PULSATING THROBBING SENSATION IN HEAD

[Ayleen44]

There is always a strong pulsating throbbing sensation in my head, especially while lying down. It's so strong, it kinda feels like I move a bit with every pulse. My head feels as If it is not getting enough blood flow, there is alot of pressure all over and there is a loud swooshing sound in the back of my head. I've had a carotid doppler, MRI with contrast of my brain and temporal bones with inner ear, all normal. My echocardiogram was also normal. Bloodwork normal.
I am 18 years old, what could be wrong? I am always woozy and feeling drunk. I have visual disturbances too.

My neurologists suspects pseudotumor cerebri.
Is this a possibility?

[doctornee medical]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
Yes it is a possibility. ‘Benign intracranial hypertension’  (BIH) or pseudotumor cerebri happens due to impaired CSF absorption. A generalized throbbing headache worst felt in the morning and last thing at night. This headache is generally relieved on standing (consistent with raised intracranial pressure). It is aggravated by straining, coughing or a change in position. Visual symptoms also accompany most of the times. Hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, adrenal insufficiency are a few things I would recommend you get investigated for. These can precipitate BIH. A spinal tap is a must both to diagnose the condition and to treat it.


Back pain (if in cervical region can cause headache) worse when sitting or lying down and feels better with movement is usually caused by ankylosing spondylitis. This is a genetic condition. Medicines, physiotherapy, exercises and drugs to suppress immunity are the mainstay of treatment. A back pain that is worse on lying down or felt mainly on lying down can also be due to a tumor within the spinal cord. A neurological examination can pinpoint the site. A CT scan or a MRI will be surely required.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!