Chronic dizziness, blurred vision, nausea

I am an 18 year old female and am suffering from chronic dizziness/lightheadedness, nausea but no vomiting, trouble focusing my eyes, headaches, and sporadic pains through my torso; mostly chest and stomach.  These symptoms have been going on since the middle of April this year (2007) and I've lost about 15 pounds since it started.  Some days it'll be okay and other days It'll feel like I'm dying.  I've been in and out of the hospital since it started, and my doctor's office knows me by name.  They've tested me for syphillis (syphilis), anemia, and pregnancy, and they've also tested my thyroid, liver, kidneys, blood sugar...just about everything several times.  They did find that my heart palpitates atypically, but other than that, nothing has been figured out with my current symptoms.  I have an appointment with a neurologist in about a week, and an appt with a heart specialist in about a month.  I almost passed out while I was driving to work a couple days ago.  It feels like my body is shutting itself down or attacking itself from the inside out.  Being this sick is interferring immensely with my work and schooling and my day to day life.  I don't know what options I have left as far as diagnosis, and my doctor is as confused and frustrated as I am.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Evaluation of various neurologic diseases can be done, including a neurology referral.  Initial testing with an MRI and neck MRA/ultrasound can be done.  

I also agree with the cardiology referral, as heart diseases can lead to the symptoms.  An echocardiogram and Holter monitor/event monitor would be reasonable initial testing.  The first would rule out structural diseases and the latter would evaluate for rhythm disorders.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician, or with the aforementioned specialists.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[CC2007]

HI....

Check into Lyme disease. Some of its many symptoms are what you have listed.  It's very frustrating because most of the time all other tests come back normal.  You don't have to recall a bite or have gotten the rash---less than 50% of people with Lyme disease do. I was one of those people.

There is also the issue of co-infections that can occur. They have many of the same symptoms but they don't all respond to the same antibiotics.  For proper evaluation, testing and diagnosis, you must find a Lyme specialist.

I went undiagnosed for 2 years and saw an assortment of 14 various doctors and 'ologists and my diagnosis was missed by all of them.  My Lyme titers kept coming back normal and that is possible for Lyme disease. The tests for it are just too unreliable.  It can evade detection in both blood AND spinal fluid.  

Good Luck.

[ozark]

i would ask you primary doctor if he could order a 24 or 48 hr holter monitor so at least you would have some info before seeing the cardiologist.. It may be an arrythmia that is causing all these symptoms and/or some neurogical problem also.  It concerns me that you almost passed out while driving so i would probably advise no driving until you have been worked up. i hope this helps

[bweb]

Wow, have you learned anything yet?  Could be orthostatic hypotension, blood pressure drops and you feel lightheaded.

BWEB

[ozark]

i dont think it's orthostatic if one almost passes out while driving

[GodBlessYouAll]

I had been experiencing similar symptoms and had the same tests done as you.  I felt nausea, fatigue, headaches, muscle weakness on the right side of my face, difficulty breathing, etc.  I finally looked up my symptoms online and came across a website about carbon monoxide poisoning.  I bought a test for the home and put it in my car.  Sure enough, my car had been emitting these poisons.  I then began to think back to when I was the most sick and I, too, almost passed out in my car.  If they test you for it, it will be through blood work.  However, I think the carbon monoxide leaves the body and can be difficult to find after a certain amount of time surpasses.  I hope this helps you.  The only cure they can give you is pure oxygen.  Take no chances-get the test.  They sell them at walmart for about twenty dollars.  God Bless You, and i hope you find what ails you.  

[NicoleSCH]

Have you checked in to CANDIDA?  "Second Stage of Candida Symptoms may involve more generalized reactions such as PAIN, HEADACHES (including Migraine), EXTREME FATIGUE, PSORIASIS, INFECTIONS OF THE NAILS, MUSCLE ACHES, JOINT PAINS, AND ARTHRITIS. Naturally, drug after drug is usually taken in hopes of alleviating these miserable conditions. In most cases, the Candida SYMPTOMS alone are being treated--while the CAUSE (Candida overgrowth) may be literally being PROMOTED at the same time" I had this, I was constantly sick, wanted to sleep all the time. Its cureable by over the counter . . . Just call your local nutrionalist and just ask them if they have anything for it... its worth a try, it might work, or it might not, either way its not bad for you to take it, natural. Candigone.. is what I used.

[NicoleSCH]

Adrenal/Thyroid Failure
PMS Symptoms
Poor Memory
Bad Breath
Hyperactivity
Colds & Flu
Gas/Bloating
Irritability
Mood Swings
Indigestions
Lethargic/Laziness
Muscle Aches
Ulcers
Insomnia
Chemical Sensitivity
Constipation
Anti-social
Endometriosis
Diarrhea
Puffy Eyes
Vaginal Yeast
Colitis
Suicidal
Respiratory Problems
Colon Cancer
Menstrual Problems
Hormone Imbalance
No Sex Drive
Allergies
Diabetes
Cold/Shaky
Dry Skin & Itching
Low Blood Sugar
FATIGUE (Chronic)
Cystitis
Food Cravings
Epstein Bar Virus
Burning Eyes
Heartburn
Infections
Thrush/Gum Receding
Hiatal Hernia
Asthma
Infections
Intestinal Pain
Skin Rashes & Hives
Premature Aging
Dry Mouth
Hemorrhoids
Finger/Toenail Fungus
Headaches
Over & Under Weight
Over-all Bad Feeling
Depression
Lupus
Numbness

Candida is in an incredible destroyer of health and is the main missing link in many of our modern day diseases and sub-health conditions. The fact that Candida can rob the body of its nutrition and poison the tissues with it toxins is a major contribution, directly or indirectly to the following list of serious conditions: (((( GOT THIS OFF OF a web site)))) Check around you will find alot

[wolfgangdl]

Hello,
        Two years ago I remember suddenly experiencing strong symtpoms of dizziness and brainfog. I thought that I was coming down with the flu. Two days later I came down with what I thought was the flu. I began to experience flu like symptoms. I had a high fever, nasal congestion etc..The flu went away after a week or more but, the brainfog & dizziness stayed. A few weeks later I started to notice low grade fevers and the inability to fight off heat. I still felt well enough to work and play sports. As time went on (months), numerous other symptoms started to occur. Next I began to experience random muscle twitches and spasms. These occured everyday, any time of the day and have never stopped to date.  Next symptom is constant bouts with diarhea (diarrhea) and loose stools that occur weekly. I see moving white spots in my vision and experience extreme muscle weakness.  I have noticed severe muscle loss and extreme fatigue. I physically feel my condition is getting worse and have several heart palpitations.  I have seen numerous doctors (Nuerologists, endocrinologist, family doctor)and have had many tests (MRI's, EKG's, blood tests, lung tests, heart tests, xrays, chest xrays, hormone testing) and still no answers.  I have had 3 positive tests for an elevated liver, borderline positive test for Rocky Mountain Spotted fever. I took doxycycline for 10 days and then another dose for 7 days without feeling any relief. Went to see an Endocronologist and tested low for adrenalin. Was tested for Addison's disease and other adrenal glands dysfuntions, all which were negative. Tested positive for Rhuematoid arthritis, but feel no symptoms of this.  Tested negative for all Hepatitis diseases, negative for HIV, and all basic bloodwork was negative. Blood counts etc. were all normal. Most of my time is sleeping and lying on the couch.  I have not been able to work, because I am so dizzy.  I am getting worse everyday and I am scared. I have been experiencing multiple panic and anxiety attacks due to these constant symptoms.  Any help, thoughts, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Not sure what my next step is.  I am trying to get back to the Mayo Clinic for the second time.  The first visit was inconclusive.

[PlateletGal]

It sounds like you are in the same boat that many of us who have CFS, fibro, lyme disease and illnesses like Gulf War Syndrome are in. I was reading recently that a large percentage of fibro patients' have a postiive RF lab test (rheumatoid factor).  I would consider pursuing the fibro/CFS/lyme disease route.

Best of luck  to you !

[idefee]

a year ago i had IDENTICAL symptoms to yours.  i dont remember becoming acutely ill, but all of the other symptoms match up.  i had just completed a freshwater ecology class in south carolina spending alot of time outdoors in wooded and swampy areas, etc.  i started experiencing horrible "brain fogs" where i would feel drunk or high, lose concentration, feel disconnected from my surroundings, and just cognitively strange in general, etc.  i would feel my pulse which was normal, so i assumed it was blood sugar-related.  while in my chair during class one morning i almost passed out out of nowhere.  within a few weeks my brain fog was nearly constant and i had begun having extreme anxiety and sensitivities to various stimuli.  i had had atleast one episode of heart racing/palpitations up to that point.  one night while swimming my heart felt like it was about to explode.  i couldnt hold my breath at all...i felt horribly out of shape.  the next morning i woke up to feeling very strange and heart racing so i went to the ER...long story short it began a year long process which i am still in today.  they were initially unable to detect anything other than low potassium and alleged dehydration (they took my bp laying sitting and standing, so it must have dropped while upright).  of course my symptoms only became worse and one night while in the ER they found what appeared to be supraventricular tachycardia on an ekg and admitted me, placing me on a beta blocker and xanax.  heart meds did not work and i eventually found myself in the hands of an electrophysiologist who performed a tilt table test.  by this time i had eliminated all activity and layed down nearly all day (i found that it helped my "brain fog" and the cardiac neurosis that i had developed as a result of having no answers).  within a second my heart rate jumped to 165 bpm and remained elevated for 25 minutes until they stopped the test.  after further testing i was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (pots for short), which is a muliple system dysautonomia.  the problem was that when my symptoms began i know for a fact that i was not experiencing tachycardia while upright, and in addition, pots is a cop out diagnosis to describe symptoms rather than an actual cause or disease.  to this point i have been to general practitioners, cardiologists, electrophysiologists, neurologists, endocrinologists, rheumatologists, nephrologists, holistic docs, and chiropractors looking for relief.  no medications have worked to eliminate my symptoms.  i even spent a week and a half out at mayo clinic and saw pots specialists.  recently i saw an episode of mystery diagnosis (discovery health) with a similar case which turned out to be chronic lyme disease, despite testing negative numerous times.  with 2 or 3 years of intravenous antibiotic treatment today the man is fine.  i wrote an email to a chronic lyme organization about my symptoms and got a phone call the next morning before i had even awoke.  i now have an appt with the internal medicine/rheumatologist who diagnosed the man on tv.  i have had roughly between 50 and 100 symptoms, everything from cardiac and neurological (including autonomic nervous system, like heat sensitivity AND low body temperature) to floaters in my eyes as you described, abnormal hormone levels, psychiatric symptoms i had never previously experienced, sensitivities to chemicals, fragrances, and medications and everything in between.  ALL of them are symptoms of chronic lyme disease.  chronic lyme is somewhat controversial in that it is not well understood or easily diagnosed, but the proof is in the pudding that these patients are being treated properly and cured.  i am providing three links which i believe will be helpful.  please check them out and see if your symptoms match up.  the last is a postural orthostatic tachycardia page about various dysautonomias, which i believe may be beneficial to both of you. my personal email address is ***@**** if you have any other questions.  i hope and pray this helps you.

http://www.canlyme.com/
http://www.autoimmunityresearch.org/lyme-disease/
http://www.dinet.org/

[idefee]

in addition i forgot to mention the level to which this has debilitated me.  i have been unable to work or attend school since june 2006.  i do not drive myself because my brain fog is too bad.  for two months or longer i could not even sit or stand.  all of my meals had to be prepared for me and brought to me to eat while lying down.  when i showered i had to do it while lying down and drying off fatigued me so greatly that i would have a rebound effect that consisted of extreme anxiety and various cardiac symptoms.  i have had many sleep disturbances including insomnia and and have lost 25 lbs or more.  my metabolism is very fast despite inactivitiy and i have noticed that symptoms are much worse based on poor diet and inadequate sleep (less than 9 or 10 hours).  it is just recently that i have been able to leave the house to do semi normal things without extreme discomfort or fatigue.  perhaps this strikes a chord with you.  

[southernsteve]

The morning of November 2nd, 2002 I woke up and in a matter of seconds I realized something was very very wrong. Even before I was totally awake I knew I was feeling very strange. Almost like I couldnt focus or even think very clearly and then I started feeling the dizziness, room spinning, very sick to my stomach. It was all I could do to simply stand up. When I would try to make even the slightest movements I would actually have to get down on my hands and knees to keep from falling. I have allways been very healthy and my biggest fear was that something like a blood clot in my brain was bursting, so I went straight to the emergency clinic. They had no idea what it was after doing several simple test there so they sent me to the hospital. There at the hospital they did an MRI, Cat Scan, and all kinds of blood work plus checked everything they could pertaining to my heart and came up with nothing. They released me a couple hours later after they said there was nothing they could do. I have always had alot of faith in the medical system. I believed they would be able to give me some kind of answer or at least be able to tell me what I may or may not have wrong with me. (Boy was I wrong) They released me as if I was a nut case and simply said it would go away sooner or later. Sinse that day in 2002 I have been to many many doctors and dozens of specialest and they all have given me no help at all. The dizziness has never stopped. The constant sickness feeling never goes away. And Im sure you will agree, there is nothing worse than being sick to your stomach. I have been that way now for going on 5 years. There is so much more to it than just the sickness and dizziness. There is the part about my family and personal life and my work life which has been totally devastated by this problem. So thats why I am here to try to find someone that has been through this or still going through this kind of problem that has had any luck in finding any help at all. Thank you for your time and sorry the comment was so long.

[cndrla]

I am also in the same boat as all of you.  Same symptoms - don't need to repeat them.  Same tests, etc.  I too have been feeling this way for years and have gotten to the point that I just have to live this way.  No one can help, friends look at you like you're crazy because you can't do something because you don't feel good.  They don't understand, and it just make you feel worse(if that's possible).  My biggest fear is that there is something wrong with me, that is serious and will get me in the end.  So add that to all the symptoms and you get a nervous wreck.  I have just changed doctors who is in internal medicine and is also a nutritionist.  He has worked in infectuous (sp) disease also, so maybe he might have a clue.  I'll let you know if something new found, but don't hold your breath.  I'm sorry I sound so negative, but as you all know this gets kinda old after awhile.  Love to you all.

[PlateletGal]

I would recommend seeing a physician who keeps up with the latest information on CFS, fibro & lyme disease.

From what I've read, the sooner you get treated... the better.

Good luck !

[Autumn214]

A related discussion, New and Confussed? was started.