Headaches and Numbness: Which Specialist to See?

Q: Headaches and Numbness: Which Specialist to See?

Hello： Regarding the issue of high intraocular pressure, you can visit an ophthalmologist to measure your eye pressure, which can help rule out the problem of elevated intraocular pressure. <br>As for the headache, it is advisable to first rule out migraine-related issues. <br>Sy

Head numbness and headache?

Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing headaches for the past six months.
Sometimes they feel like sharp pains, other times they are more of a pressure pain, with no fixed pattern or location.
Additionally, I have numbness in my head and face, and my eyes feel like they have high pressure.
I have tried acupuncture and electrotherapy in traditional Chinese medicine, but there has been no significant improvement.
In Western medicine, pain relievers have not completely alleviated my symptoms.
Which specialty should I see now?

Zhou, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/11/02

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello: Regarding the issue of high intraocular pressure, you can visit an ophthalmologist to measure your eye pressure, which can help rule out the problem of elevated intraocular pressure.
As for the headache, it is advisable to first rule out migraine-related issues.
Symptoms of migraines may include visual disturbances such as seeing stars or flashes of light, as well as blurred or distorted vision, which are all prodromal signs of a migraine.
A few minutes after these prodromal symptoms appear, you may experience tingling, weakness, or numbness in the face, hands, or legs.
During the attack, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia, and pallor may accompany the headache.
Once the prodromal symptoms subside, you may experience severe, unilateral throbbing pain in the head.
These migraine symptoms typically last for several hours, and can even extend up to 2-3 days.
It is recommended that you consult with both an ophthalmologist and a neurologist for further evaluation and treatment.
Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Tao, Shen Nei, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2017/11/02

More Info

When it comes to understanding headaches and associated symptoms like numbness, it is essential to approach the situation methodically. Based on your description of experiencing headaches that vary in intensity and location, along with sensations of numbness in the face and eyes, it is crucial to consider several potential underlying causes.
First, it is important to differentiate between the types of headaches you may be experiencing. The symptoms you describe could be indicative of several headache types, including tension-type headaches, migraines, or even secondary headaches due to other medical conditions. Tension-type headaches often present as a dull, aching sensation and can be accompanied by tightness in the neck and shoulders. Migraines, on the other hand, are typically characterized by unilateral throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The presence of numbness or tingling, especially if it is unilateral, could suggest a more serious condition, such as a migraine with aura or even a neurological issue.

Given that you have also mentioned experiencing high eye pressure, it is essential to consider the possibility of ocular migraines or other eye-related conditions that could contribute to your symptoms. Elevated intraocular pressure can lead to serious conditions like glaucoma, which can cause headaches and visual disturbances. Therefore, it would be prudent to consult an ophthalmologist to rule out any eye-related issues.

Since you have already tried acupuncture and electrotherapy without significant improvement, it may be time to seek a more comprehensive evaluation from a neurologist. A neurologist specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system, which includes headaches and associated symptoms like numbness. They can perform a thorough neurological examination and may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan, to rule out any structural abnormalities in the brain or other neurological conditions.

In addition to consulting a neurologist, it may also be beneficial to see a primary care physician who can help coordinate your care and ensure that all potential causes are being addressed. They can provide referrals to specialists as needed and help manage any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Lastly, it is important to keep a detailed headache diary, noting the frequency, duration, intensity, and any associated symptoms of your headaches. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider in determining the best course of action for diagnosis and treatment.

In summary, based on your symptoms of varying headache types, numbness, and high eye pressure, I recommend seeing a neurologist for a comprehensive evaluation. Additionally, consider consulting an ophthalmologist to address any potential eye-related issues. Keeping a headache diary will also aid in your diagnosis and treatment. Your health is paramount, and seeking the appropriate specialists will help you find relief and improve your quality of life.

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