[46F] Experiencing headaches, dizziness, and localized swelling
Patient Description
A 46-year-old female presents with intermittent headaches and episodes of lightheadedness, both occurring for approximately 2 months. The headaches vary in location and are described as pressure-like or aching, with an intensity of 5 out of 10. The lightheadedness, rated at a 4 out of 10, occurs suddenly and resolves within a minute, without specific triggers and is not noticed during physical activity. Additionally, the patient reports swelling around the temples and behind the ear, which is painful to touch. The patient has a history of high blood pressure, treated with medication, and a recent allergic reaction to anti-inflammatory medication and glaucoma eye drops. There are no reported changes in vision, jaw pain, fever, weight loss, night sweats, tinnitus, or hearing loss. The patient is currently using tafluprost eye drops nightly for glaucoma and has taken meloxicam 7.5 mg daily for a cyst in the knee.
Show More
Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on the information provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ): This condition affects the joint that connects your jaw to the side of your head. It can cause pain in the jaw, face, and neck, and can sometimes lead to headaches and dizziness. The swelling near your ear could be related to inflammation in this joint.
- Tension Headaches: These are common types of headaches that can cause a feeling of pressure or aching in the head. They can be triggered by stress, lack of sleep, or certain activities.
- Side Effects of Medication: Some of your symptoms could be side effects of the medications you're taking. Tafluprost, which you're using for high eye pressure, can sometimes cause headaches and dizziness. Meloxicam, which you took for knee inflammation, can also cause dizziness.
What you can do
- Try to identify any triggers for your headaches and dizziness. This could include certain activities, foods, or situations. Avoiding these triggers may help reduce your symptoms.
- Practice good posture, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting or looking at a screen. This can help prevent tension headaches.
- If you think your symptoms might be related to your medication, talk to your doctor. They might be able to adjust your dosage or prescribe a different medication.
What you should look out for
If your symptoms worsen or if you develop new symptoms, you should seek medical attention. Specifically, you should contact a healthcare professional if:
- Your headaches become more severe or frequent
- You experience sudden, severe dizziness or have a fall
- You develop a fever or other signs of infection
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 appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.
Show More
1
Hugs
0
Comments
Save
9 mo ago