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Can Costochondritis Cause Lightheadedness And Confusion?

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Posted on Thu, 13 Nov 2014
Question: Can costochondritis cause lightheadedness, confusion?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Costochondritis may cause lightheadedness.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. The answer to your question is yes, costochondritis may cause lightheadedness and confusion. That may happen if you experience shortness of breath, anxiety or stress, chest pain all caused by costochondritis, in those cases there is an inadequate supply of brain with oxygen that causes your symptoms. Another cause of lightheadedness and confusion may be some drugs that you probably take.
Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (39 minutes later)
About how long do these initial symptoms last? I'm wondering when I'll be able to start running and being active again. Right now, I can't go out for very long because I'm scared I will pass out or have a panic attack in public.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (18 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You need anxiety treatment.

Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thanks for asking again. I think you need treatment for your stress disorder as well, since pain got better with rest and Ibuprofen, but your anxiety remains still.
These initial symptoms don't last long if you deal the right way with them. In my opinion you need short term antianxiety treatment and gradual returning to normal activities, so I suggest treatment with Xanax 0.25 mg twice a day 10 to15 days and gradual returning to before disease activities depending on your pain. You can start walking a bit longer day by day, moderate exercises, in other words back to normal life. If you still have significant problems after these measures, then you should consult your primary care Doctor.
Start on these changes and let me know how it's going. Wish you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (24 hours later)
I do have another question. I measured my heart rate over the last few days and it seems like I keep seeing it lower and lower. It was consistently i the 60s two days ago. Then it was 58 and just got a 51 a minute ago. Im a runner an in pretty good shape but I havent worked out in 8 days. I am not necessarily worried but I just want to male sure this isnt a sign of something else.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Slow heart rate in healthy young can be normal

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for asking again. Normal heart rate is 60 to 100 bpm. Slow heart rate can be a normal finding in healthy young people and in athletes. Very slow heart rate is a sign that something is wrong with your heart or low thyroid function etc. If you experience symptoms like feeling dizzy, shortness of breath after physical effort, feeling tired all the time, have chest discomfort, feel confused or faint, then you should consult a Cardiologist. In your case I think you should measure heart rate for a couple of days and after you restart exercise to make a comparition in your two different situations. In my opinion there is nothing to worry about. Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (44 hours later)
Okay, so more questions. I have been walking further and further each day. Two nights ago, I was really lightheaded and panicking so I stopped taking ibuprofen yesterday to see if that made a difference. It did and I have not been as lightheaded yesterday and today. A symptom that has persisted is my feet going kind of numb when I'm walking.

However, I feel like I have slight heart fluttering or a feeling of fluttering in my chest. It doesn't cause any pain or shortness of breath. I've read that inflammation from costochondritis can put pressure on nerves in your lungs and chest that cause sensations similar to fluttering. I'm not sure though, it concerns me a little bit.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You have to do an ECG.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for asking again. I'm glad to hear your symptoms are getting better. It could be that condrochondritis may affect nerves of thoracic wall. However I think you need to do an Electrocardigram just in case to rule out some cardiac problem that may have similar symptoms as yours. And how's your heart rate? In my opinion, you have to return gradually to normal activity. If you have further questions, feel free to ask. Let me know about your heart rate and ECG result.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4502 Questions

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Can Costochondritis Cause Lightheadedness And Confusion?

Brief Answer: Costochondritis may cause lightheadedness. Detailed Answer: Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. The answer to your question is yes, costochondritis may cause lightheadedness and confusion. That may happen if you experience shortness of breath, anxiety or stress, chest pain all caused by costochondritis, in those cases there is an inadequate supply of brain with oxygen that causes your symptoms. Another cause of lightheadedness and confusion may be some drugs that you probably take. Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.