OpenHealth Q&A

Challenging Symptoms: Dizziness, Head Pressure, and Neck Pain with Weight Loss

Hello everyone, I’m a 23-year-old assigned female at birth, standing at 5'5" and weighing 127 pounds. I have a mild case of asthma and use my inhaler occasionally. I drink alcohol socially but haven't indulged in nearly two weeks, as I am also in the process of quitting both vaping and smoking, having refrained from nicotine for the past two weeks. The only medication I’m currently taking is clarithromycin, which I started about a week ago to treat a minor infection in one of my piercings. About two weeks back, on March 15th, I visited a nightclub with friends and accidentally got elbowed in the head by a fellow reveler. At the time, I didn’t think much of it since I didn’t lose consciousness or feel any pain; it was merely an unremarkable incident. The following day, however, while dining out with friends, I experienced a sudden onset of severe dizziness, feeling faint, sweaty, and foggy. The world began to spin, and I struggled to maintain my footing, feeling as though I might collapse. Despite being anxious, I could differentiate this from my usual panic attacks. My friends quickly summoned an ambulance, and I was taken to the emergency room where I attributed my symptoms to the head bump from the previous night. The doctors diagnosed me with a mild concussion and advised me to monitor my condition. Fast forward to March 18, two days later, when my symptoms escalated. I was having trouble concentrating, experiencing significant pressure in my head and neck, and I felt an overwhelming nausea. Returning to the ER for a CT scan revealed no abnormalities. Curiously enough, just two days after my second ER visit, my piercing became infected. I suspected it was due to potentially touching my ear with unwashed hands post-hospital visit. I was prescribed clarithromycin for this on March 21st, and while my ear is healing, my headaches, neck discomfort, and dizziness have intensified. Now, I questioned whether the worsening symptoms were related to the ear infection—though I later realized they weren’t. Since March 21st, the discomfort in my head and neck, accompanied by dizziness, has progressively worsened each day. Some mornings I feel alright, but then by lunchtime, I’m struggling; on other days, I wake up with debilitating symptoms right away. There seems to be no break from this affliction. My sleep has deteriorated, and I've lost my appetite, shedding 5 pounds over the span of four days. I can hardly walk for more than 10 minutes without feeling disoriented, as if I’m about to collapse or drift into a dreamlike state. I visited the ER once more on March 25th, insisting on undergoing blood tests, but was met with resistance. The diagnosis given to me was vertigo after a quick series of examinations, which included light tests and physical coordination tests. However, none of my symptoms align with those typically associated with vertigo. I’ve attempted to pinpoint which ear might be causing issues, but no matter how I move or position myself, the dizziness remains consistent. Previously, I maintained an active lifestyle, hitting the gym several times a week, eating healthily, and routinely walking over 10,000 steps daily. Now, I struggle with even basic tasks. This rapid onset of symptoms is utterly foreign to me, and I am at a loss for what might be causing these issues. Could it stem from the concussion, the ear infection, or even the antibiotic? The CT results indicated that if I did have a concussion, it was extremely mild—far less severe than concussions I’ve experienced before. I have never been prescribed clarithromycin until now, and while it could explain my loss of appetite, can it also be responsible for such profound dizziness? I yearn for clarity but am met with confusion at every turn. It's unlikely to be something as serious as a brain tumor since I underwent a CT scan recently, and my symptoms initiated just days prior to that scan. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has insights into my situation or suggestions for specialists I might consult for further assistance. :(

Answers (1)

3/27/2025, 12:10:53 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear how challenging your symptoms have been for you. Your reported dizziness, head pressure, neck pain, and recent weight loss combined with your medical history indicate a complex situation that deserves careful attention.

Main Points:

1. Symptoms Overview: Your symptoms might relate to the mild concussion, ear infection, or could be side effects of the medication (clarithromycin).
2. Worsening Condition: Ongoing issues such as dizziness, neck pain, and disrupted sleep are concerning and warrant further evaluation.
3. Importance of Monitoring: It's crucial to carefully monitor your symptoms for changes.

Explanation:

The symptoms you're experiencing can arise from several factors:

• Mild Concussion: Even mild concussions can lead to prolonged symptoms, including headaches and dizziness. Some people experience persistent post-concussive symptoms which may not resolve as expected.
• Ear Infection: Since you've had an ear infection, it might contribute to dizziness, especially if it affects your balance organs.
• Medication Side Effects: Clarithromycin can cause gastrointestinal issues, including loss of appetite and may also cause dizziness in some cases, although this is less common.

Given the complexity of your situation, it's wise to approach it methodically.

Next Steps:

1. Keep a Symptom Diary: Track your symptoms daily, noting intensity, timing, and any other associated factors (like activities, meals, and medication intake). This can help identify patterns or triggers.

2. Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Though you have a reduced appetite, try to consume small, nutrient-dense meals or smoothies to maintain your energy levels. Hydration is critical, especially if you are losing weight.

3. Gradual Activity Level Increase: While it can be difficult, try to engage in light, low-impact activities, such as walking for short intervals if you feel stable enough. This can help prevent further deconditioning.

4. Seek Specialist Evaluation: Given the persistence and nature of your symptoms, consider consulting a neurologist for a more in-depth assessment of your headaches and dizziness. They may conduct further tests or evaluations to rule out conditions like vestibular disorders or other neurological issues.

5. Follow-up on Your Ear Infection: Ensure that your ear infection is adequately monitored and treated. If you notice swelling, increased redness, or fever, prompt medical attention is necessary.

6. Mental Health Support: If feelings of anxiety or frustration increase due to these symptoms, consider engaging a mental health professional. It's tough to deal with such symptoms, and support can be beneficial.

Remember, your health and well-being are the priority. Listening to your body and seeking support when needed is crucial. Don't hesitate to reach out for further advice or clarification on your situation.