[47F] With persistent blurred vision and neurological symptoms

Patient Description

A 47-year-old female has been experiencing persistent blurred vision described as hazy for the past three months. Additional symptoms include dizziness, double vision, stumbling, tingling in the arms and legs, and trouble concentrating, which have been present for about 2 to 3 months. These symptoms have significantly impacted her work performance, leading to slower task completion and increased mistakes. She reports weakness in her arms and legs that comes and goes, changes in balance and coordination, occasional numbness or tingling in her face, and changes in speech. An eye examination three weeks ago showed a drastic decline in vision over six weeks, but no cause was identified. There is no personal history of neurological or vascular conditions, but her father had brain aneurysms, strokes, Marfan syndrome, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. She takes Tylenol (1000mg every 8 hours) and ibuprofen (800mg every 6 hours) for headaches, with no side effects, and has allergies to penicillin and Bactrim.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Your symptoms could be related to several potential issues:

  1. Neurological Conditions: The combination of blurred vision, dizziness, tingling, and trouble concentrating may suggest a neurological issue. Conditions like multiple sclerosis or migraines can present with these symptoms. An MRI or neurological evaluation might be recommended.

  2. Vascular Issues: Given your family history of aneurysms and strokes, it's important to consider vascular causes. These could affect blood flow to the brain, leading to your symptoms. Imaging tests like a CT or MRI angiogram might be necessary.

  3. Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions such as lupus or other autoimmune diseases can cause neurological symptoms and should be considered.

What you can do

Blurred Vision and Dizziness:

  • Follow up with a neurologist or ophthalmologist for further evaluation.
  • Keep a journal of your symptoms using MDandMe to track any changes or patterns.

Tingling and Weakness:

  • Consider seeing a neurologist for a thorough examination.
  • Gentle exercises and stretching may help, but avoid overexertion.

Trouble Concentrating:

  • Try to minimize stress and ensure you’re getting adequate rest.
  • Break tasks into smaller steps to manage work more effectively.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Sudden, severe headache or vision changes.
  • Sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body.
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.

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3 mo ago

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People Also Ask


What could be causing my persistent blurred vision and dizziness?

Persistent blurred vision and dizziness can be caused by a variety of factors, including neurological conditions like migraines or multiple sclerosis, vascular issues affecting blood flow to the brain, or autoimmune disorders. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.


How can neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis be diagnosed?

Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis can be diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, MRI scans to look for lesions in the brain or spinal cord, and sometimes lumbar puncture to analyze cerebrospinal fluid. A neurologist can guide you through the necessary tests.


What role does family history play in my symptoms?

Family history can provide important clues about potential genetic or hereditary conditions that might affect you. In this case, a family history of brain aneurysms, strokes, and neurological disorders like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease may increase the likelihood of similar issues, warranting closer monitoring and specific tests.


What steps can I take to manage my trouble concentrating at work?

To manage trouble concentrating at work, try breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, minimize stress, ensure adequate rest, and consider using tools like symptom journals to track patterns. Consulting with a healthcare professional can also provide strategies tailored to your specific needs.


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