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What Causes Splotchy Vision, Headache, Fatigue And Low Thyroid?
Question: I have been experiencing "splotchy" vision and headaches lately. I am also tired, and have very little energy or motivation. Physically I am in good health, normal cholesterol and blood pressure. The only know problem I have is low thyroid which i take medication for and my latest lab tests show I am at normals levels. I was diagnosed with vestibular neuritis in 2012 and underwent physical therapy for it which helped tremendously. I also had an accident in Oct. 2014, a nail from a nail gun hit me in the head, it went through my ear canal and lodged in the bone in front of the cochlea (sorry dont remember name of bone) and nicked my cochlear causing some hearing damage. I also have tinitus from that. The accident also resulted in a concussion. Is my vision/headaches connected to low energy/motivation or most likely seperate? If I go to the chiropractor 1-2 times a month the vision/headaches seem to improve somewhat.
Brief Answer:
Not due to low motivation:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Reading thru your history, I think it would be best for you to take up the vision and headache problem with a neurologist. I say this after reading the part that the chiropractic treatment helps. I am wondering if there could be a nerve problem that is causing this. You might also consider seeing an opthalmologist as the vision abnormality and headaches may be linked to an eye problem.
I see your thyroid disorder is under control and have normal thyroid labs. I don't think this is related. And definitely not from low energy/motivation.
If the splotchy vision started just recently, such as in the past 3 days, I would go directly to an urgent care center or ER to have them evaluate this. If it has been going on for a long time, then the eye doctor or neurologist (or both) would be in order.
I wouldn't ignore this problem.
I hope this information helps.
Not due to low motivation:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Reading thru your history, I think it would be best for you to take up the vision and headache problem with a neurologist. I say this after reading the part that the chiropractic treatment helps. I am wondering if there could be a nerve problem that is causing this. You might also consider seeing an opthalmologist as the vision abnormality and headaches may be linked to an eye problem.
I see your thyroid disorder is under control and have normal thyroid labs. I don't think this is related. And definitely not from low energy/motivation.
If the splotchy vision started just recently, such as in the past 3 days, I would go directly to an urgent care center or ER to have them evaluate this. If it has been going on for a long time, then the eye doctor or neurologist (or both) would be in order.
I wouldn't ignore this problem.
I hope this information helps.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for the information. Do you think the past vestibular neuritis has anything to do with the 'splotchy' vision/headaches? I was told when I was diagnosed with it that it could come and go, in a milder form, for an undetermined amount of time. When the neuritis was bad I had similar vision problems but had dizziness rather than headaches. For the neuritis I went to a ENT, would I go back to one or switch to a neurologist?
Also, any suggestions for low energy/motivation? I'm thinking possible depression or SAD... my diet is well balanced, I exercise regularly... I also have some anxiety that I can control for the most part but is often present. I'm wondering if it could have anything to do with my accident. I've definitely had increased anxiety since then. The low energy/motivation has fluctuated since then too but has grown worse in past month. Thanks so much for your insights!
Also, is there anything I can do about the tinnitus? The constant ringing in my head is a bit annoying.
Also, any suggestions for low energy/motivation? I'm thinking possible depression or SAD... my diet is well balanced, I exercise regularly... I also have some anxiety that I can control for the most part but is often present. I'm wondering if it could have anything to do with my accident. I've definitely had increased anxiety since then. The low energy/motivation has fluctuated since then too but has grown worse in past month. Thanks so much for your insights!
Also, is there anything I can do about the tinnitus? The constant ringing in my head is a bit annoying.
Brief Answer:
Some thoughts:
Detailed Answer:
It's possible the vestibular neuritis and resulting concussion has something to do with the splotchy vision and headaches. But if it is affecting your vision, this would likely be beyond the expertise of the ENT doctor. You can call him/her and see what he or she thinks. You'll probably talk with his or her nurse who will run it by the ENT. But my guess is this would need to be evaluated by an opthalmologist or a neurologist.
I would also ask the ENT if there is anything further to do be done about the tinnitus. I am sorry you have that - it must be very annoying.
The energy problem may be due to your thyroid problems although your thyroid levels are ok now. But sometimes after a significant injury or illness, energy level can change too. If you see a neurologist, talk with him/her about the energy drop that happened since the accident.
You might want to talk with your primary doctor about the possible SAD (although spring is coming - you might feel better?) and an SSRI such as Lexapro. That can help.
Some thoughts:
Detailed Answer:
It's possible the vestibular neuritis and resulting concussion has something to do with the splotchy vision and headaches. But if it is affecting your vision, this would likely be beyond the expertise of the ENT doctor. You can call him/her and see what he or she thinks. You'll probably talk with his or her nurse who will run it by the ENT. But my guess is this would need to be evaluated by an opthalmologist or a neurologist.
I would also ask the ENT if there is anything further to do be done about the tinnitus. I am sorry you have that - it must be very annoying.
The energy problem may be due to your thyroid problems although your thyroid levels are ok now. But sometimes after a significant injury or illness, energy level can change too. If you see a neurologist, talk with him/her about the energy drop that happened since the accident.
You might want to talk with your primary doctor about the possible SAD (although spring is coming - you might feel better?) and an SSRI such as Lexapro. That can help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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