Persistent Dizziness and Heaviness After Vaccination

Q: Persistent Dizziness and Heaviness After Vaccination

Hello Ms. <br>Chen： You mentioned that "about three days after receiving the BNT vaccine, I felt a heaviness in my head, and occasionally I feel dizzy, as if I'm swaying." The issue of dizziness may also be related to factors such as poor inner ear circulation, inadequate sleep,

Feeling of heaviness in the head accompanied by a sensation of dizziness and swaying of the body?

Hello, doctor.
I am 41 years old.
In February 2021, I slipped and fell in the bathroom, hitting the back of my head, which swelled up.
At the time, I didn't have any issues and visited a general clinic where everything seemed fine.
Later, I experienced a heavy feeling in my head and occasional dizziness, but after resting for a few days, it improved, so I didn't think much of it.
However, after receiving the BNT vaccine on October 23, about three days later, I started feeling heavy-headed again, with occasional dizziness and a sensation of swaying.
I visited the clinic twice, and the doctor said it was a mild side effect of the vaccine.
Even now, I still feel a heavy sensation in my head, as if something is pressing down, with occasional dizziness and a feeling of swaying.
I feel more comfortable lying down, but sometimes I still feel dizzy even when lying down.
Should I seek medical attention? Thank you for your response.

Chen Xiling, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/11/19

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello Ms.
Chen: You mentioned that "about three days after receiving the BNT vaccine, I felt a heaviness in my head, and occasionally I feel dizzy, as if I'm swaying." The issue of dizziness may also be related to factors such as poor inner ear circulation, inadequate sleep, or dehydration.
I recommend that you increase your intake of B vitamins and remind yourself to get up every half hour to perform stretching exercises to avoid nerve compression and muscle tension that could exacerbate your symptoms.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
I suggest visiting a neurology clinic for further evaluation and follow-up.
Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang from Taoyuan Medical Center cares about you.

Reply Date: 2021/11/19

More Info

Persistent dizziness and a feeling of heaviness in the head after vaccination can be concerning, especially when these symptoms linger for an extended period. Given your history of a head injury from a fall in February and the subsequent development of dizziness and heaviness after receiving the BNT vaccine in October, it is essential to consider several factors.

Firstly, the symptoms you describe—dizziness, a heavy feeling in the head, and occasional sensations of swaying—can be attributed to various causes. After a head injury, even if you initially felt fine, there could be underlying issues such as post-concussion syndrome, which can manifest as dizziness, headaches, and cognitive difficulties. This syndrome can occur weeks or even months after the initial injury.
Secondly, regarding the BNT vaccine, it is known that some individuals may experience mild side effects, including headaches, fatigue, and dizziness, which typically resolve within a few days. However, if these symptoms persist beyond a few weeks, it may indicate that they are not solely related to the vaccine. The fact that you experienced dizziness and heaviness after the fall and again after vaccination suggests that there may be a connection to your previous head injury, or it could be a separate issue altogether.

In your case, it is advisable to seek medical attention. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is warranted to rule out any serious underlying conditions. This may include a neurological examination, imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI of the brain, and possibly vestibular testing to assess your balance and inner ear function.
Additionally, it is important to consider other potential causes of your symptoms, such as anxiety, which can manifest as dizziness and a feeling of heaviness in the head. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms, leading to a cycle of discomfort.
In terms of management, if your symptoms are related to anxiety or stress, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of psychological support may be beneficial. If the dizziness is linked to vestibular dysfunction, vestibular rehabilitation therapy could help improve your balance and reduce dizziness.

In conclusion, while mild dizziness and heaviness can be common after vaccination, persistent symptoms warrant further investigation. Given your history of a head injury and the ongoing nature of your symptoms, I strongly recommend consulting with a healthcare provider who can perform a comprehensive evaluation and guide you toward appropriate treatment options. Your health and well-being are paramount, and addressing these symptoms early can help prevent further complications.

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