What do these symptoms indicate?

[MyOtherCarIsAPorsche]

I've posted before about being aware of a really acrid cigarette smell (experiencing it now) - mentioned it at the GP surgery and was told it could be sinus related and no treatment offered/no follow up.

This 'smell' has become more frequent.

I have a headache which is not agonising like a migraine. It's dull and constant and if I don't take pain killers it gets to the point where I feel sick. It's much worse/more noticeable first thing and nighttime.

I have blurred vision and double vision episodes. Started infrequently and now it happens more often than not.

More recently my hearing on the right side became muffled (happened in seconds) and I was left with loud tinnitus which is driving me up the wall.

ENT have referred me for a 'head' scan - they did not say brain scan. My next appointment at hospital is early April so I'm guessing I'll have the scan before then.

I have other symptoms which I've been putting down to menopause.

Due to the ENT consultant saying that the cause could be due to 'pressure' I've been experiencing hallucinations which I'm putting down to stress.

My daughter noticed that my eyes were flicking upwards to one side. She told me what was happening and I couldn't control my eyes enough to look directly at her. This lasted for about 2 min. I have often felt this happening when I go to bed and close my eyes/try to sleep. Also think it's happened a few times during the day - since thinking about it now I've been witnessed whilst it's happening.

I've lost weight and I'm exhausted - probably due to the shrieking bagpipe drone in my earhole.

I first complained of blurred/double vision about two years ago at the optician's. It didn't happen often then. My biannual checkup is Wednesday.

I am trying to not think about these symptoms but they are now impacting me all day every day.

I know there's no point in worrying about something until it happens - but I can't switch off feeling worried.

What could these symptoms indicate? Anyone had similar/same?

I was going to say you need an MRI of your brain. Best wishes

I guess you are thinking the absolute worst and so am I . But if your ENT consultant didn't think your symptoms were urgent then hopefully they aren't .The weight loss is concerning . I am hoping that it is some form of deficiency that can be resolved. Glad you have good family around you .Take care

The good news is that your optician is more likely to pick up serious issues affecting your eyesight than your doctor. They will be able to tell if any changes are coming from the eye itself or something else. They also have ability to refer you if necessary. For example they can tell by changes to your optic disc at the back of the eye if you have an increase in pressure in your brain. Make sure you tell them all your symptoms

@WhaleEye - I was expecting the optician to see something last time. My eyesight hadn't changed and I didn't need new glasses.

So it's good that it's not being treated as urgent? I thought it was quick that I would be having a scan sometime in March. I waited years for one of my spine - waiting for surgery as a result.

@Nofeckingway

Yes - I have fantastic support. But I'm usually doing the childminding. I can't become ill - I don't have time.

Even H is worried - and he's being too kind and thoughtful lately which is very unnerving. I don't like it.

My daughters are probably even more worried. The one that saw my eyeballs doing their own thing is beside herself.

It’s worth checking if your seeing an optometrist or just a dispensing optician. Happy to be corrected but I don’t think the level of training is the same.

Dispensing opticians are rarely testing people's eyes. They are the people out front fitting your glasses.

Any enlarged lymph nodes around your head and neck OP?
How old are you?

Weight loss can be from stress due to tinnitus and lack of sleep - I lost 6kgs when mine started.

However you definitely need a head scan (unsure if CT or MRI would be more useful) asap. It may be menopause and sudden hearing loss (which can happen for no/unknown reasons), but theres enough other symptoms there I'd be pushing for answers.

@mjf981

No swelling - think bloods were normal - couple of bits just out of range.

Hearing went all of a sudden mid December - no lumps or bumps.

GP prescribed short course of steroids Christmas Eve. First saw ENT Monday after Christmas and again last week.

I've lost 25kg over last 6 months.

I'm 59 - late menopause.

Noticed concentration go a while ago, irrationally angry, can't find words to use - all usual menopause stuff.

Balance off a little - falling when lifting foot to put shoes on, unsteady on stairs, stumbling a bit generally . Room continuing to move/spin if head moved too quickly.

I have really bad double vision today and so blurred - feels like I haven't put my glasses on when I have.

Quite a few other things ....

Mainly lack of sleep

Hi OP. Poor you, sounds horrible!

If the double vision is getting worse today I would encourage you to see someone asap. I dont know if you can talk to your GP this afternoon but I really think you should speak or be seen by someone today.

Honestly, I'd go to ED.

Wishing you all the best.