OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Guidance on Neurological Symptoms and Heart Palpitations

**Personal Details** - **Age:** 23 - **Location:** Canada - **Gender:** Female - **Height:** 5'6" - **Weight:** 152 lbs - **Ethnicity:** Caucasian - **Lifestyle:** Non-smoker, abstains from alcohol and recreational drugs **Current Medications:** | **Medication** | **Dosage** | **Purpose** | **Usage Frequency** | |----------------|------------|-------------|---------------------| | Spironolactone | 50 mg | Hypertension | Once daily | | Magnesium Oxide| 420 mg | Migraines | Once daily | | Aspirin | 81 mg | - | Once daily | Previously, I tried medications such as nifedipine and metoprolol to manage my hypertension, but they were ineffective. Nifedipine caused severe eye discomfort. In contrast, spironolactone has proven to be the most beneficial with minimal side effects. **Medical Background:** I have a medical history that includes polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high blood pressure, and migraines. **Main Concerns:** I have difficulty articulating my main issue, but I will attempt to provide clarity. Since childhood, I’ve occasionally experienced brief episodes of dizziness, appearing just a few times each year. These spells lasted a mere second without accompanying symptoms. Starting around 2014, I began to sense a peculiar "bubble" feeling in my head. When this sensation “popped,” I would endure a sharp pain, usually located at the upper left temple, though occasionally on the right side. The pain felt akin to being stabbed in the head and could persist for a day or even weeks. This “bursting” sensation resembled the resistance felt when attempting to blow out a drink caught in a straw, followed by acute discomfort. I noticed these episodes intensified during periods of inadequate sleep, which I’ve struggled with for years. On several occasions, I found that forcing myself to sleep for over 12 hours provided some relief. My initial thought was that my blood pressure fluctuations might be involved since I often neglected my medication. However, my doctors didn’t seem to take my concerns seriously when I brought it up. For a time, I also faced recurrent heart palpitations, which transformed from rare occurrences to weekly episodes. Medical advice suggested losing weight, reducing caffeine intake, and limiting salty foods. Aside from chocolate, I eliminated all caffeine, minimized processed and fast foods, and stopped consuming soda. Consequently, the palpitations diminished and eventually ceased altogether. I consulted a neurologist, acknowledged as Dr. Y, who concluded that I suffer from migraines. However, due to insurance constraints, I chose not to pursue subsequent appointments or an MRI. **Frustrations in Seeking Treatment:** For nearly two years, I've struggled to schedule a necessary test. Every contact number provided by my insurance or associated hospitals leads to either incorrect providers or those no longer practicing. I’ve reached out to over 50 contacts with no success in arranging the test required, which must be initiated by a cardiologist—finding one who is in-network locally has been daunting. Recently, I have begun to experience heart palpitations again, albeit with little to no dizziness. These palpitations have intensified, particularly at night when trying to rest, disrupting my sleep patterns. To better monitor my condition, I acquired a handheld heart monitor, which indicated possible bradycardia. Given my recent weight loss, I speculated that my blood pressure medication might now be overly potent, prompting me to adjust my dosage to every other day. This alteration provided slight improvement, but not fully. My primary care physician advised me to await my upcoming cardiology appointment. However, when I did see the cardiologist, there was a lack of activity detected during the monitoring session. They scheduled an ECG, but that ended up being an incorrect procedure and was canceled. Coinciding with the onset of heart palpitations, I was also taking naproxen for chronic back discomfort, which I won’t elaborate on here; I was using it merely two to three times each week, not even reaching the suggested dosage of two pills daily. After discontinuing naproxen, the palpitations have substantially reduced and are nearly gone altogether, indicating I will no longer use this medication, as it was surprising to experience side effects from it when I had taken it without issues previously. Through all of this, I managed to gradually reduce my weight by 40 lbs, which has remained stable. Despite healthcare professionals asserting that even a modest weight loss of 10-15 lbs would be beneficial, I have seen no significant improvements. While I remain uncertain about the necessity of the test, I aim to follow through given my limited medical expertise. I feel as if I am at a standstill. I have endured numerous consultations, made countless calls, and yet I find myself without answers. I am going in circles trying to arrange medical appointments. If anyone has insights into my situation or suggestions for the next steps I should take, I would greatly appreciate your assistance!

Answers (1)

8/2/2025, 4:02:06 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you've been navigating a complex situation with your symptoms, and it’s completely understandable to feel frustrated with the lack of clear answers or support. Let's focus on a few key points regarding your neurological symptoms, heart palpitations, and overall management strategies.

Key Points:

1. Neurological Symptoms: Your description of the “bubble” feeling and sharp pain suggests migraine-related issues, especially since you have a history of migraines. The occasional dizziness could be linked to migraines but should be assessed further.
2. Heart Palpitations: These could be related to changes in your medication, dietary factors, or stress. Your decision to stop naproxen appears prudent, given the connection you made between it and your symptoms.
3. Medication Management: Adjustments to your blood pressure medication should be carefully monitored, especially after your weight loss.

Explanation:

The combination of migraines and heart palpitations can often lead to confusion about the root cause of symptoms. Migraines can cause neurological symptoms and alterations in how your body responds to stressors, which may also impact your heart. Losing weight and modifying your diet have likely played significant roles in reducing your palpitations, but it’s essential to ensure your blood pressure remains stable, especially since you're on spironolactone.

Actionable Steps:

1. Symptom Monitoring: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms including frequency, duration, and triggers. Note any correlation between your diet, activity levels, and medication changes.
2. Lifestyle Adjustments:
   • Sleep Hygiene: Prioritize consistent sleep patterns by maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a restful environment, and avoiding screens before bed.
   • Hydration and Diet: Continue to focus on hydration and balanced meals, minimizing processed foods and monitoring salt intake.
   • Stress Management: Explore relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or gentle exercise, which may help with both anxiety and palpitations.
3. Medication Review: Since you've adjusted your spironolactone dosage, keep track of any changes in your symptoms. Consider discussing your recent experiences with your primary care physician or cardiologist when you’re able to meet with them, particularly your considerations about bradycardia and the effectiveness of your current medication regime.
4. Follow-Up on Tests: Persist with obtaining necessary tests and appointments. If communication with your insurance continues to be problematic, consider contacting a patient advocacy group that can assist in navigating difficult healthcare systems.
5. Second Opinion: If possible, seek a second opinion on your neurological symptoms from another neurologist, especially if symptoms persist and impact your quality of life.

I realize this has been a long journey for you, and it’s important to advocate for your health. You're doing a great job managing your concerns, and it’s crucial to keep seeking the care and answers you need. Let me know if you need any more specific advice or resources!