Experiencing Dizziness, Headaches, Disorientation, and Brain Fog for Over a Month
For approximately a month now, I've been dealing with some perplexing symptoms, ranging from intermittent dizziness to intense headaches and feelings of disorientation. These episodes often occur when I lay flat on my back in bed or even when I'm simply looking upward or sitting at my desk with my head level. I've also been plagued by unexpected migraines, which I have never encountered before, along with headaches that seem to target the areas behind my eyes. During these episodes, I often feel a sense of mental haze, requiring a significant amount of concentration just to maintain my eye focus, all while battling the urge to pace due to confusion. As I approach my thirtieth birthday, I must confess that I’ve struggled with alcohol misuse for the past three years. Recently, my consumption has shifted from beer and mixed drinks to consuming only straight liquor, averaging between half to three-quarters of a vodka bottle several nights a week, sometimes consecutively. I'm concerned that these symptoms may be linked to my addiction, but I’m also open to the possibility of other underlying causes. The unpredictable dizziness and disorientation, which occur a few times each day, are becoming increasingly distressing. Although these episodes typically last only about 30 minutes to an hour, they are profoundly disruptive and difficult to endure. In an effort to cope, I’ve found that engaging in activities such as watching television or gaming with friends that require mental engagement helps alleviate some of the discomfort. In the past, I have experienced various health problems that resolved on their own without needing to consult a doctor, but those were usually short-lived. This prolonged situation is fueling my anxiety around health and mortality, leaving me quite worried about what could be happening to me now.
Answers (1)
7/29/2025, 9:31:02 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been experiencing a challenging combination of symptoms, including dizziness, headaches, and feelings of disorientation. Given your history of alcohol misuse and the recent changes in your health, it’s understandable to be concerned about what might be causing these issues. Your symptoms could potentially be linked to several factors, including the effects of alcohol, possible withdrawal symptoms, or other underlying medical conditions, but it's essential to approach this thoughtfully.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms could be related to alcohol misuse, withdrawal, or other medical issues.
- The combination of dizziness, headaches, and mental fog requires careful monitoring.
- Immediate focus on lifestyle changes and symptom management can be beneficial.
Explanation:
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Alcohol & Symptoms: Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to dependency, and abrupt changes in intake can cause withdrawal symptoms, including dizziness and headaches. Alcohol may also contribute to migraines and cognitive fog.
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Physical Causes: Conditions such as migrainous vertigo or other neurological issues could also be presenting with similar symptoms. The headaches behind your eyes and the brain fog warrant attention.
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Mental Health: Anxiety over health can exacerbate physical symptoms. Addressing mental health is just as crucial as physical health.
Next Steps:
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Limit Alcohol: Gradually reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption. This can help decrease the risk of withdrawal symptoms and improve overall cognitive function. You might find it beneficial to keep a log of your drinking patterns to help recognize triggers.
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day, as dehydration can exacerbate headaches and dizziness.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary, documenting when symptoms occur, their intensity, and any activities that seem to relieve them. This can help identify triggers or patterns in your symptoms.
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Routine: Establish a healthy daily routine that includes regular sleep patterns, balanced meals, and physical activity, which can promote overall well-being.
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Mindfulness & Engagement: Continue engaging in activities that require focus, as they help distract from discomfort. Consider integrating mindfulness or relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety.
If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, it would be advisable to seek medical advice to explore any underlying conditions further. You deserve to feel better, and taking these steps can provide a strong foundation for your health moving forward.
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# 7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options ## [7-Month-Old] Identified with Abernethy Malformation (Congenital Portosystemic Shunt) - Treatment Methods? **Age:** 7 months **Gender:** Female **Height:** Age-appropriate **Weight:** Currently 9 kg, was 2.8 kg at birth **Ethnicity:** Asian **Duration of Symptoms:** Present since birth **Location:** Uzbekistan **Pre-existing Health Issues:** Abernethy malformation (congenital portosystemic shunt), liver hemangiomas, chronic jaundice, anemia **Current Treatments:** Supportive management --- ## INITIAL PRESENTATION (June 2025 - July 2025) Our daughter arrived on **June 27, 2025**, presenting with: - Birth weight: **2.8 kg** - Marked jaundice (yellowing of skin and sclera) - Pale or clay-colored stools - **Bilirubin level: 245 μmol/L** (typically <20) An immediate ultrasound indicated multiple liver anomalies, initially thought to be hemangiomas. --- ## FIRST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (August 1, 2025 - 1 Month Old) ### Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) with 3-Phase Contrast (August 1, 2025): **RESULTS:** - 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7 Months Old) - **Weight:** 9 kg (good growth rate in spite of condition) - **Jaundice:** Continues to be present (yellow skin) - **Stools:** Remain pale/clay-colored - **Development:** Achieving appropriate milestones - **Energy:** Appears to have a good energy level - **Feeding:** Normal appetite --- ## QUESTIONS FOR r/AskDocs We have been informed this is **Type 2 Abernethy malformation** (portal vein present). **Three treatment avenues have been proposed:** ### Option 1: **Endovascular Coil Embolization** (minimally invasive approach) - A catheter is inserted via the leg vein to access the shunt and deploy coils/plugs to close the abnormal vessels - Pros: No surgical incision, minimal discomfort, short hospital stay (2-4 days), no scars, enhanced safety - Duration: 1-2 hours - Recovery: 2-4 weeks for jaundice to show improvement ### Option 2: **Open Surgical Intervention** - An incision in the abdomen to ligate abnormal vessels and redirect blood to the liver - Pros: Direct visualization, effective results - Cons: Surgical scar, longer recovery time (7-14 days in hospital) - Duration: 2-4 hours ### Option 3: **Liver Transplantation** - We have been advised this is not necessary as the portal vein is functional and liver health is improving. --- ## SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. **With a functional portal vein (6.1 mm) and improving liver function (ALT normalized), is it advisable to pursue endovascular closure as the preferred treatment?** 2. **Despite ALT levels improving, the bilirubin remains consistently high (242). Should this be a cause for concern? Is there a prospect for it to normalize post shunt closure?** 3. **Are the hemangiomas/nodules (11.6×20.7 mm) linked to the shunt? Will they likely resolve following shunt repair?** 4. **How urgent is the proposed intervention? Is immediate action required, or is there flexibility to wait a few months?** 5. **What complications should we be vigilant for during the waiting period?** 6. **Regarding endovascular closure - what is the average success rate for infants aged 7 months? Are there concerns regarding the shunt size (9.9 mm)?** 7. **The measurement of the portal vein has shown improvement from 6.1 mm to 3.9 mm; should this be perceived as a positive sign or a reason for concern?** 8. **Are there special directives (diet modifications, medications) we should consider while awaiting the procedure?** 9. **Post-procedure, how long should we expect it might take for:** - Normalization of bilirubin levels? - Return of stool color to normal? - Resolution of jaundice? - Regression of hemangiomas? 10. **Can you recommend any specialized centers for pediatric Abernethy malformation treatments? We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.