Headaches and Visual Disturbances: When to Seek Help

Headache and visual disturbances?

Hello Doctor, I often experience jumping lines and words when reading, and I frequently notice discrepancies between what I see and what I write or say.
However, my eye examination showed no issues with my vision (only nearsightedness, with no other problems, and my glasses prescription is appropriate, allowing me to see clearly, but I still often miss words).
Additionally, I frequently experience unexplained dizziness and headaches (often on the left side).
Is my condition simply a matter of lack of concentration, or do I need to undergo further examinations? This is significantly affecting my work, and I find it quite distressing.

Xingxing, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/06/29

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, based on your description, the first consideration for common prodromal migraine symptoms in women is the occurrence of visual disturbances.
These may include seeing bright lights resembling stars and lightning, as well as blurred or distorted vision, which are all prodromal signs of migraine.
A few minutes after the onset of the aura, one 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 aura subsides, there is typically a severe, unilateral throbbing pain in the head.
These migraine symptoms usually last for more than 4 hours and can extend up to 2-3 days.
Migraine is characterized by intense pulsating pain, often starting on one side of the head, and common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and cold extremities.
Additionally, it may be associated with dizziness, double vision or blurred vision, slurred speech, temporary blindness, loss of balance, hearing impairment, tinnitus, and bodily numbness.
It is advisable to consult a neurologist for further evaluation and treatment.
Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang from Taoyuan Medical Center cares about you.

Reply Date: 2018/06/29

More Info

When it comes to understanding headaches and visual disturbances, it’s essential to recognize that these symptoms can be indicative of various underlying conditions. Your description of experiencing visual disturbances, such as skipping words or lines while reading, combined with frequent headaches, particularly on the left side, suggests that you may be dealing with more than just simple attention issues.
Firstly, it’s important to consider the possibility of a neurological condition. The combination of headaches and visual disturbances can sometimes be associated with migraines, particularly if the headaches are unilateral (affecting one side of the head) and accompanied by visual symptoms. Migraines can present with auras, which may include visual disturbances like flashing lights or zigzag patterns, and can lead to difficulty concentrating or processing visual information.
Another possibility is that you might be experiencing a type of headache known as tension-type headache, which can also cause discomfort and may be exacerbated by stress or fatigue. However, the specific visual symptoms you describe—such as skipping words or lines—could also suggest a condition known as "visual processing disorder," where the brain has difficulty interpreting visual information, despite normal vision.

Given that you have already undergone an eye examination that ruled out significant ocular issues, it may be beneficial to pursue further evaluation with a neurologist. A thorough neurological assessment can help determine if there are any underlying conditions that need to be addressed. This may include imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan, to rule out structural abnormalities in the brain, as well as other tests to assess your cognitive and visual processing abilities.

In terms of immediate management, there are several strategies you can employ to help alleviate your symptoms. For headaches, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be effective. However, if your headaches are frequent or severe, it may be worth discussing preventive medications with your healthcare provider. Lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, staying hydrated, managing stress, and avoiding known headache triggers (like certain foods or caffeine), can also be beneficial.

Additionally, if you find that your visual disturbances are particularly bothersome while reading or working, consider adjusting your environment. Ensure that your workspace is well-lit, take regular breaks to reduce eye strain, and try using larger fonts or different backgrounds to make reading easier.
In conclusion, while your symptoms may initially seem related to attention or concentration issues, the combination of visual disturbances and headaches warrants further investigation. Seeking help from a neurologist can provide clarity and guide you toward appropriate treatment options. Remember, it’s essential to advocate for your health, especially when symptoms significantly impact your daily life and work.

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