Persistent Dizziness and Blood Flow Sensations: A Neurology Perspective

Dizziness accompanied by the sensation of blood flow?

I have been experiencing headaches for six months, with a sensation of nerve pulsation.
I can also feel the blood flowing.
I hear a sound like water flowing in my ears, and sometimes when I turn my head, I hear a noise like sand.
During severe episodes, my body and face feel numb, and I also feel nauseous and want to vomit.
I am unsure if this is related to a previous car accident where I hit my head, or if it could be a brain hemorrhage or stroke.
Is it possible that this is migraine-related? However, if it were a migraine, would I feel something flowing? When I feel this flow, it is really uncomfortable and prevents me from sleeping.
I am very afraid it could be a stroke or brain hemorrhage.
Please help me understand.
Thank you!

Bai Bai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/06/23

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology

Pulsating headaches, which can be accompanied by severe nausea, may indicate migraines or other types of headaches.
It can be challenging to determine the exact symptoms when blood flow in the head is affected.
Facial and bodily numbness is generally associated with discomfort from other bodily issues, leading to psychological tension and stress, and may sometimes be accompanied by difficulty breathing.
As for the sensation of water flowing in the ears and a sandy sound when turning the head, it is advisable to first consult an otolaryngologist to examine the outer ear, the area near the eardrum, and the middle ear for any abnormalities or foreign objects.
If everything appears normal, it is recommended to see a neurologist for a more detailed evaluation of the related symptoms and to determine if further testing is necessary.

Reply Date: 2014/06/23

More Info

Persistent dizziness, sensations of blood flow, and associated neurological symptoms can be concerning and warrant thorough evaluation. Your symptoms, including persistent headaches, the sensation of blood flowing, auditory disturbances (like hearing water flow), and episodes of facial and bodily numbness, raise several possibilities that need to be explored further.

Firstly, it is essential to consider the potential link between your symptoms and the head injury you sustained in the car accident. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can lead to a variety of neurological symptoms, including dizziness, headaches, and sensory disturbances. Post-concussion syndrome is a condition that can occur after a head injury, where symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and cognitive difficulties persist for weeks or even months.
Regarding your concerns about serious conditions such as a stroke or brain hemorrhage, it is important to note that while these conditions can present with dizziness and headaches, they typically have additional hallmark symptoms. For instance, a stroke often presents with sudden onset of weakness, difficulty speaking, or changes in vision. Brain hemorrhages can also present with severe headaches, often described as a "thunderclap headache," along with neurological deficits. Your symptoms, while concerning, do not definitively indicate a stroke or hemorrhage, especially if you have undergone imaging studies that ruled out these conditions.

Migraine is another possibility, particularly if you have a history of migraine headaches. Migraines can cause a variety of symptoms, including dizziness, auditory disturbances (like tinnitus), and even sensations of pressure or blood flow. However, the sensation of blood flowing is not typical for migraines and may suggest a different underlying issue.

The auditory symptoms you describe, such as hearing water flow or sand-like sounds, could be related to a condition known as tinnitus, which can be associated with various factors, including inner ear issues, stress, or even neurological conditions. The sensation of pressure or fluid movement in the head can also be linked to vestibular disorders or issues with the inner ear.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is crucial to follow up with a neurologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They may recommend further imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan, to rule out any structural abnormalities or vascular issues in the brain. Additionally, a thorough neurological examination can help assess your reflexes, coordination, and sensory responses, which can provide valuable information about your condition.

In the meantime, managing your symptoms is essential. Keeping a headache diary can help identify triggers and patterns, which can be beneficial for treatment. Stress management techniques, hydration, and a balanced diet may also help alleviate some symptoms. If your symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise, seeking immediate medical attention is advisable.

In summary, while your symptoms are concerning, they do not definitively indicate a stroke or brain hemorrhage. The connection to your previous head injury, the possibility of migraines, and other neurological conditions should be explored further with a healthcare professional. Prompt evaluation and appropriate management can help address your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

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