Experiencing Unusual Dizziness and Drowsiness for Days Without Substance Use
I’m a 31-year-old female, approximately 5 feet 2 inches in height and weighing around 154 pounds. I smoke occasionally, and my resting heart rate is approximately 90 beats per minute. The last recorded reading of my blood pressure at home was 159 over 90. There’s no indication of fever or any bodily pain at this time. After undergoing a dental procedure last week, I was prescribed steroids for about five days, with the last dosage taken on Friday morning. Since Saturday morning, I’ve struggled to shake off a feeling of lingering drowsiness after sleeping over 11 hours—much longer than my usual 8 to 9 hours. Throughout today, it feels as if I'm still in a hazy state of grogginess. My head feels unsteady, almost as if it were floating, and I’m experiencing slight dizziness, yet I am able to maintain my balance. The sensation resembles that of having had a few drinks, but I haven’t consumed alcohol in several weeks, nor do I use any recreational drugs. Lying down provides me with some relief, but I can’t shake the concern. I’ve experienced vertigo in the past—could this be a recurrence of that condition? Might it simply be an inner ear issue? Alternatively, what other potential causes should I consider? At what point should I find it necessary to consult a physician regarding these symptoms?
Answers (1)
3/25/2025, 2:10:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: You are experiencing unusual dizziness and drowsiness, which could have multiple causes including residual effects from steroids, blood pressure concerns, or inner ear issues. Monitoring symptoms and understanding potential causes is important.
Explanation: Dizziness and drowsiness can stem from various factors. Since you recently had dental surgery and were prescribed steroids, it’s possible the medication may still be affecting you, contributing to feelings of drowsiness and dizziness. Additionally, your blood pressure reading of 159 over 90 indicates that you are at the higher end of the normal range, which could be a factor if your body is responding to stress or medication changes. Past episodes of vertigo suggest that inner ear issues could also play a role. For instance, disturbances in your inner ear can cause balance problems and a sensation of spinning (vertigo).
It's also essential to rule out other concerns like dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or even sleep-related issues, especially if you've been sleeping longer than usual.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of how long the dizziness and drowsiness persist. Take notes on when it occurs, how intense it is, and any triggers you notice.
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Stay Hydrated: Make sure you're drinking plenty of water. Dehydration can exacerbate dizziness.
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Avoid Stressors: Try to rest and minimize any activities that could increase your drowsiness or dizziness, and avoid alcohol and recreational substances.
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Check Blood Pressure Regularly: Given your recent reading, monitor your blood pressure at home daily. If it remains high or you experience symptoms like headaches, chest pain, or severe dizziness, this is particularly important.
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Consider Your Medications: If you haven’t already, discuss any side effects with your dentist or the prescribing doctor, especially since you have recently completed a course of steroids.
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Consult a Physician: If dizziness or drowsiness worsens, if you develop new symptoms (such as severe headaches, numbness, or sudden changes in vision), or if these feelings persist for more than a few days without improvement, it's time to seek medical attention.
Your awareness and proactive approach to your health are crucial, especially with these symptoms. Take care and monitor your condition, and don’t hesitate to seek further evaluation if needed.
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