[49F] Experiencing severe headaches, excessive sleepiness, and blurred vision

Patient Description

A 49-year-old female reports suffering from severe, throbbing headaches on the right side of the head, which have been ongoing for over a month and can reach a severity of 10 on a pain scale. The headaches are accompanied by dizziness and are exacerbated by physical activity. Additionally, the patient experiences significant sleepiness throughout the day, which is not alleviated by caffeine. The patient also reports blurred vision, described as fuzziness around objects, which has been present for two months and occurs even when blood sugar levels are normal. The patient has a medical history of type 2 diabetes, heart issues, obesity, and lymphedema, all diagnosed in 2009. She has severe reactions to narcotics and fennel seeds. Current medications include Novolog, Tresiba, Farxiga, Linzess, Allopurinol, Lisinopril, and various supplements. The patient takes Novolog three times a day.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information provided, here are a few possibilities:

  • Migraines: Your severe, throbbing headaches on one side of your head could be migraines. Migraines can sometimes cause visual disturbances, known as auras, which might explain your blurry vision. They can also cause extreme fatigue or sleepiness.

    • Treatment options for migraines include over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, and preventive medications for frequent migraines.
  • Sleep Disorders: Conditions such as sleep apnea or narcolepsy can cause excessive daytime sleepiness. These conditions can often be associated with obesity, which you have mentioned you have.

    • Treatment for these conditions often involves lifestyle changes, and in some cases, medication or devices to help with breathing during sleep.
  • Diabetes Complications: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a variety of complications, including diabetic neuropathy, which can cause dizziness, and diabetic retinopathy, which can cause vision changes. It's important to keep your blood sugar levels under control to prevent these complications.

    • Treatment involves managing your diabetes, which can include medication, diet, and exercise.

What you can do

  1. Consult a healthcare professional: Given your symptoms, it's important to see a healthcare professional who can provide a formal diagnosis and treatment plan. They may want to run some tests to rule out certain conditions.

  2. Monitor your symptoms: Keep track of when your symptoms occur, their severity, and any potential triggers. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider.

  3. Manage your diabetes: Make sure you're taking your diabetes medication as prescribed, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise. This can help prevent complications.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your headaches become more frequent or severe
  • Your vision changes suddenly or significantly
  • You experience confusion, difficulty speaking, or weakness on one side of your body, as these could be signs of a stroke

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

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1 yr ago

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People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of migraines and how can they be managed?

Common symptoms of migraines include severe, throbbing headaches often on one side of the head, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. They can also cause visual disturbances known as auras. Management includes over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, and preventive treatments for frequent migraines.


How can sleep disorders like sleep apnea or narcolepsy be identified and treated?

Sleep disorders like sleep apnea can be identified through symptoms such as loud snoring, episodes of stopped breathing during sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Narcolepsy involves sudden sleep attacks and excessive daytime sleepiness. Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, CPAP machines for sleep apnea, and medications to manage symptoms.


What are the potential complications of type 2 diabetes that could affect vision and balance?

Type 2 diabetes can lead to complications such as diabetic retinopathy, which affects vision, and diabetic neuropathy, which can cause dizziness and balance issues. Managing blood sugar levels through medication, diet, and exercise is crucial to prevent these complications.


What lifestyle changes can help manage obesity and its related health issues?

Lifestyle changes to manage obesity include adopting a balanced diet, increasing physical activity, and possibly working with a healthcare provider to develop a weight loss plan. These changes can help reduce the risk of related health issues like heart disease and sleep disorders.


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