Headaches and Unexplained Weight Loss: A Neurology Perspective - Neurology

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Your symptoms of persistent headaches, particularly localized on the left side of your head, along with significant weight loss, are concerning and warrant careful consideration. While you have undergone various medical evaluations, including blood tests, brain wave studies, and a colonoscopy, and found no significant issues, the combination of headaches and unexplained weight loss can indicate underlying health problems that may need further investigation.


Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Headaches: The nature of your headaches, described as a "pressure" feeling primarily on the left side, could suggest several types of headaches. Tension-type headaches are common and often associated with stress or muscle tension. However, given the specific location and your history, it’s also important to consider other types, such as migraines or even cluster headaches, which can present with unilateral symptoms. The fact that your headaches have persisted and are accompanied by other systemic symptoms like weight loss raises the need for a more thorough evaluation.

2. Weight Loss: Losing 12 kilograms (approximately 26 pounds) over a few months without intentional dieting is significant and should not be overlooked. Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of various conditions, including metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal issues, or even malignancies. Since you mentioned experiencing diarrhea for a couple of months, it’s possible that your gastrointestinal health could still be affecting your overall well-being, even if the diarrhea has resolved.

3. Gastrointestinal Symptoms: The occasional oily stools you mentioned could indicate malabsorption, which might be related to dietary changes or an underlying gastrointestinal condition. This could explain both your weight loss and some of your discomfort.

Recommendations
Given your situation, here are some steps you might consider:
1. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your headaches, noting their frequency, duration, intensity, and any associated symptoms (like nausea or visual disturbances). Also, track your weight and any gastrointestinal symptoms. This information can be invaluable for healthcare providers.

2. Dietary Considerations: Since you mentioned changes in your eating habits and lifestyle after moving to Hong Kong, it might be beneficial to evaluate your diet. Ensure you are consuming a balanced diet rich in nutrients. If you suspect malabsorption, consider consulting a nutritionist who can help you identify any dietary deficiencies.

3. Stress Management: Your mention of poor sleep and lifestyle changes suggests that stress may be a contributing factor to both your headaches and gastrointestinal symptoms. Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or even simple breathing exercises can help manage stress levels.

4. Seek Medical Attention: While you may be hesitant to seek further medical care in Hong Kong, it is crucial to address these symptoms with a healthcare professional. If returning to Taiwan is not feasible in the short term, consider seeking out a local clinic or hospital in Hong Kong. Many facilities have English-speaking staff and can provide the necessary evaluations.

5. Consider Psychological Support: If your friends are suggesting seeing a psychologist, it might be worth exploring. Psychological factors can significantly impact physical health, and addressing anxiety or stress could potentially alleviate some of your symptoms.


Conclusion
In summary, while your previous tests have returned normal results, the combination of persistent headaches and significant weight loss necessitates a thorough re-evaluation. It is essential to address both the physical and psychological aspects of your health. Seeking medical advice sooner rather than later is advisable, as early intervention can lead to better outcomes. Please take care of yourself and prioritize your health during this challenging time.