[49F] Experiencing dizziness, back pain, and cyanosis

Patient Description

A 49-year-old female reports a sensation of lightheadedness similar to being on an elevator, rated as severe (8/10), occurring whenever standing up for the past 40 hours. Sitting seems to provide relief. She also experiences severe lower back pain (10/10) for 7 months, attributed to a Tarlov cyst. Additionally, she has noted purple-gray discoloration on her nose and legs, improving with heat and movement, and numbness in the fingertips, toes, and nose, occurring on and off for years. She has changes in vision and coordination, severe headaches, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and neck and shoulder pain. She has scoliosis, affecting her range of motion and spine alignment. Medical history includes severe sepsis 9 years ago. Current medications include Adderall XR, lisinopril, Effexor, Vraylar, Xanax, Aleve, and Vitamin D. No known allergies. Family history includes a blood clot due to poor circulation in her father.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible explanations for your symptoms include:

  • Orthostatic Hypotension: This condition is characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up from a sitting or lying position. It can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. Your sensation of being on a moving elevator when standing up could be due to this condition.

    • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes such as standing up slowly, increasing fluid and salt intake, and wearing compression stockings. Medications may also be prescribed in some cases.
  • Tarlov Cyst: You mentioned having a Tarlov cyst in your lower back. These fluid-filled sacs are located at the base of the spine and can cause symptoms such as lower back pain, sciatica (pain, tingling, or numbness from the lower back down the leg), and problems with bladder and bowel function.

    • Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and can range from conservative management (pain relief, physiotherapy) to surgery in severe cases.
  • Raynaud's Disease: This condition causes some areas of your body — such as your fingers and toes — to feel numb and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress. It can also cause these areas to turn white, then blue and finally to redden again and return to their natural tone. The sequence of color changes is often most pronounced after exposure to cold.

    • Treatment typically involves avoiding triggers such as cold temperatures and stress. Medications can also be prescribed to widen blood vessels and promote circulation.
  • Anxiety Disorders: Some of your symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, and changes in vision and coordination can be associated with anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health disorders characterized by feelings of anxiety and fear.

    • Treatment typically involves psychotherapy (talk therapy), cognitive behavioral therapy, and medications.

Please note that these are just potential explanations and you should consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

  1. For the orthostatic hypotension, try standing up slowly and see if that helps with the dizziness. Also, try to stay hydrated and add a bit more salt to your diet.
  2. For the Tarlov cyst, over-the-counter pain relievers and physical therapy may help with the pain. However, you should consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.
  3. For the Raynaud's disease, try to avoid cold temperatures and stress. Wearing gloves and socks can help keep your hands and feet warm.
  4. For the anxiety disorders, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. They can provide you with the necessary tools to manage your anxiety.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

  • If your symptoms worsen or if you develop new symptoms
  • If your pain becomes unbearable
  • If you experience severe dizziness or fainting
  • If you experience severe difficulty breathing

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

Show More

1
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

1 yr ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Orthostatic Hypotension: American Heart Association Guidelines

People Also Ask


What is orthostatic hypotension and how can it be managed?

Orthostatic hypotension is a condition where there is a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up, causing dizziness or lightheadedness. Management includes lifestyle changes like standing up slowly, increasing fluid and salt intake, and possibly wearing compression stockings. Medications may be prescribed if necessary.


What are Tarlov cysts and what treatment options are available?

Tarlov cysts are fluid-filled sacs located at the base of the spine that can cause lower back pain and other symptoms. Treatment ranges from conservative management, such as pain relief and physiotherapy, to surgery in severe cases.


What is Raynaud's disease and how can it be treated?

Raynaud's disease causes areas of the body, like fingers and toes, to feel numb and cold in response to cold or stress, often changing color. Treatment involves avoiding triggers, keeping warm, and possibly using medications to improve circulation.


How can anxiety disorders manifest physically and what are the treatment options?

Anxiety disorders can cause physical symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, and changes in vision and coordination. Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medications to manage anxiety.


Preview

Post

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

Share your feedback

All Stories

Experiencing symptoms?

Our AI will conduct a medical interview and assess what might be happening. You can also make a post afterwards.

Share your feedback