasionally, she hears music when laying her head down at night, which goes away when she raises her head.
She has not reported any pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses and is not currently taking any medications.
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on the symptoms you've described, here are some possible explanations:
Stiffness and Numbness in Lower Legs and Feet
- Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition involves damage to the peripheral nerves and can cause tingling, numbness, and weakness, particularly in the lower extremities. It can be caused by diabetes, infections, or other underlying conditions.
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency: The presence of visible veins and swelling, especially at night, suggests that your veins may not be effectively returning blood to your heart, leading to pooling of blood in your legs.
Jerking in Neck
- Cervical Dystonia: This is a condition where the neck muscles contract involuntarily, causing the head to twist or turn to one side. It can cause sudden jerking movements and pain.
- Muscle Spasms: These can occur due to muscle strain, stress, or other underlying conditions affecting the neck muscles.
Headaches
- Migraine: The throbbing and sharp pain, sensitivity to light, and visual disturbances like seeing bright lights are characteristic of migraines.
- Tension Headaches: These can cause a constant ache or pressure around the forehead and can be triggered by stress, poor posture, or other factors.
What you can do
Stiffness and Numbness in Lower Legs and Feet
- See a Doctor: It's important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. They may recommend blood tests, nerve conduction studies, or imaging tests.
- Elevate Your Legs: Elevating your legs when sitting or lying down can help reduce swelling.
- Compression Stockings: Wearing compression stockings can help improve blood flow and reduce swelling.
- Stay Active: Gentle exercises like walking can help improve circulation and reduce stiffness.
Jerking in Neck
- Consult a Specialist: A neurologist or a physical therapist can provide a more accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments.
- Apply Heat or Cold: Using a heating pad or ice pack on your neck can help relieve muscle spasms and pain.
- Gentle Stretching: Performing gentle neck stretches can help reduce muscle tension.
Headaches
- See a Doctor: Given the severity and duration of your headaches, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid potential headache triggers, such as certain foods, stress, or lack of sleep.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate headache pain. However, consult your doctor before taking any medication.
What you should look out for
Given the severity of your symptoms, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Reasons to seek care even more urgently include:
- Sudden or Severe Symptoms: If you experience sudden or severe symptoms, such as intense pain, sudden loss of vision, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
- Worsening Symptoms: If your symptoms worsen or do not improve with home care, consult a healthcare provider.
- New Symptoms: If you develop new symptoms, such as weakness, numbness, or changes in consciousness, seek medical attention.
Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, I am not a doctor. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan. You can also use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, get insights, and share longitudinal medical notes with your provider.
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5 mo ago