Dizziness, Headaches, and Nausea: Neurological Insights

Dizziness, headache, nausea, and blurred vision?

Hello, I occasionally experience blurred vision, dizziness, and pain in the right occipital region and temple.
I feel nauseous but can't vomit, and then the left side of my body gradually becomes numb.
I have previously injured the painful area and underwent an EEG, which showed no issues.
What could these symptoms indicate?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/21

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, based on your description, the symptoms resemble those of a migraine, which can last from 4 to 72 hours.
The characteristics of the headache include unilateral pain that feels throbbing or pulsating, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, as well as sensitivity to light and sound.
Additionally, activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or any head movement can exacerbate the headache.
Many patients require analgesics or preventive medications to manage their condition.
Besides pharmacological treatment, lifestyle adjustments are also crucial.
This includes establishing good habits, maintaining a regular schedule, ensuring adequate but not excessive sleep, avoiding overexertion, and practicing relaxation techniques.
Some individuals may have specific triggers, such as certain foods, alcohol, drastic temperature changes, or moving in and out of air-conditioned environments during hot weather.
Avoiding these situations can help prevent migraines.
It is advisable to consult a neurologist for further evaluation and treatment.
Wishing you good health and peace.

Reply Date: 2016/04/21

More Info

Dizziness, headaches, and nausea can be symptoms of various neurological conditions, and understanding their underlying causes is essential for effective management. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that may warrant further investigation.

Firstly, the dizziness you are experiencing could be related to several factors, including vestibular disorders, migraines, or even anxiety. Dizziness can manifest as a spinning sensation (vertigo) or a feeling of lightheadedness. If it is accompanied by headaches, it may suggest a migraine variant, particularly if the headache is unilateral (on one side) and pulsating in nature.

The pain in the right occipital region (the back of your head) and the temple area could indicate tension-type headaches or migraines. Tension-type headaches are often described as a tight band around the head, while migraines can cause severe, throbbing pain that may be exacerbated by physical activity, light, or sound. Given your history of head trauma, it is also important to consider post-traumatic headache, which can occur after a head injury and may present with similar symptoms.

The nausea you are experiencing, particularly if it is associated with headaches, can be a common symptom of migraines. Migraines often come with gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea and vomiting. The fact that you feel like you want to vomit but cannot may indicate a significant level of discomfort and should be addressed.

The left-sided numbness you mentioned could be concerning, especially if it is a new symptom. Numbness or tingling can be indicative of neurological issues, such as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or even a stroke, particularly if it is unilateral. However, it can also be related to migraines with aura, where neurological symptoms precede or accompany the headache.

Given that you have had a normal EEG (electroencephalogram), it is reassuring that there are no immediate signs of seizure activity. However, it is crucial to follow up with a healthcare provider who can perform a comprehensive neurological examination and possibly order imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan, to rule out any structural abnormalities or lesions in the brain.

In summary, your symptoms of dizziness, headaches, nausea, and unilateral numbness warrant a thorough evaluation by a neurologist. They can help determine whether your symptoms are due to migraines, tension-type headaches, or another neurological condition. It is essential to address these symptoms promptly, especially considering your history of head trauma. Keeping a headache diary to track the frequency, duration, and intensity of your headaches, as well as any associated symptoms, can be helpful for your healthcare provider in making an accurate diagnosis and developing an effective treatment plan.

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