Sudden Dizziness, Nausea, and Vomiting in a 40-Year-Old Man – A Neurological Disorder Diagnosis

It's not uncommon for symptoms like dizziness and nausea to be dismissed as minor issues. However, in the case of a 40-year-old male, these seemingly ordinary symptoms turned out to be signs of a more serious underlying condition. The patient experienced sudden, persistent dizziness, especially when turning his head or standing up, along with nausea and vomiting. He was rushed to the hospital for further evaluation and was eventually diagnosed with acute cerebellar infarction causing neurological dysfunction.

After receiving timely treatment—including brain protection therapy and circulation improvement therapy—the patient's symptoms significantly improved. This article explores the patient's journey from diagnosis to recovery, highlighting the importance of early recognition and medical intervention in such cases.

Patient Overview

Age/Gender: Male, 40 years old
Diagnosis: Neurological dysfunction due to acute cerebellar infarction
Hospital: The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University
Admission Date: February 2022
Treatment Plan: Intravenous Edaravone, intramuscular Xingnaojing injection, and oral medications including Xueshantong Capsules, Aspirin Enteric-coated Tablets, and Atorvastatin Calcium Dispersible Tablets
Treatment Duration: 7 days inpatient care with 1 month of outpatient follow-up
Outcome: Significant relief of dizziness and nausea, with gradual recovery of neurological function

Initial Assessment and Symptoms

One day prior to admission, the patient began experiencing persistent dizziness accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The dizziness worsened with head movements or standing up, giving him a sensation of spinning. He did not report blurred vision, limb numbness, or weakness, and was able to move his hands and walk normally. There was no headache or seizures, and bowel and bladder function remained unchanged.

Upon admission, the medical team conducted a series of diagnostic tests, including brain MRI, liver and kidney function tests, complete blood count, and vertebral artery ultrasound. The MRI revealed signs of acute infarction in the cerebellum, leading to the diagnosis of neurological dysfunction caused by cerebellar infarction.

Treatment Approach

Following the diagnosis, the patient was immediately admitted for treatment. After ruling out contraindications for medication use, the treatment plan included:

Intramuscular injection of Xingnaojing to promote brain recovery
Intravenous administration of Edaravone to protect brain tissue and scavenge free radicals
Oral intake of Xueshantong Capsules to improve circulation
Aspirin Enteric-coated Tablets for antiplatelet therapy
Atorvastatin Calcium Dispersible Tablets to stabilize atherosclerotic plaques

This comprehensive approach aimed to protect the brain, enhance blood flow, and reduce the risk of further complications.

Progress and Recovery

During the 7-day hospitalization, the patient remained stable with no significant fluctuations in his condition. His dizziness, nausea, and vomiting subsided, and he regained clear speech and normal eye movement. His overall mental state improved significantly.

Upon discharge, the patient was advised to continue neurotrophic therapy and rehabilitation. He was instructed to follow a low-salt, low-fat diet, manage his blood pressure, and return for a follow-up appointment one month later unless symptoms worsened.

Post-Treatment Recommendations

While the patient has made a positive recovery, it is essential to emphasize lifestyle modifications to prevent recurrence. These include:

Maintaining a low-sodium, low-fat diet
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially before bedtime to reduce blood viscosity
Engaging in regular physical activity such as swimming or jogging
Avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption
Ensuring adequate rest and managing stress levels
Scheduling regular medical check-ups

If symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or vomiting reoccur, prompt medical attention is crucial to avoid potential complications.

Clinical Insights

This case highlights how seemingly common symptoms like dizziness and nausea can be early indicators of a serious neurological event. The presence of nystagmus and the MRI findings pointed to damage in the cerebellar-brainstem pathways, leading to a diagnosis of acute cerebellar infarction.

It is important for individuals—especially those with risk factors like hypertension or diabetes—to pay attention to their health, undergo regular check-ups, avoid excessive stress, and maintain a balanced lifestyle. Early detection and timely treatment can make a significant difference in outcomes.