What Causes Strange Sensations In Head Along With Dizziness In A BP Patient?

Posted on Wed, 6 May 2015

Question: Hi, I have been having some strange feelings in my head, very hard to describe, pressure, swirling feeling but not dizzy, sometimes I think my head is going to start shaking. What are symptoms of stroke? I am 73, and take a med for high blood pressure, not overweight, keep busy, walk every day, XXXXXXX XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would really appreciate your help XXXXXXX :)

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

Would trouble with balance be a more accurate description to your presentation? If so, is it related to swift head movements, with sudden change in posture (e.g. from sitting to standing), brisk movements, etc.?

Do you have any symptoms associated with your ear? Like ringing noise in the ear, itching, hearing loss (whether minimal or at varying degrees)?

Have you checked your blood pressure lately? If so, could you share your blood pressure readings with me during the following timesin the same day:

+As soon as you wake up
+After breakfast
+Before lunch
+After lunch
+Before dinner
+After dinner
+Before going to bed

Obviously this would be easier if you had your own blood pressure monitoring machine, and if you do then please check your blood pressure in one other way for me please:

+Stay in a seated position in a calm manner for about 10-15 minutes and measure your blood pressure
+Keep the machine ready, and measure your blood pressure as soon as you stand up from the seated position

I undestand I have asked for a lot of information, and so please do not hurry or panic in order to respond to everything I have asked for. Take your time (a day or two if required), and carefully write back to me with your kind response to each question of mine. :)

I look forward to hearing from you soon in order to help you further.

Best wishes.

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

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (22 minutes later)

I do not have any of the issues you mentioned. My balance is fine, no ringing in ears. Visited dr on 3/23, blood pressure very good, I do not have a blood pressure monitoring machine. I was not experiencing these symptoms at that time.

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
?? Strongly suspecting issue with your blood pressure

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.

If you were not experiencing these symptoms at the time, the factor I would like to point out here is the following:

+Your doctor mentioned your blood pressure to be very well controlled

This could mean the medication(s) you are on for blood pressure control are working very well, or possibly even doing more than is required. If a stronger dosage or if more anti-hypertensive medications are used than required, it can result in hypotension (lowered blood pressure) which can very easily cause the presentation you are describing. I strongly think your presentation is related to your blood pressure, and possible hypotension could be the cause.

Please do discuss the same with your doctor and request for a Holter's device which helps monitor blood pressure for 24-hours. This will help us find any irregularities in your blood pressure through the day.

Best wishes.

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

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (13 hours later)

Thank you very much, I think I agree with you, I think it is blood pressure related. I have an appt next week. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I am really glad :)

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again XXXXXXX

I am more than happy to be of assistance.

You can request for a Holter's device. This device is attached to you for 24-hours, and measures your blood pressure throughout the day through all the activities you go about like sleeping, eating, exercise, etc.

Best of luck and keep in touch with me if you have any further queries XXXXXXX I wish you truck loads of luck. :)

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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