Dizziness and Heaviness: Possible Neurological Causes

Dizziness and heaviness?

Hello Doctor: In the past few days, I have noticed a prominent vein on my left temple.
Although I can feel it, it is not visibly noticeable.
I have observed it before, but today I am experiencing dizziness and a heavy sensation.
It feels more pronounced when I touch it compared to before (though it is not obvious in the mirror).
I consulted with a senior, who suggested that it might be due to electrolyte deficiency, but drinking electrolytes hasn't helped.
I would appreciate your assistance.

Yu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/05

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology

If the left temple has a hardened blood vessel resembling a rope and is tender to the touch, accompanied by headaches or blurred vision, be cautious of temporal arteritis, which is more common in older female patients.
In your case, it is advisable to rest more and monitor the situation.
If there is no improvement, it is recommended to seek medical attention for a thorough evaluation by a physician.

Reply Date: 2016/08/05

More Info

Dizziness and a feeling of heaviness in the head can be concerning symptoms, especially when accompanied by visible changes in the veins or arteries, such as the prominent vein you mentioned near your temple. While I cannot provide a diagnosis, I can help outline some potential neurological causes and considerations based on your symptoms.

Possible Neurological Causes
1. Tension-Type Headaches: These are often associated with muscle tension in the neck and scalp, leading to a feeling of heaviness and sometimes dizziness. Stress, poor posture, or prolonged periods of concentration can exacerbate these headaches.

2. Migraine: Migraines can present with various symptoms, including throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes dizziness. The presence of a prominent vein could be related to increased blood flow during a migraine attack.

3. Cervical Vertigo: This condition arises from issues in the cervical spine (neck) that can affect balance and cause dizziness. If you have any neck pain or stiffness, this could be a contributing factor.

4. Vestibular Disorders: These affect the inner ear and balance system. Conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) can cause dizziness when changing positions, while vestibular neuritis can lead to prolonged dizziness.

5. Intracranial Pressure Changes: Changes in intracranial pressure can lead to headaches, dizziness, and visual disturbances. This could be due to various factors, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or more serious conditions like intracranial hypertension.

6. Anxiety and Stress: Psychological factors can manifest physically, leading to symptoms like dizziness and a heavy feeling in the head. Anxiety can cause hyperventilation, which may lead to dizziness and a sensation of pressure in the head.

Recommendations for Further Evaluation
Given your symptoms, it would be prudent to seek further evaluation from a healthcare professional. Here are some steps you might consider:
1. Neurological Examination: A thorough neurological exam can help assess your symptoms and rule out any serious conditions. This may include tests for balance, coordination, and reflexes.

2. Imaging Studies: Depending on the findings from your examination, your doctor may recommend imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan to evaluate for any structural abnormalities in the brain or cervical spine.

3. Blood Tests: Checking for electrolyte levels, thyroid function, and other metabolic factors can help identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to your symptoms.

4. Vestibular Testing: If dizziness persists, a referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or a neurologist specializing in vestibular disorders may be warranted for further testing.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: Ensure you are staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet rich in electrolytes, and managing stress through relaxation techniques or physical activity.

Conclusion
While the symptoms you describe can be alarming, many potential causes are treatable. It’s essential to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your symptoms, including any changes in your physical health, stress levels, or lifestyle. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes, so don’t hesitate to seek help. Remember, your health is paramount, and addressing these symptoms promptly is the best course of action.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Dizziness and Brain Fog: Exploring Neurological Causes

Hello! I have been experiencing dizziness, a feeling of heaviness in my head, and difficulty concentrating for the past two weeks. I also feel tightness and numbness in my head. I have undergone an electrocardiogram and thyroid function tests in the neurology department, both of ...

Dr. Peng Shiwei reply Neurology
Hello, general dizziness and a feeling of heaviness in the head can be related to many factors. If your current examinations are all normal, it is possible that it is caused by primary headaches. I recommend that you discuss this further with your primary physician. Thank you for...

Understanding Dizziness and Headaches: Insights into Neurological Disorders

About a year ago, I started experiencing dizziness, but a few months ago, the dizziness began to be accompanied by severe shaking in my arms. However, the shaking stops as soon as the dizziness subsides. Sometimes, when I feel dizzy, my vision suddenly goes dark, or I faint, but ...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Ms. Hsu, Your symptoms may suggest a consideration of syncope. The most common causes include reflex syncope, which can occur due to excessive stimulation of the vagus nerve, leading to bradycardia and decreased cardiac output. This can also happen when transitioning from a...

Unexplained Dizziness: Navigating Neurological Concerns and Next Steps

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing continuous dizziness for a week (at times, it feels like there is a force pushing my eyeballs outward), slight imbalance while walking, and decreased dexterity in my hands. Occasionally, I have tremors, nausea, and diarrhea. During this peri...

Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
The causes of dizziness can be broadly categorized into the following: 1. Vestibular disorders: Such as motion sickness, viral infections, abnormal displacement of otoliths, and Meniere's disease. 2. Visual disorders: For instance, wearing glasses with an incorrect prescrip...

Understanding Dizziness and Heaviness in the Head: When to Seek Help

Recently, I've been feeling a heaviness in my head, and I experience some dizziness when I move my head, but I don't feel as dizzy when my head is still. This has been ongoing for about 4 to 5 days, and I haven't had any cold symptoms. What could be the possible is...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) should be considered first. The characteristic symptoms include brief episodes of dizziness related to changes in head position, such as bending over, tilting back, lying down, getting up, turning over,...