Should I Get a Brain Scan for My Frequent Headaches and Dizziness?

Q: Should I Get a Brain Scan for My Frequent Headaches and Dizziness?

Hello： Your symptoms seem to be related to discomfort caused by tightness in the cervical fascia, as the cervical fascia connects to the forehead and the temporal region (temples) of the skull, allowing the head to rotate at various angles. <br>I recommend the following：<br>1. <b

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Hello doctor, I have been experiencing frequent numbness in my head, dizziness, and neck stiffness.
I also feel some tightness between my eyebrows.
I had blood tests and urinalysis done recently, and the results were normal.
Do I need to undergo a brain examination?

Xiao Kui, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/02/27

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello: Your symptoms seem to be related to discomfort caused by tightness in the cervical fascia, as the cervical fascia connects to the forehead and the temporal region (temples) of the skull, allowing the head to rotate at various angles.
I recommend the following:
1.
Change positions: Change your posture every 15 minutes to allow the neck tissues to rest.
Maintaining any position (including a normal one) for an extended period can lead to tissue fatigue and inflammation, so moving around briefly can reduce the risk of muscle inflammation.
2.
Rest: Rest is important to give the muscles a chance to utilize their self-repair capabilities.
3.
Neck heat therapy: Apply heat for 15 to 20 minutes, ensuring the temperature is safe to avoid burns.
4.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): If you do not have a history of peptic ulcers, allergies to NSAIDs, or impaired kidney function, you may consider using NSAIDs as needed to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
5.
Neck muscle stretching exercises: After the acute pain phase, it is advisable to develop a routine of slow and gentle neck stretches every 15 to 20 minutes, ensuring that the angles do not provoke discomfort.
I suggest consulting with a neurologist or a rehabilitation physician for further evaluation and treatment.
For brain examinations, you can request a neurological assessment from a neurologist.
Wishing you good health, peace, and happiness.
Dr.
Tao cares about you.

Reply Date: 2018/02/27

More Info

When considering whether to undergo a brain scan for frequent headaches and dizziness, it is essential to evaluate your symptoms in context. Based on your description, you are experiencing a combination of head pressure, dizziness, and neck stiffness, along with a feeling of tightness between your eyebrows. You have also had blood and urine tests that returned normal results.
Frequent headaches can arise from various causes, including tension-type headaches, migraines, or even secondary headaches due to underlying conditions. Tension-type headaches are often associated with stress, anxiety, and muscle tension, particularly in the neck and shoulders. The tightness you feel between your eyebrows could indicate muscle tension in the forehead area, which is common in tension headaches. Dizziness can also accompany these headaches, especially if they are related to tension or anxiety.

Given that your blood and urine tests were normal, it suggests that there are no immediate metabolic or systemic issues contributing to your symptoms. However, if your headaches are persistent, worsening, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as visual disturbances, changes in consciousness, or neurological deficits (like weakness or numbness), it would be prudent to seek further evaluation.

A brain scan, such as an MRI or CT scan, can help rule out serious conditions like tumors, vascular malformations, or other structural abnormalities in the brain. However, these scans are typically recommended when there are red flags in the patient's history or examination findings. Since your initial tests were normal and if your headaches are consistent with tension-type headaches or migraines, it may not be necessary to pursue imaging at this time.

That said, if your symptoms are significantly impacting your quality of life or if you have concerns about the nature of your headaches, discussing the option of a brain scan with your healthcare provider is advisable. They can assess your symptoms more thoroughly and determine if imaging is warranted based on your specific situation.

In addition to considering imaging, it may be beneficial to explore non-pharmacological approaches to managing your headaches and dizziness. Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and physical therapy for neck stiffness, can be effective. Regular exercise, adequate hydration, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule are also crucial for overall well-being and can help alleviate headache symptoms.

In summary, while a brain scan can provide valuable information, it is essential to weigh the necessity based on your symptoms and overall health status. Consulting with a neurologist or headache specialist can provide further clarity and help you develop an appropriate management plan for your headaches and dizziness.

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