Headache/dizziness when standing or exercising, plus generalised swelling.

[Sazza1979]

I have had generalised swelling for a couple of months. In my face, hands and feet. Kidney and Liver function tests have come back normal, BP is on the high side of normal at 120/80. Lately I have begun to get dizzy or lightheaded when standing up, and also severe headache when exercising/exerting myself, for instance when tightening the bolts on my son's bike with a spanner, and today even when laughing! This is not normal for me. I'm a 30yr old female.

[Sazza1979]

Hhhhmmmmm... Interesting, I just looked up hypothyroidism, and it said one of the main causes was postpartum thyroiditis. I had my third child 2 months ago, so this may be well worth mentioning to my doctor.

I will post again when I have seen him and get some more idea what it going on.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Generalized swelling and headaches may or may not be related. Amongst the related things with BIH, hypothyroidism can cause generalized swelling. Kidney problems can also cause generalized swelling with high blood pressure and hence a headache. Heart problems with high BP can also cause both. Only generalized swelling can be seen in anemia and low protein. May be you can discuss all this at your visit.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[Sazza1979]

Thanks very much for your reply. I will mention this to my gp if he does not mention it himself. However, I wonder if there is a possible other cause, as my headache isn't apparent in the mornings, and tends to worsen, along with the light-headed/dizzy feeling when standing... You are certainly right, any sort of effort does exacerbate it though. Also, is generalised swelling a factor, or might this be unrelated? Thanks in advance for your help.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
I read through your post. Based on the information provided by you, I think you are suffering from ‘benign intracranial hypertension’  (BIH). This 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. You have a similar headache.
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. Please talk to your doctor regarding these and get yourself examined accordingly.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!