Worried about my son in college

[moomah]

My 22 year old son has had a headache, and vertigo-like dizziness for almost two weeks now. Though he has a history of migraines, he says this is a dull, back of the head ache. He feels a vertigo like experience, especially when focused on near objects, but nausea has really just set in today.Until today, there was dizziness and room-spinning feeling, whether he changed positions or not. It happens most when he looks at something moving. Until today, he could drive and the symptoms didn't bother him as long as he was moving also. He's been to student health on campus and ear problems were ruled out. He's checking with his psychiatrist to ask about side effects from Wellbutrin and Ambien. But he's been on these meds for months. Another symptom is shaking legs when standing for more than 10 minutes or when walking down- but not up- stairs or hills. He cannot watch TV (makes him dizzy and nauseous), or read (all the words seem to be moving). As a former soccer and tennis player, he is in decent shape, but is a sometime smoker and drinks coffee. He's trying to maintain a vegetarian diet.Being treated for depression and insomnia.Second trip to student health today and his BP was high. They checked for ear infection again and -nothing. They want him to see a neurologist but said it would be over a week before he could get a consult. Is neurology the right next step and does this sound like something that can wait a week or more? I'm concerned because he's away at school and not where I can help him. Also, his maternal grandmother had MS: paternal grandmother has diabetes.

[moomah]

Thank you for your response. I am so new to this site, it took me a while to realize I could write back and answer you. My son's insomnia is being controlled with Ambien; he said he has been sleeping well lately. The only instance of high BP was at his second visit to student health about this current problem. His psych doc said it didn't sound like side effects to his meds, that it may likely be  "mass-related" from a tumor or bleeding. He gave my son some Tylenol 3 for the headache, since OTC meds didn't touch it. He has not had any migraines for several months, at least, I think. He has been resting/sleeping most of the weekend, but the symptoms haven't abated. He has had additional stress in the last month or so over money/school and personal/family issues.
He had also had a sleep study done almost 2 years ago and was found to have very mild apnea, but is not on CPAP or anything for it.

Does this info give you any further insight? His neuro appt. isn't till Wed. this week. Should he try to press to get in earlier?

Thank you again for responding.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

It is difficult to pin point one condition for his symptoms. These symptoms could be related to migraines, eye problems, anxiety, lack of sleep especially because he has history of insomnia. It will help us to know if his insomnia is under control.
High BP can also cause dizziness, vertigo and shaky weakness in the legs.
Neurological conditions like MS also need to be looked into. I would suggest him to take a break for few days and take rest till he gets the neurological exam done.

Thanks