OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Clarity

Greetings, everyone. I'm a 40-year-old woman, standing 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 175 pounds. Despite numerous medical evaluations, I remain undiagnosed. I manage chronic back pain due to herniated discs and sciatica, for which I take hydrocodone 7.5 every six hours. Since last year, I've begun experiencing episodes of dizziness. My physician dismissed my concerns, yet the sensation I feel resembles that dizzy spell you get after spinning in circles; it strikes suddenly, lasts a few seconds, and then subsides, occurring several times throughout each day. At the end of January, I experienced a particularly alarming event. While I was reading in bed, it felt as if my brain was inflating like a balloon, followed by tingling in my scalp and shoulders. Panic gripped me, and my heart rate surged, likely due to my fear. A visit to the emergency room resulted in a recommendation to increase my water intake. The second episode occurred while I was working at my desk. Once again, I felt the balloon sensation, accompanied by an overwhelming urge to faint. This time, my body began to tremble, and my hands and arms felt tingly as well. Returning to the ER, they performed a CT scan and ran lab tests, all of which returned normal. The doctor suggested stress might be the culprit. My primary care physician ordered two Holter monitors, but the results were inconclusive. He believed I might have POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) or anxiety, though I do not experience elevated heart rates during normal activities—only during these unexpected episodes, which I suspect are linked to panic. During a third incident, I tried standing to walk it off, but instead, I collapsed. Unfortunately, I could not return to the ER due to a lack of childcare. I insisted on a referral to a neurologist. After seeing him, I underwent an MRI, EEG, and more lab tests, but he could not pinpoint the source of my symptoms. The MRI and EEG yielded no abnormalities. However, the lab results showed an ANA Screen IFA positive result, an ANA titer of 1:80 with a Cytoplasmic pattern, and a concerning vitamin D level of 12. Confused by these findings, I contacted the neurologist's office, where I was informed that further testing is necessary. They prescribed me high doses of vitamin D for four weeks, of which I've completed two doses. Last night, I experienced another episode, more severe than the previous ones. It began while I was lying down, with intense pressure in my head and ringing in my ears, which would pop. My left cheek and ear felt inflamed and hot to the touch, with a shaky sensation throughout my body. This went on for about three hours, and again, I couldn’t go to the ER afterward. When I eventually fell asleep, I woke up feeling disoriented, facing persistent dizziness and headaches throughout the day. I've also been dealing with other neurological symptoms—frequent memory lapses, brain fog, instability, and persistent ringing in my ears. I occasionally experience sharp headaches and a peculiar crackling noise in my neck and head, which I can't clearly describe. Although my neck does not crack, I can feel and hear this unusual sound. My head often feels heavy, and I’ve encountered additional odd symptoms that are difficult to articulate at this moment. Initially, I feared a tumor or aneurysm could be the issue, but all tests have returned normal results. During these episodes, I genuinely fear for my well-being and feel an immense sense of dread. Something is undoubtedly amiss, yet I lack any answers. I'm uncertain which specialists to consult next. If anyone has suggestions or knows which type of doctor might provide assistance, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for reading my story; it means a lot to me.

Answers (1)

7/30/2025, 3:40:55 AM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your detailed experience. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed and fearful given the range of symptoms you’re facing. Your main concerns seem to include persistent dizziness, neurological symptoms, and the need for clarity around your health. Let’s break this down into manageable parts.

Summary of Main Points

1. You are experiencing recurrent episodes of dizziness and neurological symptoms, including pressure in the head, ringing in the ears, and memory lapses.
2. Your extensive testing has returned normal results, but you are seeking further answers and direction about potential underlying issues.
3. The symptoms you describe are distressing and impact your daily life.

Explanation

Your symptoms can arise from various conditions, some of which may be related to your previous diagnosis of chronic back pain and potential stress factors. Some possibilities to consider include:

• Vestibular Disorders: Conditions affecting balance may cause dizziness or a "spinning" sensation.
• Neurological Issues: Your symptoms could relate to neurological conditions, but normal MRI and EEG tests are reassuring.
• Vitamin D Deficiency: Low vitamin D can contribute to fatigue and possibly some neurological symptoms.
• Anxiety/Panic Disorders: The feelings of panic and fear you describe during episodes may amplify your symptoms.

Next Steps

1. Monitor and Document: Keep a diary of your symptoms, including when they occur, duration, intensity, accompanying sensations, and any triggers you identify. This information can be very valuable for healthcare providers.

2. Follow-Up on Vitamin D: As you’ve started high doses of vitamin D, ensure any follow-up includes monitoring your levels. A recheck after several weeks could determine if your levels are improving and if symptoms correlate with this change.

3. Consider a Multidisciplinary Approach:

   • Neurologist: Since you've seen a neurologist, ask for a follow-up regarding the ANA results and discuss any additional tests that can clarify autoimmune concerns or other neurological conditions.
   • ENT Specialist: An Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor (ENT) can evaluate dizziness and ear-related issues that may not be picked up in standard neurological tests.
   • Psychiatrist/Psychologist: If anxiety plays a role, a mental health professional can provide support and coping strategies, especially if panic is exacerbating your physical symptoms.

4. Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are well-hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet, particularly focusing on adequate vitamin intake as you work on correcting the deficiency.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: Implement stress-reducing techniques, such as mindfulness, gentle yoga, or meditation, as these can help manage anxiety and may ease physical symptoms.

I encourage you to remain persistent in seeking answers and to communicate openly with your healthcare providers about your symptoms and any progress you make. Your health is important, and you deserve clarity and peace of mind regarding your well-being. Please feel free to share any updates or further questions you may have.