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.
Answers (1)
8/24/2025, 7:51:03 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear that you're dealing with such a wide range of difficult symptoms. It sounds overwhelming, and it's understandable to be looking for answers. Let me help break this down and provide some actionable guidance.
Main Points
- You’re experiencing severe headaches that may be migraines, along with dizziness and visual disturbances.
- You're also having significant abdominal discomfort and lumps in your armpits, which could be interrelated or separate issues.
Explanation
Multiple symptoms you’re experiencing might be linked to several different health conditions, but things like migraines, gastrointestinal issues, and potential lymphatic concerns (regarding the lumps) could be at play here. Migraines can cause severe headaches, visual disturbances (like spots), and sensitivity to sound. The gastrointestinal symptoms may indicate issues like gastritis or even conditions like reflux, which can cause discomfort and nausea. Lastly, the painful lumps in your armpits may suggest an issue with your lymph nodes, possibly related to infection or another benign condition, but it needs to be checked further.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Symptom Journal: Keep a symptoms diary for a week. Note when headaches occur, their severity, associated symptoms, and anything that seems to trigger or alleviate them. Document the pattern of your abdominal discomfort and any changes in the lumps in your armpits.
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Medication Review: Since you’ve recently been prescribed buspirone, consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist about potential side effects or interactions that could contribute to your headaches and dizziness.
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Hydration & Diet:
- Stay well-hydrated to help alleviate headaches and support overall health.
- Consider reducing acidic foods and drinks that may aggravate your acid reflux.
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Early Intervention: If you experience any new symptoms or if the dizziness leads to falls, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately.
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Specialized Care: Given the array of symptoms, particularly the headaches, nausea, and armpit lumps, try to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. A neurologist can help with the headaches, while a gastroenterologist could address your abdominal pain, and a dermatologist or primary care provider can evaluate the lumps in your armpits.
Remember, these steps are intended to help you better manage your symptoms and understand your health better, and seeking professional advice is crucial. You're not alone in this, and it’s important to communicate all your symptoms to a healthcare provider to find comprehensive solutions. Please take care of yourself, and I wish you a clearer path to feeling better.
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