Concern for My Mother's Sudden Falling Episodes Linked to Arm Pain
I am deeply anxious about my mother’s health. Recently, she has been experiencing an excruciating pain in her arm that seems to make her dizzy and on the verge of fainting. The first incident occurred yesterday morning. In the second event, she felt a severe pain and bent over, only to stand up again, yet became unsteady and ultimately collapsed, hitting her head slightly in the process. Remarkably, she sustained only a small cut on her forehead despite the fall not being very forceful. I reviewed two recordings from our Ring Camera that captured a similar occurrence. It appears that the discomfort began as she extended her left arm downwards to reach for something, and she reacted with a loud scream followed by moans of agony. **Background Information:** - She has been suffering persistent shoulder pain for approximately 1 to 2.5 months, and it has progressively worsened. - Previously, she would go to sleep with her phone propped up in her left hand and used that arm while driving. After I suggested these habits might be problematic, she stopped, but her condition has not improved. She has also started using a weight near her elbow without any positive effects. - For many years, she has dealt with intermittent light to moderate wrist pain. - She experiences significant vertigo when bending down. Interestingly, the episodes of pain happened around 5 to 10 minutes after taking her nightly dose of Zolpidem. However, it's unclear if her faint feelings are directly related to her pain. - A few weeks ago, she consulted a neurologist due to increasing tingling sensations in her fingers and toes; she was diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy and is now on a supplement, which shows gradual improvement. - Additionally, she was recently diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome. My mother’s job involves physical labor, including driving and frequently navigating stairs, which adds to my concern. I fear that if she collapses again, she could severely injure herself or, worse, suffer a fatal accident. It’s frustrating that neither of my parents seems to fully appreciate the severity of the situation, which aggravates my feelings of sadness and anger. I apologize for not being able to share videos here. In another recording, she did not fall but bent over due to intense pain after performing nearly the same movement as before while reaching for the sink. I would appreciate any insights or advice regarding this troubling matter. Thank you for your consideration.
Answers (1)
2/11/2026, 5:10:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand your deep concern for your mother’s health, especially given the recent incidents of severe arm pain, dizziness, and falling. These symptoms can indicate several underlying issues, and it's crucial to approach this situation with care while ensuring she's safe from further harm.
Main Points
- Her arm pain and dizziness could be linked to various causes, including nerve issues or overuse injuries, made worse by physical labor.
- Immediate actions should focus on safety measures to prevent falls and monitoring her condition closely.
- Long-term steps may include seeking a reevaluation of her symptoms by a healthcare professional, particularly considering her medical history.
Explanation
Your mother’s persistent shoulder pain and the new episodes of severe arm pain suggest possible musculoskeletal issues, nerve entrapment, or referred pain. The faintness and dizziness she experiences may be related to pain, stress on her body during episodes, or other factors such as her use of Zolpidem, which can sometimes have side effects like dizziness or impaired coordination.
Given her recent diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy and Sjögren's syndrome, chronic conditions could complicate her symptoms, so understanding her current health status is essential. The combination of her physical labor job and symptoms puts her at risk for serious injury if she were to fall again.
Next Steps
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Immediate Safety Measures:
- Ensure she avoids tasks that require physical exertion or reaching overhead until her pain and dizziness are further evaluated.
- Consider using support aids (like a cane or walker) to help stabilize her during episodes of unsteadiness.
- If she has a history of falls, it may be wise to evaluate her home for safety hazards that could increase the risk of falls (e.g., slippery floors, clutter).
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a detailed diary of her symptoms, including when pain and dizziness occur, potential triggers (like certain movements), and any side effects from medications she takes.
- Ensure she reports any worsening of symptoms, including increased dizziness or more frequent falls.
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Evaluate Medications:
- Discuss her current medications with a healthcare provider—especially the Zolpidem—since it could be contributing to her dizziness.
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Follow Up with Healthcare Provider:
- Encourage her to see a healthcare professional for a thorough assessment of her arm pain and dizziness. A follow-up with her neurologist or a specialist in pain management might be appropriate, especially considering her diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy.
Your frustration regarding your parents’ perception of the situation is understandable. Open communication about the potential risks and a proactive approach to her health can help convey the urgency of her condition without causing alarm. Make sure to engage her in discussions about her health status so she can be an active participant in her care. If you need further support or advice, don’t hesitate to ask.
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