Vibrations in the brain, feeling like microcurrents?
Hello, doctor.
I am 20 years old and, unfortunately, due to a history of consuming a lot of rich foods, I have developed hereditary hypertension.
My blood pressure at home is around 130/75, but it surprisingly rises to 150/90 at the hospital! Fortunately, I have been aware of this and have been controlling my diet for over two months.
During this time, I have been sleeping from 10 PM to 7 AM every day and eating very light meals, eliminating all greasy and overly salty foods.
This is just background information (in case it's relevant, I wanted to mention it).
Initially, after eating, I would feel a rush of blood to my head while sitting and looking at my phone, which caused a sensation of pressure in my head, like something was pressing down on it.
This lasted for about three days.
The main issue now is that I have recently noticed that after staring at my phone for a while, I start to feel pressure in my eyeballs, which gradually extends to my brain, and then my entire head begins to vibrate! (I think "trembling" is a more appropriate term).
At first, I thought it was due to excessive stress or high intraocular pressure, but after visiting an ophthalmologist, I was told that my eye pressure is normal (16, 20) and my optic nerve is healthy.
The doctor only prescribed dilating drops to relax my ciliary muscle.
I followed his advice and avoided using electronic devices an hour before bed, and I also used the dilating drops before sleeping, but this condition has persisted without improvement for about another week.
Additionally, I have started to lose my appetite, with my food intake reduced to about one-third of what it used to be.
I would like to ask if you have any insights on this? Should I schedule an appointment with a neurologist for this condition?
Mr. Li, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/27
Dr. Hong Weibin reply Neurology
Hello: It is recommended that you regularly measure your blood pressure, twice a day.
Does this sensation of "blood rushing to your head, creating a feeling of pressure as if something is pressing down on your head" only occur when you are using your phone? Does it happen at other times? If it only occurs after using your phone and not in other situations, it is likely due to excessive use of electronic devices.
If your appetite has recently decreased, you may want to measure your weight to see if there are any changes.
If you are still concerned about your condition, it would be advisable to consult a family medicine specialist or a general practitioner nearby.
Reply Date: 2022/10/27
More Info
Hello! Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding the sensations you are experiencing. Based on your description, it seems you are dealing with a combination of symptoms that could be related to various underlying issues, including stress, dietary habits, and possibly neurological factors.
Firstly, the sensation of pressure in your head and the feeling of vibrations or tremors could be attributed to several factors. Given your family history of hypertension and your recent dietary changes, it is essential to consider how these factors might be influencing your overall health. Elevated blood pressure, especially when measured higher in a clinical setting compared to at home, can lead to symptoms such as headaches, feelings of pressure in the head, and even dizziness. The stress of monitoring your blood pressure and making significant lifestyle changes can also contribute to anxiety, which might manifest as physical sensations in your body.
The fact that you are experiencing these sensations particularly after using your phone for extended periods suggests that eye strain could be a contributing factor. Prolonged screen time can lead to a condition known as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome, which can cause discomfort, headaches, and a sensation of pressure around the eyes and forehead. Since your eye pressure has been checked and is within normal limits, it may be beneficial to take regular breaks from screens, practice the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), and ensure that your workspace is ergonomically set up to reduce strain.
Additionally, the feeling of vibrations or tremors in your head could be related to neurological factors. While it is good that your eye examination did not reveal any issues, it is still important to consider other potential causes. Stress and anxiety can lead to physical symptoms, including muscle tension and sensations that might feel like vibrations. However, it is also crucial to rule out any neurological conditions that could be causing these sensations.
Given the persistence of your symptoms and the recent changes in your appetite, it would be wise to consult a neurologist. They can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a neurological examination, imaging studies, or even an EEG to assess brain activity. This will help determine if there is an underlying neurological issue that needs to be addressed.
In the meantime, continue to monitor your blood pressure and maintain your dietary changes. Incorporating relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle exercise can also help manage stress levels. If you find that your symptoms worsen or if you experience additional symptoms such as severe headaches, visual disturbances, or changes in consciousness, seek medical attention promptly.
In summary, while your symptoms may be related to a combination of stress, dietary factors, and possibly neurological issues, a thorough evaluation by a neurologist will provide clarity and help guide appropriate treatment. Take care of yourself, and I hope you find relief soon!
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