Sustained L1 Fracture Due to Fainting Episode; Need Guidance
Age 56, weight 185 lbs, height 5'4", diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-d). This past morning, while showering, I experienced a sensation of lightheadedness, feeling as if I might faint. Having a history of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) in my 30s, I was well aware of the signs and attempted to mitigate the situation by adjusting the water temperature and taking a seat. Unfortunately, these measures did not alleviate my symptoms, so I exited the shower and sat on the toilet. At some point, I must have stood up, and the next thing I recall is finding myself flat on my back on the marble floor. My lower back was in excruciating pain, my knee throbbed, and my ears were ringing. My adult son assisted me in getting up and dressed, and we promptly went to the emergency room. After undergoing several tests, I learned that I had fractured my L1 vertebra, torn my ACL, and suffered a concussion. Additionally, they found a kidney stone. My primary concern is understanding the root cause of these issues. Lately, I have been dealing with chronic diarrhea, and I advised the medical team about it. I have made an effort to stay well-hydrated as dehydration can trigger fainting episodes. An ECG was performed without any immediate concerns mentioned at the time; however, when I later accessed my MyChart, the results indicated a low voltage QRS and a nonspecific T wave abnormality. I am uncertain what this implies, yet I continue to feel dizzy and faint when I change positions from sitting to standing. The medical staff provided advice on managing my knee and back until my orthopedic appointment on Monday, but they did not address any further concerns. Should I be concerned about these symptoms? Could the dizziness be a consequence of the concussion? I am able to share any blood test results, urine analysis, scans, or ECG details if necessary. (Most blood test results fell within normal ranges; however, CO2 was noted at 17, chloride was at 112, and there were some irregularities in the urine but no signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Answers (1)
12/14/2025, 2:30:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been through a lot recently with your fall and subsequent injuries, alongside your existing health conditions. Your dizziness and fainting episodes are understandably concerning, especially given your history of POTS and the recent fracture and concussion. Let's break down the main points and provide some actionable guidance.
Main Points:
- Your dizziness when changing positions, along with fainting, is concerning and could be linked to a combination of factors including your concussion, POTS, and dehydration.
- The low voltage QRS and nonspecific T wave abnormalities on your ECG point to possible underlying issues that should be monitored, but they don't provide a definitive cause for your dizziness right away.
- Managing your symptoms and understanding the potential causes is essential as you recover from your injuries.
Explanation:
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Dizziness and Fainting: Given your history of POTS, it’s common for blood pressure and heart rate to be affected by changes in position, leading to dizziness or fainting. The recent concussion can also contribute to similar symptoms, as can dehydration from chronic diarrhea. The combination may exacerbate your feeling of lightheadedness.
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Concussion Impact: It’s possible that the concussion is making you more prone to dizziness. Symptoms following a concussion often include balance issues and lightheadedness, which can mimic or worsen your POTS symptoms.
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ECG Findings: While the low voltage and T wave changes on your ECG could indicate various heart-related issues, it's best to discuss these findings with your healthcare provider for clarity. They could suggest further investigation or monitoring if necessary.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a record of when you feel dizzy or faint. Note the position changes, what you’re doing at the time, and any other symptoms (like heart rate changes). This can help both you and your healthcare team identify triggers.
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Stay Hydrated: Continue to prioritize hydration, aiming for at least 8-10 cups of fluids daily, especially if you're dealing with diarrhea. Electrolyte solutions can also help to maintain your levels, but check with your provider before adding supplements.
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Manage Positions Carefully: When moving from sitting or lying down to standing, do so slowly to minimize the risk of dizziness. You might want to try sitting on the edge of your bed or chair for a moment before standing.
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Follow-Up Appointments: Make sure to keep all follow-up appointments with your orthopedic specialist for your fracture and knee injury, and consider discussing your neurological symptoms with a healthcare provider who specializes in concussions if symptoms persist.
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Talk to Your Provider: If dizziness worsens or new symptoms develop (like severe headaches, changes in vision, or worsening balance), reach out to your healthcare provider sooner. Discuss the ECG results in detail to clear any concerns.
Conclusion:
Your situation is multifaceted due to your existing health conditions and recent injuries. By closely managing hydration, monitoring your symptoms, and staying in touch with healthcare providers, you can work towards better handling these issues. Remember, it’s okay to seek help when feeling uncertain, and your ongoing health is the priority. Please feel free to share any additional details, like blood test results, if you want further specific insights.
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