Dizziness and Blurred Vision: Neurological Symptoms

Q: Dizziness and Blurred Vision: Neurological Symptoms

Hello： Based on your description, dizziness is commonly caused by reflex syncope, which is due to excessive stimulation of the vagus nerve, leading to bradycardia and decreased cardiac output. <br>This can occur when transitioning from a supine to an upright position, standing up

Dizziness and blurred vision?

Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing dizziness and blurred vision when sitting for long periods, standing up, or squatting down.
I am unable to focus my gaze straight ahead.
A week ago, I accidentally bumped my head against a wall quite hard, but I didn't experience dizziness or nausea afterward.
I am unsure if this is a residual effect from that incident.
Should I go to the hospital for an examination? Or could it be due to insufficient sleep and excessive stress? Please help me with your insights.
Thank you!

Niu Niu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/29

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello: Based on your description, dizziness is commonly caused by reflex syncope, which is due to excessive stimulation of the vagus nerve, leading to bradycardia and decreased cardiac output.
This can occur when transitioning from a supine to an upright position, standing up suddenly after squatting, certain medications causing hypotension, significant blood volume reduction, peripheral vasodilation in a hot environment, or peripheral neuropathy.
As for head trauma, common symptoms that require monitoring include: – Drug or alcohol overdose – Persistent severe diffuse headache – Post-traumatic amnesia lasting more than 30 minutes – Dangerous mechanisms of injury (e.g., being struck by a vehicle, ejection from a vehicle, falling from a height greater than 1 meter or more than 5 stairs) – Coagulation disorders – Multiple traumas – History of craniotomy.
It is advisable to discuss examination and treatment with a neurologist.
Wishing you good health and peace.
Best regards, Taoyuan Medical Center, Neurology Department.

Reply Date: 2016/04/29

More Info

Dizziness and blurred vision can be concerning symptoms that may indicate underlying neurological issues. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing these symptoms after a recent head injury, which raises some important considerations.

Firstly, dizziness can be caused by a variety of factors, including vestibular disorders, cardiovascular issues, or neurological conditions. Given that you mentioned a significant impact to your head, it is crucial to consider the possibility of a concussion or other traumatic brain injury (TBI). Symptoms of a concussion can include dizziness, blurred vision, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Even if you did not experience immediate symptoms after the injury, it is possible for symptoms to develop later.

The blurred vision you are experiencing could also be related to the dizziness. When the brain is not receiving clear visual input or is struggling to process information due to dizziness, it can lead to visual disturbances. This is particularly true if there is any involvement of the cranial nerves that control eye movement or if there is any disruption in the brain's ability to integrate sensory information.

Additionally, you mentioned that these symptoms occur when you change positions, such as standing up or squatting down. This could suggest a condition known as orthostatic hypotension, where blood pressure drops significantly upon standing, leading to dizziness and blurred vision. This condition can be exacerbated by dehydration, prolonged sitting, or certain medications.

Sleep deprivation and stress are also known to contribute to dizziness and visual disturbances. Lack of sleep can affect cognitive function and lead to increased sensitivity to stress, which may manifest as physical symptoms like dizziness. However, given the recent head injury, it is essential to prioritize a thorough evaluation to rule out any serious complications.

Given these considerations, I strongly recommend that you seek medical attention. A healthcare provider will likely perform a comprehensive evaluation, which may include a neurological examination, imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI of the brain, and possibly vestibular testing to assess your balance and inner ear function. It is important to address any potential complications from your head injury and to ensure that there are no underlying neurological issues that need to be managed.

In summary, while your symptoms could be related to stress, sleep deprivation, or even positional changes, the recent head trauma adds a layer of complexity that warrants further investigation. Please do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for a thorough assessment. Early intervention can be crucial in managing any potential issues and ensuring your overall health and well-being.

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