[39F] Experiencing lightheadedness, body pains, and vision changes

Patient Description

A 39-year-old female reports feeling lightheaded, having all-over body pains that vary in intensity, and experiencing vision changes over several months. The vision changes include the development of floaters and difficulty reading things from afar, accompanied by dry eyes, which may be related to environmental factors or screen time. The patient has been feeling these symptoms for about 7 months, with the body pains being particularly achy and annoying, sometimes reaching a severity of 7 out of 10. These pains are exacerbated by prolonged standing or stress and tend to worsen around the menstrual cycle or when feeling run down. The patient also experiences occasional headaches and fatigue but has no history of recent injuries or accidents. There is no mention of any pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are a few possible explanations for your symptoms:

  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: This condition is 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. Body aches and pains are also common symptoms.

    • There's no single test to confirm a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. You may need a variety of medical tests to rule out other health problems that have similar symptoms.
  • Fibromyalgia: This is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. It's believed that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals.

    • There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but medication, exercise, stress management and healthy habits may help manage symptoms.
  • Dry Eye Syndrome: This is a common condition that occurs when your tears aren't able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. This can cause discomfort and vision issues. It can be caused by many factors, including screen time and environmental conditions.

    • Treatment can involve lifestyle changes, over-the-counter eyedrops or ointments, prescription eye drops, or a procedure to close your tear ducts.
  • Presbyopia: This is a common type of vision disorder that occurs as you age. It involves the loss of the eyes' ability to focus on close objects. It may explain your difficulty reading far away things.

    • The most common treatment for presbyopia is to wear prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. You may need to use different glasses for different activities.
  • Floaters: These are tiny specks that float across your field of vision. They're usually harmless and are more common as you age. However, a sudden increase in floaters can be a sign of a more serious eye condition.

    • If you notice a sudden increase in floaters, seek medical attention immediately.

What you can do

  1. Make an appointment with your primary care doctor to discuss your symptoms. They may refer you to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist or ophthalmologist, for further evaluation.
  2. Keep a symptom diary. This can help your doctor understand your symptoms better and can help identify any patterns or triggers.
  3. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and ensuring you get enough sleep. These can all help manage symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
  4. Limit screen time and take regular breaks to rest your eyes. This can help manage symptoms of dry eye syndrome.

What you should look out for

  • If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
  • If you notice a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light in your vision, seek medical attention immediately. This could be a sign of a serious eye condition.

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 are the common symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Common symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. Patients may also experience headaches, depression, and anxiety.


How can screen time affect dry eye syndrome?

Excessive screen time can contribute to dry eye syndrome by reducing the blink rate, which decreases tear production and leads to eye strain and discomfort. Taking regular breaks and using artificial tears can help alleviate symptoms.


What should I do if I notice a sudden increase in floaters?

If you notice a sudden increase in floaters, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, as this could be a sign of a more serious eye condition, such as a retinal detachment.


How can lifestyle changes help manage chronic fatigue syndrome?

Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep can help manage symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome by improving overall health and energy levels.


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