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Suggest Treatment For Severe Dizziness And Headache
Question: I got lightheaded/dizzy/vertigo on Friday morning just after getting up, so stayed home from work. I have felt very tense/sore in my shoulders and back for the last couple of days following that initial dizzy spell/vertigo feeling. Also a very moderate headache the whole weekend along with the muscle tension. No fever. Slightly stuffy nose, but have had that for a few months. Had a flu shot in Oct. I want to rule out anything more serious than a virus/flu. I have seen flashing lights a couple times in the last year that my ophthalmologist said was the precursor to a migraine, which is not uncommon near peri menopause. Not sure if this was migraine related vertigo? Didn't get a severe headache though. I am becoming anxious about the symptoms but don't want to go to the doctor only to have them say I am just a Nervous Nelly. Heart races when I think about it, but when I don't, no heart racing.
Brief Answer:
Vertigo most probable cause and management
Detailed Answer:
Hi xxxxxx, thanks for asking from HCM.
I can understand your concern. The light headedness/vertigo/dizziness is most probably due to the body ache, stress (anxiety) and headache. It is because severe pain episode can make patient dizzy. If your symptoms are controlled after relief in pain/stress, then it was definitely due to above reasons.
But if the dizziness is occurring persistently and getting worse, then you need evaluation like
xx
- Visualxrtigo. If you are having blurred vision, blackouts, change in number of glasses, consult ophthalmologist to rule out eye illness.
- Systemic cause like persistent flu/viral illness, dehydration, low blood pressure. These causes are easy to diagnose (even at home). Take your BP and drink plenty of fluids, if you are feeling dizzy. The symptoms will automatically recover if BP/dehydration is the cause.
- Brain problem - It is the most dangerous cause of vertigo/dizziness. The brain bleed, tumor, stroke, all can cause the symptoms. It can be ruled out by "MRI brain (plain and contrast)".
But it should be suspected if all the other causes have been ruled out and you are having headache with vomiting, focal weakness, seizures.
So no need to be nervous. First observe your symptoms progression. If relief in symptoms, no need to worry. If persistent, relate your symptoms with above mentioned causes or you can message me other symptoms. I ll try to reach unto some conclusion.
After reaching onto some conclusions, investigations will be needed to confirm the disease and treat it. Hope it will help you.
If still in doubt, do let me know. Thanks. Take care.
Vertigo most probable cause and management
Detailed Answer:
Hi xxxxxx, thanks for asking from HCM.
I can understand your concern. The light headedness/vertigo/dizziness is most probably due to the body ache, stress (anxiety) and headache. It is because severe pain episode can make patient dizzy. If your symptoms are controlled after relief in pain/stress, then it was definitely due to above reasons.
But if the dizziness is occurring persistently and getting worse, then you need evaluation like
xx
- Visualxrtigo. If you are having blurred vision, blackouts, change in number of glasses, consult ophthalmologist to rule out eye illness.
- Systemic cause like persistent flu/viral illness, dehydration, low blood pressure. These causes are easy to diagnose (even at home). Take your BP and drink plenty of fluids, if you are feeling dizzy. The symptoms will automatically recover if BP/dehydration is the cause.
- Brain problem - It is the most dangerous cause of vertigo/dizziness. The brain bleed, tumor, stroke, all can cause the symptoms. It can be ruled out by "MRI brain (plain and contrast)".
But it should be suspected if all the other causes have been ruled out and you are having headache with vomiting, focal weakness, seizures.
So no need to be nervous. First observe your symptoms progression. If relief in symptoms, no need to worry. If persistent, relate your symptoms with above mentioned causes or you can message me other symptoms. I ll try to reach unto some conclusion.
After reaching onto some conclusions, investigations will be needed to confirm the disease and treat it. Hope it will help you.
If still in doubt, do let me know. Thanks. Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Is there potential for a heart problem that would cause lightheadedness? I don't know of any heart issues to date, but my anxiety about this has made my heart race, which makes me wonder.
Brief Answer:
Heart disease
Detailed Answer:
Hi xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, welcome back.
Some heart diseases like mild angina, hypotension, aortic stenosis can cause dizziness/vertigo. But these are mostly associated with chest pain, breathlessness, dyspnea on exertion, fainting episodes.
I don't think heart disease as the cause of illness in you. But if you are worried too much, you can get ECG done to screen your heart.
Hope it will help you. If still any doubt, do let me know.
Thanks. Take care.
Heart disease
Detailed Answer:
Hi xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, welcome back.
Some heart diseases like mild angina, hypotension, aortic stenosis can cause dizziness/vertigo. But these are mostly associated with chest pain, breathlessness, dyspnea on exertion, fainting episodes.
I don't think heart disease as the cause of illness in you. But if you are worried too much, you can get ECG done to screen your heart.
Hope it will help you. If still any doubt, do let me know.
Thanks. Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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