Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Feeling Of Blood Surging From Neck To Head?
Question: a feeling of blood surging from the neck to the top of my head and then down again lasting 20 seconds. I am a female over 65.
Brief Answer:
More information needed about your symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for posting your query here at HCM.
I have read your query and understand your concerns.
Fist, I need to ask some questions about your concerns:
- the feeling of blood surging you describe is felt inside the head or in surface?
- could you describe it as crawling eg.?
- I see you are using Aspirin, for what reason?
- how about any other medical issues related to blood pressure, blood lipids levels?
- you felt this blood surging only once, or many times?
Awaiting for more information....
More information needed about your symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for posting your query here at HCM.
I have read your query and understand your concerns.
Fist, I need to ask some questions about your concerns:
- the feeling of blood surging you describe is felt inside the head or in surface?
- could you describe it as crawling eg.?
- I see you are using Aspirin, for what reason?
- how about any other medical issues related to blood pressure, blood lipids levels?
- you felt this blood surging only once, or many times?
Awaiting for more information....
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
I have low blood pressure and fairly high cholesterol level--no other medical issues.
I am in excellent physical condition. My short term memory (diminishing short term memory) is a concern
I took 2 aspirin when this incident happened, in case it was some type of stroke, since I heard that aspirin was helpful for that.
It was a sensation beginning at the base of the skull and moving upward to the crown in a surge lasting 5-10 seconds and then descending in about 5-8 seconds, with the aftereffect of a 5-8 sec.light headed slightly dizzy feeling, with no obvious lasting effects.
I had experienced this same thing one other time about 9-12 months ago. So I hope this is not causing the worsening short term memory problem.
The sensation was sort of a crawling feeling, but I would say crawling implies slow, and it did not last very long. Maybe surge is a little too strong a description, because it was not too fast. As I described it, 5-10 seconds moving upward from the base of my skull to the crown of my head, and descending in a slightly shorter time (5-8 sec.). It was not deep within my head but closer to the back and top surface, but not just the skin. The after effect of lightheaded feeling and a little dizziness--these I felt deeper inside the upper rear and central part of my head.
No, it did not happen multiple times this morning--just once.
I don't usually take aspirin. Medications I do take daily
1.red rice yeast with CoQ-10 for control of cholesterol
2. multivitamin
I am in excellent physical condition. My short term memory (diminishing short term memory) is a concern
I took 2 aspirin when this incident happened, in case it was some type of stroke, since I heard that aspirin was helpful for that.
It was a sensation beginning at the base of the skull and moving upward to the crown in a surge lasting 5-10 seconds and then descending in about 5-8 seconds, with the aftereffect of a 5-8 sec.light headed slightly dizzy feeling, with no obvious lasting effects.
I had experienced this same thing one other time about 9-12 months ago. So I hope this is not causing the worsening short term memory problem.
The sensation was sort of a crawling feeling, but I would say crawling implies slow, and it did not last very long. Maybe surge is a little too strong a description, because it was not too fast. As I described it, 5-10 seconds moving upward from the base of my skull to the crown of my head, and descending in a slightly shorter time (5-8 sec.). It was not deep within my head but closer to the back and top surface, but not just the skin. The after effect of lightheaded feeling and a little dizziness--these I felt deeper inside the upper rear and central part of my head.
No, it did not happen multiple times this morning--just once.
I don't usually take aspirin. Medications I do take daily
1.red rice yeast with CoQ-10 for control of cholesterol
2. multivitamin
Brief Answer:
Probably nerve dysfunction.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back XXXXXXX and thanks for the clarifications.
I don't think your symptoms are related in any ways to short memory problems.
Most probably this crawling-like or surge sensation felt under the scalp is related to scalp nerves dysfunction and belongs to a form of paresthesia seen usually in peripheral neuropathy.
Having just two episodes in a one year distance is a reassuring sign that this is just a minor nerves dysfunction.
Aspirin use is good for blood circulation, prevents atherosclerosis and arteries narrowing so, I encourage its use in your case.
Since you are diagnosed with high cholesterol levels, this is a risk factor about developing atherosclerosis, so besides Aspirin use an evaluation about this condition is needed as well.
A simple and appropriate test is Doppler ultrasound of your cervical vessels to evaluate/exclude stenosis that may affect brain supply with blood.
Short memory problems could be age related, or in some cases may herald dementias so having a neurologic evaluation is needed as well.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Wishing you good health.
Probably nerve dysfunction.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back XXXXXXX and thanks for the clarifications.
I don't think your symptoms are related in any ways to short memory problems.
Most probably this crawling-like or surge sensation felt under the scalp is related to scalp nerves dysfunction and belongs to a form of paresthesia seen usually in peripheral neuropathy.
Having just two episodes in a one year distance is a reassuring sign that this is just a minor nerves dysfunction.
Aspirin use is good for blood circulation, prevents atherosclerosis and arteries narrowing so, I encourage its use in your case.
Since you are diagnosed with high cholesterol levels, this is a risk factor about developing atherosclerosis, so besides Aspirin use an evaluation about this condition is needed as well.
A simple and appropriate test is Doppler ultrasound of your cervical vessels to evaluate/exclude stenosis that may affect brain supply with blood.
Short memory problems could be age related, or in some cases may herald dementias so having a neurologic evaluation is needed as well.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
To: Dr. Erion Spaho
From:XXX
What is paresthesia? symptoms, effects long term, treatment or medication?
What is peripheral neuropathy? symptoms, effects long term, treatment or meds?
What is stenosis? symptoms, effects long term, treatment or medication?
From:XXX
What is paresthesia? symptoms, effects long term, treatment or medication?
What is peripheral neuropathy? symptoms, effects long term, treatment or meds?
What is stenosis? symptoms, effects long term, treatment or medication?
Brief Answer:
Explanations below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again XXXXXXX
Paresthesia: abnormal sensations due to peripheral nerve dysfunction ( tingling, burning, pain, crawling etc.). Treatment depends on cause eg. peripheral neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy: damage of peripheral nerves by different causes (diabetes, low B12 vitamin, heavy metals poisoning, side effects of drugs, excessive alcohol use, nerve compression). Treatment also depends on cause.
Symptomatic treatment Gabapentin eg.
Stenosis: in this case narrowing of arteries by accumulation of lipids inside artery wall.
Symptoms: impaired blood supply to artery territory. Brain eg.: headaches, dizziness, disequilibrium, weakness and paresthesia in one side limbs, impaired speech, vision, probably stroke.
Treatment: Aspirin, lowering of blood pressure ( if it is high), controlling blood lipids, exercise, healthy lifestyle.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Take care.
Explanations below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again XXXXXXX
Paresthesia: abnormal sensations due to peripheral nerve dysfunction ( tingling, burning, pain, crawling etc.). Treatment depends on cause eg. peripheral neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy: damage of peripheral nerves by different causes (diabetes, low B12 vitamin, heavy metals poisoning, side effects of drugs, excessive alcohol use, nerve compression). Treatment also depends on cause.
Symptomatic treatment Gabapentin eg.
Stenosis: in this case narrowing of arteries by accumulation of lipids inside artery wall.
Symptoms: impaired blood supply to artery territory. Brain eg.: headaches, dizziness, disequilibrium, weakness and paresthesia in one side limbs, impaired speech, vision, probably stroke.
Treatment: Aspirin, lowering of blood pressure ( if it is high), controlling blood lipids, exercise, healthy lifestyle.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
