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What Causes Chronic Headache, Dizziness, Fatigue, Nausea And Vomiting?

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Posted on Tue, 4 Oct 2016
Question: My wife has been experiencing chronic headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, limited vomiting and irritability...she is getting horrible medical support...can you help?

She is also experiencing sporadic blurry vision (every couple of months)
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Need some details to guide you better

Detailed Answer:
-> QUESTIONS:

Hello

My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.


I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. There could be a number of causes for your symptoms. I would be in a better position to reach to a conclusion if you answer following questions please:

1. Does anyone in your family has similar complaints? if yes then who and since when?
2. Pain occurs in whole head or in half head?
3. Does pain aggravate with movement?
4. Is there any associated history of:
a. visual symptoms like bright light flashing in your eyes or unable to focus from eyes at particular point?
b. Nausea, vomiting or anorexia?
5. Does she prefer to lie in a dark room so that headache improves?
6. Does headache occurs only during awakening?
7. Does headache starts if you are tired or did not take ample sleep?
8. Did you take any type of medication for this?
9. is she on any kind of medication?
10. Is there any family history of hypertension, diabetes or any other illness?

I will be looking forward for the answers to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (6 hours later)
1. No

2. whole head

3. no

4. 4a. yes
4b. vomiting, nausea

5. no

6. no

7. yes

8. ibuprofen, which has no affect

9. no

10. her sister has diabetes, but she has been tested negative
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Most likely Migraine Headache

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thank you for getting back with the answers. I have gone through them. The symptoms she has are suggesting migraine headache. In this, brain sends waves which causes pain. Initially its unilateral but later on can spread to whole head. I would suggest you to once take her to a neurologist for confirmation. If confirmed, then there are two kinds of treatment for it; immediate & preventive. I usually start my patients with sumatriptan at an initial dose of 25 mg for pain relief. In addition, preventive medication can also be started to reduce the frequency(if headache occurs often). Options include propanolol & amitriptyline. Most of these drugs are prescription drugs so you need to visit hospital to get them.

General Measures:

1. Diet:
Following food aggravates symptoms:
> Alcohol
> Caffeine overuse
> Chocolates
> Citrus Food & banana
> Dairy cheese
> Vinegar

2. Stress:
Stress is a potent stimulator of headache. If she has past history of stress related issues then you need to take her to hospital to get medication for it as they are prescription only.

3. Exercise:
Try to take her out for a walk in the evening for 30-45 mins. Change in environment will help to reduce stress & improve health.

4. Sleep:
Adequate sleep is very important. Sleep deprivation is a potent stimulator of headache. She needs to manage adequate sleep of at least 5-7 hrs/day.

5. Light:
Flashing lights like in clubs also stimulates the headache so you need to avoid them.

6. Keep a Headache Diary:
It can help her keeping the record of triggers. Write down everything she eat and drink, her exercise routine and schedule, the weather, strong feelings and emotions she may be having, her medications and their effects, and times and severity of her headaches. This can help her see a pattern in her migraine occurrences, and will make avoiding one easier.

7. Hormonal Changes:
Particularly important for females as it may aggravate the headache, specially oral contraceptive pills.

8. Weather may also effect:
Humidity and hot temperatures can stimulate headaches, as can rainy days, so it’s important to be aware of your environment.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1312 Questions

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What Causes Chronic Headache, Dizziness, Fatigue, Nausea And Vomiting?

Brief Answer: Need some details to guide you better Detailed Answer: -> QUESTIONS: Hello My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem. I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. There could be a number of causes for your symptoms. I would be in a better position to reach to a conclusion if you answer following questions please: 1. Does anyone in your family has similar complaints? if yes then who and since when? 2. Pain occurs in whole head or in half head? 3. Does pain aggravate with movement? 4. Is there any associated history of: a. visual symptoms like bright light flashing in your eyes or unable to focus from eyes at particular point? b. Nausea, vomiting or anorexia? 5. Does she prefer to lie in a dark room so that headache improves? 6. Does headache occurs only during awakening? 7. Does headache starts if you are tired or did not take ample sleep? 8. Did you take any type of medication for this? 9. is she on any kind of medication? 10. Is there any family history of hypertension, diabetes or any other illness? I will be looking forward for the answers to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours.