Chioma Eze

Age: 34 years old female

Patient

Station List
Examiner
Doctor
Full Case

Patient's Story (Role player’s brief)

Patient’s Story 

You are Chioma Eze, a 34-year-old female. You have booked an urgent telephone consultation to discuss episodes of dizziness that you have been experiencing over the past 4 days.

Opening statement: “Hi doctor… I’ve been feeling really dizzy for the past few days — it’s like I’m drunk or the room is spinning. It’s not getting better, and I just don’t know what’s going on

ONLY DISCLOSE IF ASKED:

  • The dizziness feels like a spinning sensation (i.e. vertigo).
  • The dizziness started spontaneously and is present constantly, even when your head is still. 
  • However, it is not as severe when you remain still. Symptoms are worsened by head movement but not triggered by it — the dizziness is already ongoing, and changes in head position simply exacerbate it.
  • You experienced flu-like symptoms approximately 3 days before the dizziness began.
  • You feel nauseous and have vomited several times.
  • You do not have any hearing loss or tinnitus.

Social History:  You are a single parent with two children (aged 7 months and 2 years), both fully dependent on you.

You are struggling to care for them due to the constant dizziness.

You moved to the UK from Nigeria two years ago and do not have close family or social support nearby. You work as an IT professional but are currently on maternity leave.

You drive but not driving currently due to dizziness. 

Idea: You have never had this type of dizziness before and don’t know what might be causing it.

Concern: You’re worried about a brain tumour, as your aunt had similar symptoms and was later diagnosed with one. You are also worried that your dizziness is impacting your ability to care for your children, and you do not have anyone to look after them. 

Expectation: You would like the doctor to prescribe some medication and arrange a brain scan to rule out anything serious.

Questions for the doctor  

If the doctor offers an anti-sickness medication, ask: “Will this affect my baby?”

Say NO to any other questions asked outside of the details already provided in the scenario. Accept anything offered to you by the doctor.