[68M] Experiencing severe fatigue, dizziness, and other symptoms

Patient Description

A 68-year-old male reports a 10-year history of constant fatigue, exacerbated by exertion and partially relieved by sleep. He has lost 40 lbs over the past 3 months and has a reduced appetite, with food tasting overly salty. He experiences severe dizziness upon standing, which has been ongoing for 6 months, and sometimes feels like he might pass out. The patient also describes a dull, constant body ache without any recent injuries, blurry vision with occasional double vision for the past month, and severe shaking in his hands, arms, and legs, especially after taking medication, which has worsened over the last 6 months. He has had a high-pitched, constant ringing in his head for about 8 years, which is now intensifying. Additionally, he experiences a dull aching tooth pain when chewing, a symptom that had previously occurred 8 years ago and has recently returned. His medical history includes arterial sclerosis, drug addiction, a heart stent, and a recent hospitalization for pneumonia. Current medications include Suboxone, Adderall, Lipitor, Desyrel, Norvasc, Tenormin, Lisinopril, Senna, Flonase, Albuterol, Robaxin, and Paxil. He has an allergy to Gabapentin.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): This condition is characterized by extreme fatigue that can't be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with rest. This could explain your constant fatigue, body aches, and the worsening of symptoms with exertion.

    • There's no single test to confirm a diagnosis of CFS. You may need a variety of medical tests to rule out other health problems that have similar symptoms.
  • Medication side effects: Some of the medications you're taking, such as Adderall and Suboxone, can cause side effects like dizziness, weight loss, and shaking. It's important to discuss these symptoms with your doctor, who can adjust your medication regimen if necessary.

  • Tinnitus: This is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears, which you described as a constant high-pitched ringing in your head. Tinnitus is a common problem that affects about 1 in 5 people. It's not a condition itself but a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury or a circulatory system disorder.

    • Treatment for tinnitus depends on the underlying cause, but may include noise suppression or medications.
  • Dental issues: Your toothache could be due to a variety of dental issues, such as tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or a tooth root infection. It's important to see a dentist for a proper evaluation and treatment.

What you can do

  1. Consult your doctor: Given your symptoms and medical history, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider. They can perform a thorough evaluation and order relevant tests if necessary.

  2. Monitor your symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, including when they occur, their severity, and any potential triggers. This information can be helpful for your doctor in diagnosing your condition.

  3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can help manage some of your symptoms.

  4. Dental care: Visit a dentist for your toothache. They can determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek immediate medical attention:

  • If your dizziness or shaking worsens to the point where you can't perform your daily activities
  • If you experience severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
  • If your vision changes suddenly or significantly
  • If your toothache becomes severe or is accompanied by fever, earache, or pain when you open your mouth wide

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm an AI and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

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1 yr ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for POTS: Heart Rhythm Society Treatment Consensus

People Also Ask


What could be causing my constant fatigue and body aches?

Constant fatigue and body aches could be symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), which is characterized by extreme fatigue that worsens with exertion and doesn't improve with rest. It's important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out other conditions and confirm a diagnosis.


Can my medications be causing dizziness and shaking?

Yes, some medications like Adderall and Suboxone can cause side effects such as dizziness and shaking. It's important to discuss these symptoms with your doctor, who can adjust your medication regimen if necessary.


What are the possible treatments for tinnitus?

Treatment for tinnitus depends on the underlying cause. Options may include noise suppression techniques, hearing aids, or medications. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your specific situation.


Why do I have a toothache when chewing, and what should I do about it?

A toothache when chewing could be due to dental issues such as tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or a tooth root infection. It's important to see a dentist for a proper evaluation and treatment to address the underlying cause.


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