Welcome to Your Symptom Dashboard
This tool is designed to help you log episodes, track patterns over time, and organize information for medical appointments. Use the navigation tabs above to get started.
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Symptom Frequency
Stress vs Dizziness
Episode Log
Date | Symptoms | Stress | Dizziness | %BAC | Glucose |
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No episodes logged yet. Use the "Log an Episode" tab to add your first entry.
Theories & Distinguishing Clues
This section helps compare the potential causes based on the symptoms observed. This is for informational purposes to guide your conversations with medical professionals.
Vestibular Migraine
A neurological "storm" affecting balance and sensory processing.
Clues Pointing To This:
- Beta-blocker medication has helped reduce episodes.
- High heart rate during episodes (autonomic response).
- Triggered by stress.
- History of Raynaud's (linked to migraines).
- Dilated pupils (autonomic response).
- Potential for light/sound sensitivity or headache.
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
A "brain communication" issue where stress triggers physical symptoms.
Clues Pointing To This:
- Episodes strongly linked to specific emotional/traumatic triggers.
- Partial response to beta-blockers (by blunting the stress response).
- History of IBS and Raynaud's (other stress-sensitive conditions).
- Symptoms can be variable from one episode to the next.
- Potential for "dissociative" feelings (feeling disconnected).
Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS)
A metabolic issue where gut yeast ferments carbs into alcohol.
Clues Pointing To This:
- History of IBS could suggest gut microbiome imbalance.
- Episodes may be triggered by high-carb/sugar meals.
- Symptoms closely mimic classic alcohol intoxication.
- **Key Test:** Would be confirmed by a positive breathalyzer reading.
Clues Against This:
- Beta-blockers reducing frequency is not expected for ABS.
Non-Convulsive Seizure
An "electrical storm" in the brain affecting function.
Clues Pointing To This:
- Abrupt start and end of episodes.
- Potential for staring spells or repetitive automatic behaviors (lip smacking, fumbling).
- Significant confusion and fatigue after the event.
- Can be triggered by stress.
Home Investigation & Management Plan
1. Data Collection Tools
Breathalyzer: Use a quality fuel-cell model. Test during an episode. A reading above 0.00 is a critical clue for ABS.
Blood Glucose Monitor: Test when an episode starts. Look for very high or very low numbers, which could point to a metabolic issue.
Symptom Log: Use the 'Log an Episode' tab for every single event. Consistency is key.
2. Balance Quantification Tests
Romberg Test: Have her stand with feet together, first with eyes open, then closed. Time how long she can hold it with eyes closed. Note any significant increase in wobble. **Safety first: always stand by to support her.**
Timed Up & Go (TUG): Time her standing from a chair, walking 3 meters, turning, and sitting back down. Compare the time during an episode to her normal baseline.
3. Proactive Management & Coping
Trigger Management: Since stress is a major trigger, explore stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, therapy, or gentle exercise.
Diet Experimentation: Consider trying a low-carbohydrate, low-sugar diet for a few weeks to see if it impacts episode frequency, which could provide clues for ABS or metabolic issues.
Safety During Episodes: Prioritize safety. Guide her to a safe spot (sofa/bed) and prevent activities like cooking or using stairs during an episode.