Ongoing Battle with Unexplained Vertigo Symptoms
I'm a 23-year-old male, standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing around 250 pounds. For the past year, I've been experiencing unpredictable episodes of vertigo. Initially, these bouts began after a series of middle ear infections, but they've persisted even without any ear complications. Recently, the situation escalated significantly. Here's a summary of the medical assessments I've undergone: 1. Three different hearing tests. 2. Several thorough ear examinations where doctors physically inspected my ears. 3. A CT scan, though I'm uncertain about its effectiveness in revealing the underlying issue. My medical history includes: 1. Atherosclerosis, demonstrated by a positive coronary artery calcium (CAC) score. 2. Elevated cholesterol levels, for which I'm currently undergoing treatment. 3. Controlled high blood pressure. 4. Four previous COVID infections. 5. Lung calcification due to histoplasmosis, measuring 1.5 x 1 x 1 cm in the bronchial tube. 6. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), for which I’m also receiving medication. I have noticed several concerning symptoms: 1. Episodes of vertigo that typically arise in the evening, with little relief until morning. 2. Sharp chest pains when I lean forward. 3. No episodes of nausea so far. 4. Difficulty maintaining balance at times. 5. Unusually low heart rate (48 beats per minute) during periods of rest, like when watching TV. 6. Headaches that spread from the front to the back of my skull. 7. Increasing sensations of needing to vomit. 8. Frequent trips to the bathroom, especially for bowel movements. I'm reaching out for insights as I've read that my symptoms could potentially stem from atherosclerosis or some kind of blockage. I've been prescribed Valium, which provided some temporary relief, and I've also tried Flonase and various allergy medications, but nothing seems to significantly improve my condition. Unfortunately, my healthcare providers appear skeptical, attributing my issues to allergies or suggesting they may be psychological in nature. I'm in desperate need of guidance on what steps I might take next or what specialists I should consider consulting.
Answers (1)
6/17/2025, 5:10:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing complex and distressing symptoms with your ongoing vertigo, and I want to acknowledge how challenging this situation can be. Your medical history and recent developments highlight the need for a thorough understanding of your symptoms and tailored management.
Summary of Main Points:
- Persistent vertigo may relate to various underlying issues, including inner ear problems, neurological conditions, or vascular concerns.
- Your medical background, especially with atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and symptoms like low heart rate and chest pain, warrants further investigation.
- Consulting the right specialists and taking actionable steps to monitor your condition can help manage your symptoms effectively.
Explanation:
Vertigo can arise from several possible causes, including issues in the inner ear, neurological factors, or cardiac concerns, especially given your history of atherosclerosis. While your healthcare providers have explored ear-related problems, other potential factors should not be overlooked. The chest pain you experience when leaning forward, along with your low heart rate and other symptoms, necessitates a comprehensive approach.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your episodes, noting their duration, triggers, accompanying symptoms (like the chest pain and heart rate), and any patterns. This information can be invaluable for healthcare providers.
-
Consult a Neurologist: Given that your symptoms include balance issues and headaches, a neurologist can investigate potential neurological conditions that could be contributing to your vertigo.
-
Cardiology Follow-Up: Since you mentioned a positive coronary artery calcium (CAC) score and ongoing issues with low heart rate and chest pain, a cardiologist should evaluate your heart health further. They might recommend an electrocardiogram (ECG) or additional imaging to review your cardiovascular status.
-
Balance & Vestibular Assessments: Consider seeing a vestibular therapist, who specializes in balance disorders. They can provide targeted exercises and techniques that may help with your dizziness.
-
Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments: For your GERD and potential gastrointestinal symptoms, maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding triggers (like spicy or fatty foods) could help reduce symptoms that could contribute to your overall discomfort.
-
Psychological Support: If psychological factors have been suggested, consider speaking with a mental health professional who can help address any anxiety or related issues that may arise from chronic symptoms.
Final Thoughts:
While navigating this complex situation, please ensure that you continue to advocate for yourself with your healthcare providers. If you feel your concerns are not being addressed adequately, seeking a second opinion can be beneficial. Remember, you are not alone – support is available, and with proper attention from the right specialists, you can work towards alleviating these distressing symptoms.
Related Questions
Seeking Insights on My Symptoms
At 25 years old, I stand 170 cm tall and weigh 130 kg. Currently, I'm on lexapro to manage anxiety and have been going through numerous tests to determine whether I have Crohn’s disease, but nothing has been confirmed so far. I endure severe diarrhea on a daily basis, sometimes accompanied by bright red blood. My digestion feels abnormally rapid; I find myself heading to the restroom after every meal, and during a recent capsule endoscopy, the device exited my body within just six hours. Additionally, I experience intense pain in my upper right abdomen and suffer from significant bloating that makes me feel like I’m nine months pregnant. My exhaustion has reached an extent where I often find myself unable to keep my eyes open while sitting down, leading me to sleep more than 12 hours each day whenever I can. It seems as though my energy levels are perpetually at rock bottom. I also find that I become ill with ease, often laid up for a couple of weeks with an ongoing cough that lingers for 4 to 6 weeks after each illness. There's also an unpredictable itching sensation on my body, and my blood pressure occasionally spikes to the point where I feel faint. Last year, I had episodes of significant night sweats that would leave me and my pajamas soaked almost every night, although that symptom has since subsided. Now, I am experiencing neurological issues which include jumbled speech, difficulty typing or writing properly, and an inability to recall days or months when asked to list them sequentially. I frequently suffer from headaches and episodes reminiscent of absence seizures, where I lose focus and stare into space for intervals ranging from 10 to 30 seconds. I previously dealt with vision problems characterized by blurriness and seeing spots, although those symptoms have improved quite a bit in recent weeks. I have undergone both a colonoscopy and gastroscopy, which revealed only a mild case of reflux. Aside from that, my lab results have generally been normal, except for my CRP levels, which have fluctuated between 15 and 30 in recent months. I am currently awaiting the results of my capsule endoscopy and have a neurology appointment scheduled for Thursday. What could possibly explain these persistent and concerning symptoms?
Could This Indicate Swollen Turbinates?
I am an 18-year-old male, standing at 5'10" and weighing 187 pounds. I have never smoked or used drugs. About a month ago, I experienced a sinus infection, which left my nose with some crusting. Currently, I’ve noticed two sizable protrusions at the entrance of my nostrils. I suspect they may be present in both nostrils, though I can’t observe the left one clearly. They are situated on the right side, with no additional symptoms accompanying this issue. One lump is significantly larger than the other, which is slightly smaller and sits right in front of it. They bear a resemblance to grapes.
Conflicted About Starting Diane-35 for Acne and Menstrual Cycle Concerns
I’m a 22-year-old female who has battled with acne since I was about 15. I’ve never consulted a dermatologist, but I notice my acne tends to be more cystic in nature rather than the typical kind. Recently, during my last appointment two weeks ago, my doctor offered to help improve the condition of my skin. She recommended starting Diane-35, prescribed alongside a medicated cream. My menstrual cycle is quite manageable; I typically experience periods that last four days, are relatively light, and are mostly painless aside from some mild cramping on the first day every few cycles. Additionally, my periods are consistent, occurring every 29 to 32 days. When my doctor first proposed the pill, I was initially receptive to the idea since, even though my periods are straightforward, I dislike having to deal with them at all. I asked her a few preliminary questions, felt satisfied, and left with the prescription. However, I made the mistake of returning home and researching online. I usually strive to stay informed, but this time around, my quest for knowledge turned overwhelming. The internet is rife with information about birth control, and every article seems to outline numerous adverse effects. I stumbled upon opinions from various “wellness influencers,” who often profit from promoting supplements by instilling fear. Unfortunately, their messages lingered in my mind, adding to my anxiety. As fate would have it, my period has begun, and my doctor advised initiating the pill at this point, leaving me without a chance to revisit her and discuss my burgeoning concerns. Hence, I’m reaching out here for insights from medical professionals. Here are the questions weighing on my mind: - Does taking Diane-35 carry the risk of long-term alteration to my menstrual cycle? - If someone discontinues the pill, does the menstrual cycle typically revert to normal, or can it remain disrupted? - Is there a tendency for the average individual to gain weight while on the pill? (I’ve seen conflicting reports on this.) - I came across information suggesting the pill might increase the risk of ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease by 50%. While I understand this might translate to a minimal actual risk, how concerning is this figure for most people? - What implications does the pill have for gut health? Can it disrupt the microbiome similar to antibiotics, potentially resulting in diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues? - Lastly, if you were in the position of a doctor, would prescribing birth control to someone with problematic skin but regular periods be warranted, or might the possible risks outweigh the benefits of clearer skin? Given that many women's experiences with their cycles aren’t as uncomplicated as mine, I’m apprehensive that starting the pill could adversely impact my relatively easy menstrual flow, leading to a hasty decision. **In summary:** My doctor advised starting Diane-35 to address skin issues. Given my straightforward menstruation, I’m anxious about any potential disruptions. After searching online, I ended up more confused than enlightened.
Navigating Carotid Artery Dissection
Title: Navigating Carotid Artery Dissection Nearly two years ago, I experienced a traumatic incident that resulted in a dissection of my carotid artery. For the past nine months, I’ve been on restricted activity while taking blood thinners to manage the condition. Following a recent CT scan, I received news that necessitates the placement of a stent due to some concerning developments. I have a consultation scheduled with the surgeon in August, and I can't help but feel anxious about what lies ahead. Occasionally, I notice sensations of palpitations in the area affected by the dissection, particularly after I exert myself physically. At 49 years old, I generally lead a healthy lifestyle, although I do indulge in cannabis and drink alcohol now and then. I also tend to push myself quite hard with my work. Given these circumstances, should I be alarmed about my condition?
Severe Neck Pain After Hearing a Crack
I’m an 18-year-old female, standing at 160 cm and weighing 50 kg. Currently, I’m not on any medications and I don’t smoke. This morning, I turned my head to the right and suddenly heard a cracking sound. It was painful, but I brushed it off and continued with my day. However, after sitting on the sofa, the discomfort escalated rapidly. Now, I'm lying down with my head tilted to the left. Any attempt to move causes excruciating pain, rating it a solid 10 out of 10 on the pain scale, particularly on the right side of my neck. I find it nearly impossible to sit up; any pressure on my head leads to intense agony. Living where I do makes accessing emergency services quite difficult. My parents suspect it might just be a neck strain, but I’m not so sure. The real problem is how I’m supposed to reach a hospital when I can barely turn my head?! I’m reaching out for any advice or guidance on what to do next, please help!