[62F] Experiencing dizziness and bilateral ear pain with temperature dysregulation
Patient Description
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on the information you've provided, possible causes for your symptoms include:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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Over-the-counter pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help with ear pain.
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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