Persistent head heaviness and dry heaving?
Hello Doctor, for the past couple of days, I have been feeling a persistent pressure in my head, almost as if a specific small area in my brain (approximately the middle right side) is covered.
I have been unable to muster any energy throughout the day and have been experiencing constant dry heaving (almost feeling like I need to vomit every 10 minutes).
Last night, I slept for less than three hours and suddenly woke up, accompanied by the same pressure in my head, and I couldn't fall back asleep.
Additionally, I have noticed that the muscles on the left side of my face and jaw are twitching inexplicably.
Could this be indicative of a brain disorder or other underlying issues? Thank you, Doctor.
123, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/01/23
Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, Sir: You mentioned feeling lethargic all day and experiencing constant dry heaving (almost feeling like vomiting every 10 minutes), and that you suddenly woke up after less than three hours of sleep tonight...
It may be necessary to consider intracranial structural abnormalities, but this should be evaluated in conjunction with your medical history and clinical symptoms.
The symptoms of intracranial abnormalities depend on their size and location.
The onset of symptoms is primarily due to the brain being constrained by the skull, as it is a confined space.
If a brain tumor is growing within the skull, it can cause symptoms due to pressure on or infiltration of brain tissue.
Additionally, surrounding edema can increase intracranial pressure, leading to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
If the tumor affects the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, causing fluid accumulation in the ventricles, it can lead to hydrocephalus and subsequent symptoms.
Clinical symptoms may include: headaches, which may be particularly severe in the early morning; unsteady gait, impaired coordination or balance; seizures or visual disturbances; dizziness, nausea, and vomiting; memory decline, speech difficulties, or personality changes; weakness or sensory deficits in the limbs.
I recommend discussing examination and treatment options with a neurologist.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions! Wishing you good health, peace, and happiness.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Hospital, cares for you.
Reply Date: 2022/01/23
More Info
Your symptoms of persistent head pressure, nausea, and facial muscle twitching are concerning and warrant a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional, particularly a neurologist. The sensations you describe, such as feeling as if a specific part of your head is "covered" or "pressured," combined with frequent dry heaving and facial muscle twitching, could be indicative of several underlying neurological or medical conditions.
Firstly, the sensation of head pressure can be associated with various types of headaches, including tension-type headaches or migraines. Tension-type headaches often present with a feeling of tightness or pressure around the head, and they can be exacerbated by stress, poor posture, or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. Migraines, on the other hand, can cause severe, throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. The fact that you are experiencing nausea frequently could suggest a migraine, especially if you have a history of such headaches.
The facial muscle twitching you mentioned, particularly on the left side, could be related to several factors. It might be a benign condition known as facial myokymia, which is characterized by involuntary muscle contractions. However, it could also indicate more serious conditions such as hemifacial spasm or even neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis or a focal seizure. Given that these symptoms have developed recently, it is crucial to consider the possibility of an underlying neurological issue.
Additionally, the combination of persistent head pressure and nausea could suggest increased intracranial pressure or other serious conditions such as a brain tumor, an infection (like meningitis), or a cerebrospinal fluid leak. These conditions can lead to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, and changes in consciousness or mental status.
It is also important to consider lifestyle factors that may contribute to your symptoms. Stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, and poor diet can all exacerbate headaches and nausea. If you have been experiencing significant stress or changes in your routine, these could be contributing factors.
Given the complexity of your symptoms, I strongly recommend that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. A neurologist will likely perform a comprehensive evaluation, which may include a detailed history, a physical examination, and possibly imaging studies like an MRI or CT scan to rule out any serious conditions. Blood tests may also be conducted to check for infections or other metabolic issues.
In the meantime, try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, stay hydrated, and manage stress through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise. Avoiding triggers that you suspect may worsen your symptoms, such as certain foods or activities, can also be beneficial.
In summary, your symptoms of persistent head pressure, nausea, and facial twitching are concerning and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes, so please prioritize seeking medical care.
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