Suggest Treatment For Headaches And Muscle Wastage

Posted on Tue, 9 Feb 2016

Question: I have had the runs for 5 months, also high pulse which rises to 150 plus on very little exertion,my GPs now suspect a tumour on my adrenal gland because i have headaches and muscle wastage and my pulse is spiking, my sats look good during the day but drop to 80 upwards frequently at night an i was told adrenaline could be driving my sats up during the day i have been feeling extremely week and unwell and lost 1 stone and 10 pounds in 4 weeks my appetite is very poor, is this condition a danger to my heart?, i am also pre-hypertensive now all my symptoms started mid sept 2015 and i am very afraid now i am on the NHS waiting list which is under great strain at the moment is there anything i can do to calm these huge adrenaline spikes my pulse can get to 120 at rest, thank you.

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Adrenal

Detailed Answer:
Sorry to note your troubling symptoms.

There are medications to control your heart rate but if you turn out to have that uncommon condition they are referring to, then this medication can make things worse.

So it is important to make a correct diagnosis first before initiating treatment.

If you feel very unwell there is always the emergency care to help you.

The adrenal problem they are referring to is called Pheochromocytoma. The test I use to screen for it in my patients is called Plasma Free Metanephrines. It does not require fasting and can be done at any time of the day.

It would also be prudent to rule out a thyroid problem which can also cause symptoms similar to the ones you are experiencing.

When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:

CBC
Electrolytes
Calcium
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your 3 month glucose average)
Liver function tests
Kidney function tests
TSH
25 hydroxy Vitamin D

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (11 minutes later)

Thank You Dr. Shehzad Topiwala I have had my thyroid test and my GP said it was in good shape, I will be asking for the tests you mentioned on Monday.
Best Regards XXXX

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Best wishes

Detailed Answer:
Hope you are able find the cause of your symptoms.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (14 hours later)

Thank You Dr. Shehzad Topiwala but can you tell me can the adrenaline surges caused by Pheochromocytoma. be an immediate danger to ones heart
without medication?
thank you
best regards XXXX

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Second follow up

Detailed Answer:
Yes they can be and that is why it needs to be immediately tested for

Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar