[42F] Experiencing severe dizziness with associated symptoms

Patient Description

A 42-year-old female has been experiencing severe dizziness for the past five days. The dizziness is described as a spinning sensation accompanied by lightheadedness. It occurs intermittently throughout the day, even when lying down, and does not seem to be triggered by specific activities. The patient reports associated symptoms of nausea, significant fatigue, occasional headaches described as pressure, and blurred vision at times. There is no hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or recent head injuries. The patient has a history of an autoimmune disease diagnosed approximately eight years ago. There are no known allergies, and the patient is not currently taking any medications. There is no recent history of infections or illnesses, and the patient does not consume alcohol or use recreational drugs.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are a few potential explanations for your dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and other symptoms:

  1. Vestibular Disorders: Conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or vestibular neuritis can cause spinning sensations (vertigo) and are often accompanied by nausea. These conditions affect the inner ear, which helps control balance.

  2. Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Some people experience dizziness and vertigo as part of a migraine, even if the headache is not severe. The pressure-like headache you mentioned could be related to this.

  3. Autoimmune Disease Flare: Given your history of autoimmune disease, it's possible that your symptoms could be related to a flare-up. Autoimmune conditions can sometimes affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms like dizziness and fatigue.

  4. Tooth Infection: An untreated tooth infection can sometimes lead to systemic symptoms, including fatigue and dizziness, especially if it spreads.

Typical treatments or testing might include a physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies like an MRI or CT scan, and possibly a referral to an ENT specialist or neurologist for further evaluation.

What you can do

Dizziness and Nausea:

  • Try to rest in a quiet, dark room when you feel dizzy.
  • Avoid sudden movements and changes in position.
  • Stay hydrated and eat small, frequent meals to help with nausea.
  • Consider using over-the-counter medications like meclizine for dizziness, but consult a healthcare provider first.

Fatigue:

  • Ensure you are getting enough rest and sleep.
  • Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated.
  • Engage in light physical activity, such as walking, to help boost energy levels.

Tooth Infection:

  • Seek dental care to address the possible tooth infection, as this could be contributing to your symptoms.

General Health:

  • Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, and share insights with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

While your symptoms are concerning, they are not immediately life-threatening. However, you should seek medical care if you experience:

  • Worsening or persistent symptoms
  • New symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe headache
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Significant changes in vision or hearing

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to receive a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to continue our conversation.

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People Also Ask


What are vestibular disorders and how do they cause dizziness?

Vestibular disorders affect the inner ear and balance system, leading to symptoms like vertigo (a spinning sensation) and dizziness. Conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or vestibular neuritis are common examples.


Can migraines cause dizziness even if the headache is not severe?

Yes, migraines can cause dizziness and vertigo even if the headache is mild or absent. This is known as migraine-associated vertigo, where the dizziness is part of the migraine symptoms.


How can an autoimmune disease flare-up lead to dizziness and fatigue?

Autoimmune diseases can sometimes affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms like dizziness and fatigue. During a flare-up, the immune system may attack parts of the body, including the nervous system, causing these symptoms.


Could a tooth infection really cause systemic symptoms like dizziness and fatigue?

Yes, a tooth infection can potentially lead to systemic symptoms if it spreads beyond the local area. This can cause fatigue and dizziness as the body responds to the infection.


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