Symptoms of Dizziness and Head Pressure: When to Seek Medical Help

Q: Symptoms of Dizziness and Head Pressure: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello, Sir： Your symptoms may suggest a vascular headache issue, specifically "dizziness and head fullness." This is particularly relevant for migraines. <br>Basilar-type migraine, also known as basilar migraine or vertebrobasilar migraine, is a specific type of migraine. <br>It

Feeling heavy-headed with a light feeling in the legs, accompanied by dizziness?

Hello Doctor, my symptoms include dizziness, a feeling of pressure in my head, a heavy head with light legs, and slowed visual perception (when I turn my gaze from point A to point B, there is a sensation of swaying that takes a moment to stabilize).
I do not have persistent tinnitus, but my hearing has become very sensitive; sounds resonate in my head as if I were singing with an echo, making it feel like my entire head is being bombarded by sound waves, which is very uncomfortable.
When I am still, I can feel my heartbeat in my head and even hear my heartbeat.
Could you please tell me what condition I might be suffering from? Do I need to go to a medical center for a CT scan or comprehensive tests like blood and urine analysis?

Wo hai bu xiang si., 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/08/03

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, Sir: Your symptoms may suggest a vascular headache issue, specifically "dizziness and head fullness." This is particularly relevant for migraines.
Basilar-type migraine, also known as basilar migraine or vertebrobasilar migraine, is a specific type of migraine.
It was previously thought to be caused by spasms and ischemia of the brain's basilar artery, but later research has identified its pathogenesis as being similar to that of typical migraines, originating from neuronal hyperexcitability.
Patients often report the headache as a severe pulsating pain that typically starts on one side of the head and then gradually spreads and worsens.
In addition to common migraine symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and cold extremities, it may also present with specific "aura" symptoms, including dizziness, double vision or blurred vision, slurred speech, hearing impairment, tinnitus, and body numbness.
It is recommended that you visit a neurology clinic for further examination and follow-up.
Please ensure to practice self-protection, maintain cleanliness and disinfection, and adhere to new pandemic prevention measures before and after seeking medical care.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions! Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Department of Neurology, Taoyuan Hospital, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2021/08/03

More Info

Your symptoms of dizziness, head pressure, and auditory sensitivity are concerning and warrant a thorough evaluation. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that could be indicative of several underlying conditions, including but not limited to vestibular disorders, migraines, or even intracranial pressure changes.

Dizziness and a sensation of head pressure can arise from various causes. One common cause is vestibular dysfunction, which affects the inner ear and balance system. This can lead to feelings of dizziness, lightheadedness, and a sensation of imbalance. The auditory sensitivity you describe, where sounds seem amplified or resonate in your head, could also be related to this dysfunction or could indicate a condition known as hyperacusis, where normal sounds are perceived as overly loud or uncomfortable.

Another possibility is that your symptoms are related to migraines, particularly if you have a history of migraine headaches. Migraines can present with a variety of neurological symptoms, including dizziness, sensitivity to sound, and visual disturbances. The "slow visual processing" you mentioned could also be a form of aura associated with migraines, which can affect how you perceive motion and visual stimuli.

Intracranial pressure changes, whether due to increased pressure (such as in conditions like idiopathic intracranial hypertension) or decreased pressure (as seen in spontaneous intracranial hypotension), can also lead to similar symptoms. Increased intracranial pressure can cause headaches, visual disturbances, and even auditory symptoms, while decreased pressure can lead to positional headaches and dizziness.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention. A comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, preferably a neurologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, is recommended. They may suggest imaging studies, such as a CT scan or MRI, to rule out any structural abnormalities or lesions in the brain. Blood tests may also be warranted to check for any underlying metabolic or systemic issues that could be contributing to your symptoms.

In the meantime, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience any worsening of your condition, such as severe headaches, changes in vision, or neurological deficits (like weakness or numbness), you should seek immediate medical attention.
In summary, your symptoms are multifaceted and could stem from various causes, including vestibular disorders, migraines, or changes in intracranial pressure. A thorough evaluation by a medical professional is necessary to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Do not hesitate to reach out for help, as early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.

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