Headaches: Post-Injury Symptoms and Eye Health Concerns - Neurosurgery

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Headache issues?


I have had migraine issues since childhood, where fatigue and exposure to wind can trigger headaches.
However, I never sought any medical evaluation.
At the end of last year, I fell down the stairs without using my hands to brace myself, landing face-first.
I was wearing glasses at the time, and they were knocked off, causing significant pressure on my right eye.
I experienced dizziness and difficulty focusing, but I did not undergo any examination afterward.
Recently, I have been experiencing discomfort in my right eye and right side of my brain simultaneously.
My right eye feels pressured, and there is a dull pain in the right side of my brain.
Initially, I thought this was due to an increase in my right eye's prescription.
A month ago, I had an eye exam, which confirmed that my right eye's prescription had increased by 300 degrees over the past three years, and there was a retinal tear.
The doctor believes the retinal tear may have resulted from the impact of my fall, but it cannot be definitively linked to that incident.
I also asked the doctor if the significant difference in prescription between my two eyes could be causing my headaches.
The doctor mentioned that this is a possibility.
However, even after getting the correct prescription glasses, I still experience the same symptoms in my right eye and right brain.
I would like to know if this is a normal aftereffect or if you think I should go to the hospital for further evaluation.

Kui, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/24

Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery


You can first visit the neurosurgery outpatient clinic!

Reply Date: 2018/07/24

More Info


Understanding headaches, especially in the context of post-injury symptoms and eye health concerns, can be quite complex. Your situation involves a history of migraines, a recent fall that impacted your eye, and subsequent symptoms that include pressure in your right eye and discomfort in the right side of your head. Let's break this down.

Firstly, migraines are a common neurological condition characterized by recurrent headaches that can be triggered by various factors, including stress, fatigue, and environmental changes. Your history of migraines suggests that you may have a predisposition to headaches, which could be exacerbated by additional stressors, such as the recent injury.

The fall you experienced last year, where you landed face-first and impacted your right eye, is particularly significant. The immediate symptoms of dizziness and difficulty focusing indicate that there may have been some trauma to the eye or surrounding structures. The fact that you did not seek medical attention immediately after the incident is not uncommon, but it can sometimes lead to complications that may not be apparent right away.

The recent diagnosis of a retinal tear in your right eye is concerning. Retinal tears can occur due to trauma, and they can lead to serious complications, including retinal detachment, which can threaten vision. The pressure you feel in your right eye, along with the dull pain in the right side of your head, could be related to the eye condition, especially if the eye is not functioning properly due to the retinal issue. Additionally, the increase in your eyeglass prescription suggests that your vision has changed, which could also contribute to headaches if your eyes are straining to focus.

It's important to note that the difference in prescription between your two eyes can indeed lead to discomfort and headaches. When one eye has a significantly different prescription, it can cause the brain to work harder to reconcile the visual input from both eyes, leading to eye strain and headaches. This is particularly relevant in your case, where the right eye has experienced both an increase in prescription and a physical injury.

Given these factors, it is advisable to seek further evaluation from a healthcare professional. A visit to a neurologist would be prudent to assess the headaches and any potential neurological implications from the fall. They may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan, to rule out any underlying issues that could be contributing to your symptoms.

Additionally, a follow-up with an ophthalmologist is crucial, especially since you have a known retinal tear. They can monitor the condition of your retina and ensure that no further complications arise. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms despite wearing the correct prescription glasses, this should be addressed with your eye care provider as well.

In summary, your symptoms are not typical "normal" post-injury effects, especially considering the complexity of your history with migraines and the recent eye injury. It is essential to take these symptoms seriously and pursue comprehensive evaluations from both a neurologist and an ophthalmologist to ensure that all potential issues are addressed and managed appropriately. Early intervention can be key in preventing further complications and ensuring your overall health and well-being.

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