Severe Headaches, Dizziness, and Breathing Difficulties

Headache, dizziness, palpitations, and shortness of breath?

Two weeks ago in the evening, I suddenly experienced a severe headache and difficulty breathing, prompting me to rush to the emergency room.
I told the doctor that my head was pounding, I had tinnitus, and most importantly, I was struggling to breathe.
The doctor said he had never heard of such pain, and after administering two injections of pain relief, my pain still did not subside.
I was worried that I might be having a stroke, but the doctor laughed and said, "You're still so young; you won't have a stroke!" They also drew blood, and the doctor said the results were fine, so there was no need for a CT scan (I forgot the medical term).
However, I was in unbearable pain, and the doctor gave me an injection to help me sleep.
By morning, I received pain medication to take home, but the symptoms continued to recur.
I wasn't sure if the medication was helping, as my head didn't hurt as much, but I felt numb—very numb—yet my breathing was still labored.
After a few more days, I couldn't take it anymore and went back to the emergency room at night.
I received another pain injection and was prescribed stronger pain medication and medication for palpitations.
The doctor said my headache was due to stress, but I often experience migraines.
The pain from migraines is usually within my tolerance, and I am certain this was not a migraine.
He simply said, "You should see a neurologist!" I made an appointment and explained my symptoms to the doctor, and I forgot to mention that I often feel faint with cold sweats and nausea.
Lying down does not provide relief, and I have trouble sleeping at night.
The doctor's response was that my headaches were likely due to stress, and there were no visible signs of a problem; my mental state was clear, which did not seem like a precursor to a stroke.
If I wanted to undergo further testing, it would be out-of-pocket, so I gave up and received more pain medication.
I am truly at a loss; this situation has severely impacted my work, and with young children, I can't even take care of myself when the symptoms flare up.
How can I care for my children? What is wrong with me? (I know I often consume excessive energy drinks.) Could this be affecting me? Please, I beg for help from a medical expert; I am really on the verge of a breakdown.

Zhang Yuping, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/14

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology

In general, a neurologist will conduct a detailed assessment based on your headache and related symptoms.
If there is a consideration for a specific type of headache, they will explain it to you.
If not, it indicates that they believe they can manage your treatment effectively, and you just need to take your medication as prescribed and attend follow-up appointments.
I am also just an ordinary neurologist, not an authority.
If your headaches persist without improvement, you might consider seeking a specialized headache clinic within a major hospital's neurology department, as they may have more experience with rare headache types.

Reply Date: 2016/03/14

More Info

Understanding severe headaches, dizziness, and breathing difficulties can be quite complex, especially when symptoms seem to overlap and persist. Based on your description, it appears that you have been experiencing a combination of severe headaches, dizziness, and breathing difficulties, which have led you to seek emergency medical attention multiple times.
Firstly, it's important to recognize that headaches can arise from a variety of causes, and they can be classified into primary headaches (like migraines and tension-type headaches) and secondary headaches (which are symptoms of underlying conditions). Given your history of migraines, it’s possible that your current symptoms could be exacerbated by stress, environmental factors, or even lifestyle choices, such as excessive caffeine intake from energy drinks.

The fact that you experienced severe headaches accompanied by dizziness and breathing difficulties raises several considerations. Dizziness can stem from various sources, including vestibular disorders, dehydration, or even anxiety. The sensation of breathlessness can also be linked to anxiety or panic attacks, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. It’s worth noting that stress and anxiety can manifest physically, leading to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and even shortness of breath.

In your case, the emergency physician's assessment that your headaches may be stress-related is plausible. Stress can lead to muscle tension, which might contribute to tension-type headaches. Additionally, if you are experiencing anxiety, it can lead to hyperventilation, which may cause feelings of breathlessness and dizziness. The fact that you have been feeling cold sweats and nausea further suggests that anxiety could be playing a significant role in your symptoms.

However, it is crucial to rule out any serious underlying conditions. While the emergency physician did not find any immediate concerns, persistent symptoms warrant further investigation. A referral to a neurologist is a good step, as they can perform a more comprehensive evaluation, including a neurological examination and possibly imaging studies if deemed necessary. This can help rule out other potential causes of your symptoms, such as migraines with aura, cluster headaches, or even more serious conditions like intracranial hypertension or vascular issues.

In the meantime, there are several strategies you can employ to manage your symptoms. Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga, can be beneficial in reducing overall stress levels. Regular physical activity can also help alleviate tension and improve your mood. Additionally, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and ensuring you are well-hydrated can contribute to better overall health and potentially reduce the frequency of headaches.

If you find that caffeine is a trigger for your headaches, consider reducing your intake gradually. It’s also important to monitor your diet and ensure you are eating balanced meals, as fluctuations in blood sugar can also lead to headaches and dizziness.

Lastly, if you continue to experience significant symptoms that interfere with your daily life and responsibilities, it may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider the possibility of medication to help manage anxiety or headaches more effectively.
In summary, while your symptoms may be related to stress and anxiety, it is essential to pursue further evaluation with a neurologist to rule out any serious conditions. In the meantime, focus on stress management, lifestyle modifications, and maintaining open communication with your healthcare providers about your ongoing symptoms.

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