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Neurology (Expert Forum)
headaches and lightheadedness
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headaches and lightheadedness
by jasonfish, Jun 14, 2005 12:00AM
I am a 36 yr. old male in good health. For the past several weeks I have been experiencing constant dull headaches throughout the day that are mostly concentrated on my sides of the front of my head, although sometimes they are also in the back. I also have periods of lightheadedness. The headaches are present in the AM, and are on and off throughout the day, although they dont wake me up, and are never severe.
My eyes checked out fine, as did my blood pressure, and sinuses. I have been hydrating myself well.
I had a head CT and MRI 8 months ago for an unrelated issue, and both were clear.
Could lightheaded be associated with tension headaches?
And just because the scans were clear 8 months ago, would that make it unlikely that it was something more serious?
Thanks.
Jason
My eyes checked out fine, as did my blood pressure, and sinuses. I have been hydrating myself well.
I had a head CT and MRI 8 months ago for an unrelated issue, and both were clear.
Could lightheaded be associated with tension headaches?
And just because the scans were clear 8 months ago, would that make it unlikely that it was something more serious?
Thanks.
Jason
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Jun 16, 2005 12:00AM
I cannot give you a clinical diagnosis over the internet unforunately
Your headaches do not seem to have any 'red flags' for a serious headache cause from what you describe
They sound most typical for tension headache, and yes, other symptoms such as lightheadedness, nausea, sensitivity to light etc can occur with tension headaches or what is sometimes termed 'muscle contraction headache'
The neck and head mucles are closely linked to the vestibular system in the inner ear, and brainstem so dizziness and lightheadedness can occur for this reason with headache contributed to by muscle tension in these reasons
It is mroe reassuring that your brain scans have been normal. However you do need to follow with a doctor for the headaches in case they change over time. Also if they become very frequent and disturb your lifestyle, taking a daily preventative medication for tension headaches such as a cyclic antidepressant may prevent or reduce the frequency of headaches.
Your headaches do not seem to have any 'red flags' for a serious headache cause from what you describe
They sound most typical for tension headache, and yes, other symptoms such as lightheadedness, nausea, sensitivity to light etc can occur with tension headaches or what is sometimes termed 'muscle contraction headache'
The neck and head mucles are closely linked to the vestibular system in the inner ear, and brainstem so dizziness and lightheadedness can occur for this reason with headache contributed to by muscle tension in these reasons
It is mroe reassuring that your brain scans have been normal. However you do need to follow with a doctor for the headaches in case they change over time. Also if they become very frequent and disturb your lifestyle, taking a daily preventative medication for tension headaches such as a cyclic antidepressant may prevent or reduce the frequency of headaches.
Member Comments (2)
by problemmatic, Jun 14, 2005 12:00AM
I get lightheadedness/dizziness frequently with tension headaches particularly when they are severe, for what it's worth.
