[73F] Experiencing throbbing headache, dizziness, and ear pain

Patient Description

A 73-year-old female presents with a throbbing headache, dizziness characterized as lightheadedness, and ear pain. These symptoms have been occurring for 3 weeks and are described as coming and going. The dizziness, rated as a 6 on a severity scale of 1-10, leads to a loss of appetite. No specific activities or movements have been identified that exacerbate the dizziness, and the patient is unsure of any alleviating factors.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Migraine: This is a type of headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It's often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so severe that it interferes with your daily activities.

    • Treatment of migraines often involves medications to help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. Lifestyle changes, such as stress management and regular exercise, can also help.

  • Meniere's disease: This is a disorder of the inner ear that can lead to dizziness and loss of balance. It's often accompanied by a ringing sound in the ear (tinnitus) and hearing loss. Meniere's disease usually affects only one ear.

    • Treatment of Meniere's disease can involve medications, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

  • Vertigo: This is a sensation of feeling off balance and experiencing a dizzy feeling like spinning. It's often caused by an issue in the inner ear or brain.

    • Treatment of vertigo depends on the cause and can include medications, physical therapy exercises (vestibular rehabilitation), and surgery.

What you can do

  1. Rest and avoid sudden movements. This can help to reduce the severity of your dizziness.
  2. Stay hydrated and eat small, frequent meals. This can help to manage your loss of appetite.
  3. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), might help with your headache.
  4. Consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

  • If your headache or dizziness worsens or does not improve
  • If you experience additional symptoms such as blurred vision, difficulty speaking, or weakness on one side of your body
  • If you have a high fever (temperature over 100.4°F)

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for accurate information.

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8 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of a migraine?

Common symptoms of a migraine include severe throbbing or pulsing pain, usually on one side of the head, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last from hours to days.

How is Meniere's disease diagnosed and treated?

Meniere's disease is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, hearing tests, and balance assessments. Treatment may include medications to reduce dizziness, dietary changes, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

What are the typical causes of vertigo?

Vertigo is often caused by problems in the inner ear, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere's disease, or vestibular neuritis. It can also be caused by issues in the brain, such as migraines or stroke.

When should I seek medical attention for dizziness and headaches?

You should seek medical attention if your dizziness or headaches worsen, do not improve, or are accompanied by symptoms like blurred vision, difficulty speaking, weakness on one side of the body, or a high fever.

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