Have Migraine, Vertigo, Nausea, Balance Issue And Tingling On Tongue. Should I Visit ER?

Posted on Fri, 26 Apr 2013

Question: I am a 39yo female in relatively good health - I have had a low grade migraine (pain behind eye, sensitivity to light & touch on once side of head) for over two weeks. It was acute last week and very mild this week. However beginning this past week Monday, I woke with severe vertigo, nausea, and balance issues where I even had trouble standing. The balance issues have lessened this week, but I have still been dealing with intermittent nausea and light headedness. Today in addition I had spells of numbness and tingling in my tongue. Though I've had issues with motionsickness and mild, short-lived migraines over my life, this has been different and I'm wondering if I should go to the ER rather than wait another 3 wks to get in to see my doctor.

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (2 hours later)

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

It is possible that your symptoms could be related to migraine. Dizziness and vertigo can occur with migraine. However, balance issues and the more recent symptom of numbness and tingling of tongue are not common in migraine.

So, in addition, we need to exclude any other brain pathology such as ischemia (lack of blood flow) or demyelination.

Since your next consultation is 3 weeks ago, it may be better to visit the ER, especially if you have worsening of symptoms. On the other hand, if you are improving, then you may wait till the next consultation.

I hope it helps. Please get back if you have any more queries.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist

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