[62F] Experiencing dizziness and bilateral ear pain with temperature dysregulation

Patient Description

A 62-year-old female presents with a week-long history of dull, persistent bilateral ear pain and dizziness, particularly upon standing, rating the severity as 8/10. The patient reports a sensation of fullness in the ears without discharge, and fluctuating body temperature, alternating between feeling hot and cold, sometimes to the point of shaking. The patient's medical history includes a stroke in April 2021, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and thyroid nodules. Current medications include Crestor, Metoprolol since 2021, and Ozempic since December 2023, with no reported side effects. The patient has allergies to sulfa drugs and morphine. No recent injuries, fever, chills, severe headaches, neurological deficits, hearing loss, vertigo, or migraines were reported. No known familial history of similar symptoms or ear-related conditions.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

  • Ear Infection: This could be either an outer ear infection (otitis externa) or a middle ear infection (otitis media). Both can cause ear pain and a feeling of fullness in the ear. However, ear infections are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, hearing loss, or discharge from the ear.

    • Treatment typically involves antibiotics and pain relief medication.
  • Meniere's Disease: This is a disorder of the inner ear that can cause a feeling of fullness or pressure in one or both ears, dizziness (vertigo), and fluctuating hearing loss. However, it's usually associated with ringing in the ear (tinnitus) and hearing loss, which you haven't mentioned.

    • Treatment typically involves dietary changes, medication, and sometimes surgery.
  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This is a common cause of vertigo, particularly upon changing the position of your head. It wouldn't typically cause ear pain, though.

    • Treatment typically involves physical maneuvers performed by a healthcare professional.
  • Blood pressure fluctuations: Given your history of high blood pressure, it's possible that fluctuations in your blood pressure could be causing your dizziness, particularly upon standing (a condition known as orthostatic hypotension). This wouldn't typically cause ear pain, though.

    • Treatment typically involves medication adjustments and lifestyle changes.
  • Side effects from medication: Some of the medications you're taking can cause dizziness and changes in body temperature. However, these wouldn't typically cause ear pain.

    • Treatment typically involves adjusting the medication regimen under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

What you can do

Given the severity and persistence of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In the meantime, here are some general measures you can take:

  1. Rest and hydrate: Make sure you're getting enough rest and staying well-hydrated. This can help your body fight off any potential infections and can also help with dizziness.

  2. Over-the-counter pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help with ear pain.

  3. Monitor your blood pressure: If you have a home blood pressure monitor, keep an eye on your readings. This can provide useful information to your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe headache or neck stiffness
  • Sudden hearing loss
  • Severe dizziness or vertigo
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  • Weakness or numbness on one side of your body
  • Any other symptoms that concern you or worsen over time

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I'm an AI and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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9 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of an ear infection?

Common symptoms of an ear infection include ear pain, a feeling of fullness in the ear, hearing loss, fever, and sometimes discharge from the ear. It's important to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.


How can Meniere's Disease affect my daily life?

Meniere's Disease can cause episodes of vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, and fluctuating hearing loss. These symptoms can affect balance and hearing, impacting daily activities. Management often involves dietary changes, medication, and sometimes surgery.


What is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and how is it treated?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a condition that causes brief episodes of dizziness or vertigo when the position of the head is changed. It is usually treated with specific head and body movements performed by a healthcare professional to move the particles in the inner ear that are causing the symptoms.


Can blood pressure fluctuations cause dizziness?

Yes, fluctuations in blood pressure, particularly a drop in blood pressure upon standing (orthostatic hypotension), can cause dizziness. This can be managed by adjusting medications and making lifestyle changes under the guidance of a healthcare provider.


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