A 34-year-old female, with giddiness and mild headache for approximately 2 years. She was a mother of two kids, had uneventful pregnancies, and had no other co-morbid diseases. She had consulted for the above complaints for 2 years, and treated by local practitioners, and the ENT evaluations were normal. Multiple physician and neurologist consultations were done.
She was reluctant to get scans and always demanded blood tests and tablets. Doctor shopping was a routine. She used to collect orders from doctors for tests, and never get them. She never used to follow up with the same doctor, as she never felt better. Her previous doctors never had a chance to see her for a second time and re-evaluate her symptoms.
She developed seizures (fits) and reported to the emergency ward in a semiconscious state on one fine day. She was immediately attended and stabilized by Dr. Chetan K. Ganteppanavar (Physician and Intensivist). Later subjected to imaging. Her MRI scan revealed she had developed bleeding in her brain. The report was suggestive of Subdural hemorrhage. With the Neurosurgeon's support - Dr. Raju S. Kadam sir, the patient was immediately taken up for surgery as the bleeding was significantly high and the MRI showed a mass effect. On retracing her history she never had any head injury, stroke, or blood disorders. Her blood panel was sent including a peripheral smear. The reports had marginally high WBCs with occasional premature cells. Diagnosis of lymphoma / Leukemia was suspected and bone marrow studies were done. A bone marrow study revealed she had low-grade leukemia (a type of white blood cancer). Medical Oncologist - Dr. Vishal Kulkarni sir with excellent decision skills immediately formulated treatment protocol. The patient showed improvement within 48 hours.
This case underscores the critical importance of continuity in medical care. While symptoms like giddiness and headaches may seem minor, they can sometimes be the first clue to a more serious underlying condition. Regular follow-ups with the same physician allow for a structured evaluation, ensuring that subtle but significant signs are not missed.
As doctors, we often face challenges in diagnosing conditions that present with vague symptoms, but timely intervention can be lifesaving. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Raju Kadam (Neurosurgeon) and Dr. Vishal Kulkarni (Medical Oncologist) for their expertise and collaboration in managing this case.
Fortunately, with prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the patient made a full recovery. Two years later, she remains in good health, a testament to the importance of early detection and comprehensive medical care. Let this case serve as a reminder to both doctors and patients: persistence in diagnosis and trust in medical guidance can lead to the best possible outcomes.
Dr. Chetan K. Ganteppanavar Consultant Physician and Director of Kalpana Multi-specialty Clinic, Lingaraj Nagar Road, Hubli, Karnataka strongly advocates for regular follow-ups to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.