Persistent Dizziness and Health Concerns
Hello, I’m a 21-year-old woman, standing at 149 cm and weighing only 31 kg. Recently, I've been experiencing dizziness accompanied by vomiting whenever I try to stand. The first instance of this vertigo prompted me to visit a clinic, where the doctor prescribed medication for headaches and nausea. However, after a week, the dizziness returned, leading me to seek further medical attention at the hospital. They conducted comprehensive tests, including urine and blood analysis as well as a CT scan, all of which appeared normal. Following this, I was referred to an ENT specialist who determined that I have a minor hearing loss issue. The diagnosis included the presence of crystals in my ear that had shifted to improper locations. Consequently, the recommended treatment involved tapping behind my ear to try and reposition these crystals, while also monitoring the involuntary shaking of my eyes. Two months later, I continue attending physiotherapy sessions where I'm learning exercises aimed at restoring my body’s balance and addressing the tremors in my eyes. My main concern is whether my weight, which falls below a healthy range, could be the root cause of my symptoms since medical evaluations haven't pinpointed anything wrong. Additionally, I've suffered from daily headaches since childhood; they seem to fluctuate in intensity but seldom completely disappear. I've noticed that these headaches can lessen with a massage or a short rest. The dizziness intensifies when I skip meals or spend too much time in the heat. I often experience dizziness localized to the right side of my head, with stiffness in my neck; this sensation typically alleviates after resting or receiving a massage. I’ve also come to realize that rapidly standing up or moving after sitting can trigger this dizziness. Another point of concern is my increased heart rate following simple activities, like climbing stairs. I’m feeling quite anxious these days, often crying and overthinking my situation. I also underwent a thyroid function test which yielded normal results. I find it particularly challenging to gain weight due to my fast metabolism. Lastly, I apologize for my English, as it is not my primary language. If anyone has advice or insights to share, I would greatly appreciate it!
Answers (1)
8/24/2025, 11:30:54 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with a complex and distressing set of symptoms, including persistent dizziness, headaches, and difficulties with weight gain. These experiences can be overwhelming, especially when you’re not getting clear answers or relief. Let's break this down and focus on what you can do next.
Key Points:
- Dizziness and Weight Concerns: Your low weight may be contributing to your symptoms, given its potential impact on overall health and energy levels.
- Headaches and Triggers: Frequent headaches, especially when worsened by conditions such as skipping meals, suggest that managing your diet and hydration might help.
- Emotional Well-Being: Feeling anxious about your health is completely understandable. Taking care of your mental health is as important as your physical health.
Explanation:
-
Weight and Dizziness: At a height of 149 cm and a weight of 31 kg, you are significantly below the healthy weight range for your height. Low body weight can lead to various issues, including nutrient deficiencies, which might exacerbate dizziness and fatigue.
-
Headaches: If your headaches fluctuate in intensity and are relieved by rest or massages, they could be tension-type headaches, which are common when you're under stress or have poor posture.
-
Dizziness Triggers: You mentioned dizziness getting worse with heat, skipping meals, and sudden movements. These triggers indicate a possible link between your lifestyle habits and your symptoms, suggesting that maintaining consistent meal timings and staying hydrated can help.
Next Steps:
-
Focus on Nutrition:
- Aim to increase your caloric intake with nutrient-dense foods, such as nuts, seeds, avocados, whole grains, and lean proteins. Small, frequent meals throughout the day may be easier.
- Consider adding smoothies or shakes with protein and healthy fats if solid food feels overwhelming. This can help with weight gain while providing essential nutrients.
-
Stay Hydrated: Drink ample fluids throughout the day. Dehydration can contribute to dizziness, especially if you're active or in hot weather.
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a journal of your dizziness and headache episodes, noting what you did before they occurred, your diet, energy levels, and how you felt emotionally. This could help identify patterns and triggers.
-
Continue Physiotherapy: Stay committed to your physiotherapy sessions, as they are crucial in addressing your balance and eye tremors.
-
Manage Stress and Anxiety:
- Consider relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation to help manage your anxiety.
- Talking to a trusted friend or professional about how you’re feeling might also provide some relief.
-
Gradual Movements: When changing positions (like standing up), do so slowly to minimize dizziness. Give yourself a moment to adjust before moving.
Lastly, continue following up with your healthcare providers, especially regarding your weight management and overall health, as they can offer specific guidance tailored to your needs. You’re doing your best to keep track of a challenging situation, and that’s commendable. If any new symptoms arise, or if your current symptoms worsen, please reach out promptly.
Related Questions
Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
I’m an 18-year-old female weighing 125 pounds, and for the past two months, I’ve been prescribed buspirone. Lately, I’ve been experiencing severe headaches that I suspect are migraines. These typically occur on my right temple, radiate into my teeth, and extend around to the back of my ear. They often leave one side of my body feeling weak and fuzzy, accompanied by black spots in my vision. Additionally, I’ve noticed heightened sensitivity to noises and colors, with even minor sounds causing vibrations in my brain. For example, the simple act of clipping on an earring felt as though my brain was vibrating. I often find that sounds, no matter how soft, can make my ears pulse and trigger twitching. Just the other day, I was seated on my couch when I heard a sound from another room, which caused my head to jerk abruptly to the left. This isn’t an occasional twitch; rather, it’s a pronounced jerk, primarily affecting my head but sometimes other areas too. My brain seems to buzz and feel fuzzy inside. I also suffer from frequent dizziness that can be so severe that I find myself dry heaving into the toilet and struggling to walk, leading to falls. Furthermore, I deal with chronic tinnitus. I've also been experiencing significant discomfort in my upper left abdomen, characterized by a burning and cramping sensation. Strangely, during these episodes, I feel a hunger-like pain even though I’ve eaten less than an hour earlier. This discomfort often makes me nauseous and I suffer from acid reflux after consuming even water. Additionally, I’ve noticed painful lumps in my armpits, sometimes growing as large as marbles beneath the skin. These lumps are incredibly sensitive; even resting my arms in a natural position can be painful. Compounding my concern, my armpit hair has stopped growing altogether, which is puzzling since just a month ago it was quite thick. Now, it’s reduced to a few sporadic strands. The lumps don't behave like pimples; I've tried to pop them and checked for ingrown hairs, but to no avail. All these symptoms, excluding the armpit lumps, have persisted for over a year. I’m uncertain if they are interrelated, but the constant pain is overwhelming. I’d appreciate any advice or insights from those who have experienced similar issues, as it can be quite challenging to be around bright lights or loud noises without feeling dizzy and sick. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I’m happy to respond to any inquiries you may have. Update: My vision has been checked, and I only require reading glasses now.
Concerns About Abdominal Firmness and Bulge in a 27-Year-Old Woman
I can't upload photos directly, so I'll share them in the comments. About a year ago, when my child was 15 months old, I went wakeboarding. Thankfully, I didn’t suffer any injuries, though I definitely took some hard spills. Two days post-wakeboarding, I noticed a sudden change in my abdominal area—a noticeable bulge appeared. I felt no discomfort at that time. As time passed, particularly between December and February, I made the regrettable decision to stop my anxiety medication and began relying heavily on alcohol as a way to manage my stress—consuming around 3-5 drinks daily for some time. This eventually led to a burning sensation in my stomach, likely a result of the drinking habits. When I examined my abdomen, I felt a firm area. This firmness is located about two inches above my navel, right in the center. It's not very extensive; I’d estimate it to be between half an inch and one and a half inches wide. Since I’ve gained some weight due to my drinking habits—something I’m actively trying to manage—my ability to evaluate this firmness is fluctuating. It seems to soften when I sit down, but I can feel it more distinctly when standing or lying flat on my back. Overall, I don’t experience notable symptoms. I occasionally face heartburn and acid reflux, particularly on days when I indulge in acidic drinks like grapefruit-flavored seltzer. I rarely feel nauseous unless I’m very hungry, and there’s been no vomiting. My bowel movements are generally normal, although they do vary based on my diet, as I'm somewhat sensitive to certain foods. The firmness in my abdomen has been a source of concern for me, and my anxiety tends to amplify my fears, leading my mind to jump to worst-case scenarios like cancer. While I know it's unlikely given my age, I still worry, especially since I have a family to think about. I have an upcoming appointment on Wednesday for blood tests and a physical examination, and I intend to discuss this issue with my doctor. I'm uncertain if the visible bulge and the firmness are connected. Thank you for your time and support.
Experiencing Pain in Upper/Lower Lats After Extended Training Session
A young male, aged 18, stands at 183 cm tall and weighs 92 kg. For the past three months, I have dedicated myself to training and have noticed some positive changes in my physique. Nevertheless, my back and lat muscles remain significantly weak compared to other areas. Yesterday's workout was intended to focus on my back, shoulders, and biceps, but it ended up being a comprehensive upper body session. I cycled through exercises as follows: chest, back, chest, back, chest, back, before finishing with shoulders and arms. I also aimed to tackle a full-body routine for the very first time. Upon returning home, about two hours later, I began to experience a sharp discomfort in my lower lat area, which occasionally radiated to the upper lats depending on my position. Despite my regular stretching habits, I conducted a quick self-examination and found no significant bruising, only minor stretch marks on my lower lats. In comparison, the marks on my shoulders are more pronounced. Additionally, I noticed a small red dot; when I probe it, the discomfort intensifies to a level of 1-2 out of 10, particularly when my left arm is extended, as in the stretched position used for lat pulldowns. Considering the situation, I plan to take a few days off from the gym. However, I’m unsure if this issue warrants concern. I don’t suspect a torn muscle or ligament, as I feel no pain on the right side of my back or lats. (Note: I do not take any medication, only a selection of vitamins.)
Experiencing Pain in Upper/Lower Lats After Extended Workout
I'm an 18-year-old male standing at 183 cm tall and weighing 92 kg. Over the past three months, I've committed to a consistent training regimen and have seen encouraging results. However, my lats and upper back remain noticeably weaker than other muscle groups. Yesterday, I had planned a focused workout targeting my back, shoulders, and biceps. Instead, I ended up exercising my entire upper body, alternating between chest and back exercises in a sequence that looked like this: Chest, Back, Chest, Back, Chest, Back, followed by shoulders and arms. Additionally, I experimented with a full-body workout for the first time during this session. About two hours post-workout, I began to experience a sharp pain in my lower lats, which occasionally radiates to the upper lats depending on my position. I routinely incorporate stretching into my routine, which helps me stay flexible. Upon inspection, I noticed minimal stretch marks on my lower lats, in comparison to more significant purple lines along my shoulders. There’s also a small red mark, which I examined but found to be sensitive. When I stretch my left arm or extend it upward as if preparing for a lat pulldown, the pain drops to a mild 1 or 2 out of 10 on the pain scale. Given this discomfort, I’m considering taking a few days off from the gym. Is there cause for concern? I don’t believe it’s a torn muscle or ligament, as I don’t feel any discomfort on the right side of my back or lats. (For reference, I do not take any medications, only some vitamins.)
Localized Discomfort on Lower Leg with Fluid Discharge
Age: 28 Gender: Male Height: 5 feet 11 inches Weight: Approximately 170 pounds Ethnicity: White Duration of Symptoms: This issue has been present for about a week, maybe longer. Affected Area: Lower leg Medical History: Experienced a severe headache about a week ago, which has since diminished to a mild headache. Unsure if this is connected to the current condition.