OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Can Poison Induce Symptoms Similar to PPPD?

2/7/2026, 12:10:25 AMMale25-34

At 13 years old and weighing 180 pounds, I lead a lifestyle free from smoking, alcohol, or medications, and I have no known medical issues. Recently, I've been experiencing significant bouts of dizziness and vertigo, particularly when I turn my head. However, I understand that toxic substances generally cause constant dizziness and vertigo, not just during head movements. This raises the question: is it possible for poison to produce symptoms that resemble those of Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)?

DizzinessVertigoTremors

Answers (1)

Cony

2/7/2026, 12:10:42 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to be concerned about dizziness and vertigo, especially when it starts to interfere with your daily life. Your symptoms could indeed resemble those of Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD), but they can also stem from various other causes.

Main Points:

  1. Dizziness and vertigo can arise from multiple sources, including inner ear issues, anxiety, or even visual disturbances.
  2. While poisoning can induce dizziness, it typically leads to a more consistent state of symptoms.
  3. PPPD is characterized by dizziness that worsens with head movement or upright posture but requires specific diagnostic criteria.

Explanation: PPPD often develops after an initial vestibular event (like an inner ear infection) or stress, leading to chronic dizziness and perceptual change. The fact that your dizziness occurs particularly during head movement could align more closely with PPPD rather than poisoning. Typically, poisoning symptoms would not be so specific to head movements and would likely include other systemic symptoms like nausea, confusion, or even headaches.

Next Steps:

  1. Keep a Symptom Diary: Track the frequency and triggers of your dizziness, noting when it occurs, how long it lasts, and any related feelings (like anxiety or stress).
  2. Lifestyle Modifications:
    • Ensure proper hydration and nutrition.
    • Reduce stress through relaxation techniques or regular gentle exercise, which can help stabilize your mood and physical responses.
  3. Safe Environment: Be mindful when moving quickly or changing positions, as this may help minimize episodes of dizziness.
  4. Monitor for Additional Symptoms: Pay attention to any worsening symptoms, such as hearing loss, severe headaches, or balance issues, and consider seeking more information about them.

Let me know if you would like guidance on specific coping strategies or resources to address your symptoms further.

Related Questions

17-Year-Old Female Experiencing Chronic Acne Scarring on Back and Arms Despite Prescription Remedies

Age: 17 Gender: Female Country of residence: United Kingdom Skin type: Dark / Black Medical background: No significant health issues Medications: Previously utilized azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide Timeframe: Many months to years following acne resolution Greetings, I am a 17-year-old girl dealing with long-lasting scars on my back and upper arms from acne, which have not improved even after following prescribed treatments. In the past, I experienced acne primarily on my upper back, shoulders, and arms. While the active breakouts have largely ceased, I am left with noticeable dark spots and irregular skin texture. The scars I have include: • Dark brown hyperpigmentation • Certain areas appear slightly sunken • Uneven or coarse surface • No raised or keloid scars present My GP prescribed azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which I applied regularly. Unfortunately, the azelaic acid did not significantly lighten the scars and seemed inadequate for the pigmentation level. Although benzoyl peroxide was effective against my active acne, it did not enhance the appearance of the scarring. The marks have been present for a considerable time and are quite stark against my skin tone. I do my best to avoid picking at my skin and maintain proper hygiene, yet the scars aren’t diminishing on their own, which is negatively impacting my self-esteem—especially when I wear sleeveless or backless outfits. Currently, I'm exploring the possibility of using retinoids like adapalene or tretinoin. However, I’m uncertain if these would be suitable or effective for treating scarring on my back and arms, particularly with my darker skin type. I would like guidance on the following questions: • Does this seem to be primarily post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, atrophic acne scars, or possibly a combination of both? • Is azelaic acid effective for this type of scarring, or are more potent treatments generally required? • Are topical retinoids such as adapalene or tretinoin advisable for this sort of scarring? • What treatments are typically recommended for acne scars on the back and arms in individuals with darker skin tones? • Should I insist on a referral to a dermatologist, or is it better to attempt specific topical therapies first? Any insights or recommendations you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

HeadacheDizzinessNeurology
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Persistent Itching and Burning Around Neck and Scalp - Should I Keep Using Cephalexin?

Greetings, I’m a 35-year-old female. I recently developed a rash that began on the back of my neck and subsequently spread to my ears. After consulting with my physician, I was prescribed ketoconazole shampoo to address a suspected fungal rash. Despite using it diligently for four days, the condition actually aggravated, affecting my ears, the back of my neck, and my scalp more significantly. Seeking further assistance, I visited an urgent care facility where the medical staff suggested that I might be experiencing bacterial folliculitis. As a result, they prescribed cephalexin, which I am to take at a dosage of 500mg three times daily for a week. I took my first dose yesterday, yet the intense itching and burning sensations persist without improvement. Is it advisable for me to continue the medication? How long does it typically take to see improvement? Is it common to experience these symptoms alongside bacterial folliculitis? I appreciate your time and any guidance you can provide on this matter!

DizzinessNumbnessNeurology
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Experiencing Headaches and Vision Changes on One Side

Hello, I'm an 18-year-old female, and I've been on a 15mg dose of Isotretinoin for my acne treatment for about a month now. Recently, I've been feeling under the weather, dealing with a viral infection that resembles cold or flu symptoms. I've got the usual problems like nasal congestion and a throat that hurts, but I've also noticed some joint discomfort, a sense of mental cloudiness, and an unsettling change in my vision, making it appear distorted as if seen through a low-resolution lens. Additionally, when I change my position from sitting to standing, there's an intense throbbing sensation on the right side of my head, accompanied by a momentary blackout in my right eye. I must admit, my nutritional intake has not been great lately due to feeling fatigued from the cold, and this has been accompanied by headaches and a notable darkening of my vision when I stand, which is something I've never before experienced just on one side until now. I tend to get quite anxious about my health, so I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has encountered similar symptoms with a cold, or if this could be associated with the Isotretinoin I'm taking? Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

HeadacheMigraineVertigo
Male25-34
4 hours ago

Struggles with Eating Habits Leading to Digestive Issues

Hello, I'm truly at a loss and desperately seeking guidance. I’m a 16-year-old female who has been engaging in restrictive eating for around five months. Over the last couple of months, my situation has deteriorated, leading me to consume very few calories daily—between 200 and 600. As a result, my BMI has dropped from 18.6 to 15.8, and I've begun to experience concerning health issues. I've noticed symptoms such as bradycardia with occasional irregular heartbeats, low blood pressure, a decreased white blood cell count, unexpected bruising, constant feelings of coldness, and persistent fatigue that makes even walking up stairs feel exhausting. Additionally, my skin and knuckles are particularly dry, I've missed my period for a month, and I've faced challenges with my bowel movements. Typically, there’s a six-day interval between my trips to the bathroom, but this week, things seemed to improve until today. I found myself in an embarrassing situation—I had to step out of a show halfway through because I experienced diarrhea. When I confided in my mother about these bowel irregularities, she suggested that my eating habits might be the culprit for both my weight loss and the absence of my period. She inquired if I had weighed myself recently, and although I had just checked this morning, I said no. My mind is constantly telling me that I’m not sick enough, yet this experience left me feeling humiliated and frightened. I feel uncertain about what it would mean to admit that I’m struggling and worry about losing the control I have over my eating habits. What are the consequences of revealing to my mother how little I’ve been consuming? Currently, I’m receiving support from CAMHS for depression—maybe this context is useful. At the moment, my diarrhea has subsided (I think), but my stomach still feels off. I’m left questioning whether this is something that requires urgent medical attention or if it will resolve itself.

TremorsNumbnessENT
Male25-34
16 hours ago

Insights Needed on Persistent Throat and Tongue Symptoms from Small Hiatal Hernia

I am a 37-year-old male experiencing daily discomfort in my throat, typically located behind the collarbone. This discomfort manifests as pain during swallowing and speaking, accompanied by a persistent, painful sensation under my tongue that feels rough and bruised. While both an ENT examination and a CT scan returned normal results, a recent fluoroscopic esophagram revealed the presence of a small sliding hiatal hernia, alongside other normal findings. The symptoms I experience resemble those associated with silent reflux or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), albeit without the typical heartburn. These issues tend to worsen after eating and are exacerbated by certain triggers, with the discomfort lingering throughout the day. I am reaching out to those who may have experienced similar conditions for guidance. - Is it possible for a small sliding hiatal hernia to result in ongoing throat and tongue discomfort, even in the absence of reflux symptoms during diagnostic tests? - Are there any techniques or lifestyle adjustments, aside from medication, that have proven effective in alleviating irritation in the throat or tongue? - Finally, how long did it take for symptoms like these to subside in your experience? I am looking for insights and personal stories to better understand this issue. Thank you for your help!

MigraineDizzinessENT
Male25-34
1 day ago