Urgent Medical Advice Needed: Severe Pain and Dizziness

I'm not sure which specialty to consult. Please respond quickly, I'm very worried?

Hello, I would like to ask about my boyfriend who often experiences dizziness and loss of consciousness due to extreme pain.
I have seen him dislocate his hand and try to push it back into place by hitting it against a wall, which caused him to experience severe pain, resulting in full-body muscle spasms and rolling his eyes back.
It took him a while to recover, but he only felt disoriented.
Recently, he woke up in the middle of the night with abdominal pain and rushed to the bathroom to have diarrhea.
However, he collapsed before reaching the bathroom due to extreme pain and hit his nose, causing significant bleeding.
After a while, he regained consciousness and realized he had fallen.
This time, I didn't witness any muscle spasms, but I suspect he may have had them as well.
I am very worried and unsure what this condition could be or which specialist he should see.
Please help me with this, thank you.

mandy, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/12/05

Dr. Lai Lunxiang reply Neurology

Hello, where is the excessive pain located? It is recommended to address the pain issue first.

Reply Date: 2004/12/05

More Info

It sounds like your boyfriend is experiencing some serious health issues that require immediate medical attention. The symptoms you describe—severe pain leading to dizziness, loss of consciousness, and episodes of falling—are concerning and could indicate a variety of underlying medical conditions. Here’s a breakdown of what might be happening and how to proceed.

Understanding the Symptoms
1. Severe Pain and Dizziness: The combination of severe pain and dizziness can be indicative of several conditions. Pain can trigger a vasovagal response, which is a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, leading to fainting. This is often seen in cases of extreme pain or stress.
2. Loss of Consciousness: The episodes where your boyfriend loses consciousness, especially after experiencing severe pain, could be related to a few potential causes:
- Vasovagal Syncope: As mentioned, this is a common response to pain or stress.

- Hypotension: A sudden drop in blood pressure due to pain or dehydration can lead to fainting.

- Neurological Issues: Conditions affecting the brain, such as seizures or transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes), could also cause similar symptoms.

3. Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea: The abdominal pain leading to diarrhea could suggest gastrointestinal issues, such as:
- Gastroenteritis: An infection causing inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, which can cause severe pain and requires immediate medical attention.

- Other gastrointestinal disorders: Such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Recommended Actions
Given the severity of the symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Here are the steps you should take:
1. Emergency Room Visit: If your boyfriend experiences another episode of severe pain, dizziness, or loss of consciousness, take him to the nearest emergency room. These symptoms can indicate a serious condition that needs immediate evaluation.

2. Consult a Specialist: After stabilization, it may be beneficial to consult with specialists:
- Gastroenterologist: For the abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms.

- Neurologist: If there are concerns about the loss of consciousness or any neurological symptoms.

- Pain Management Specialist: If pain is a recurring issue that needs to be addressed.

3. Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of his symptoms, including when they occur, their duration, and any associated factors (like food intake or stress). This information will be valuable for healthcare providers in diagnosing the issue.

4. Avoid Self-Treatment: Do not attempt to manage these symptoms at home without professional guidance, especially given the potential for serious underlying conditions.

Conclusion
Your boyfriend's symptoms are serious and warrant immediate medical evaluation. The combination of severe pain, dizziness, and loss of consciousness could indicate a range of medical issues that need to be addressed by healthcare professionals. It is essential to act quickly and seek emergency care to ensure he receives the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Dizziness and Eye Pain: When to Seek Neurology Help

Hello Doctor, I am inquiring about my mother's condition. She is currently 65 years old. Last night, she had a big argument with my younger brother, and afterwards, she experienced pain in one eye and slight dizziness. Since her condition improved later, she did not seek med...

Dr. Yang Shenggong reply Neurology
Hello Mr. Lan: Your mother's primary symptoms include sudden onset of unilateral eye pain accompanied by dizziness, which may suggest several conditions: A. If the dizziness is characterized by a spinning sensation, it may be due to posterior circulation insufficiency, poten...

Understanding Sudden Severe Dizziness: Causes and Medical Advice

Hello, doctor. I am 35 years old. Last night before bed (September 30), I suddenly felt an abnormal sensation in my head, followed by severe dizziness (intermittently), a spinning sensation, blurred vision, cold sweats, nausea, and a rapid heartbeat. I felt very uncomfortable. I ...

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology
Hello, it is advisable to seek medical attention anytime you experience any discomforting symptoms, so that they can be properly assessed and treated in a timely manner.

Managing Sudden Dizziness: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Tips

On the evening of February 7th, I suddenly experienced severe dizziness to the point of being unstable and even vomiting (this is the first occurrence with no prior medical history). On February 8th, I visited my primary care physician, who prescribed medication for dizziness and...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: You can improve circulation or balance through exercise. If dizziness persists, it is recommended to visit the neurology or otolaryngology department at a hospital for further examination. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Departme...

Blurred Vision and Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Help

I have been experiencing dizziness for the past two to three weeks, regardless of my position (I feel dizzy even with my eyes closed), blurred vision that sometimes goes completely black, instability when standing, cold hands and feet, and frequent numbness in my left limbs. I wo...

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine
If you continue to experience discomfort, please have a family member accompany you to seek medical attention. You may first consult your family physician for an initial evaluation, and based on the situation, they may refer you to a specialist. Please note that online consultati...