Headache, pressure and dizziness

[Parvosufferer]

I have had new pains and pressures in my head for three weeks now. The pain and pressure is in my forehead/front skull region and comes in 'waves' of pressure and dizziness that last for about 10/15 secs, with a constant dull ache behind it. I wake up with this, have it all day and all night. No pain killers have any effect on it.

I have seen an ER Dr when it was very intense and blood work was  normal. I have been referred to a neurologist but dont know when it will be yet.

I got parvovirus B19 in 2010 and have been suffering from peripheral neuropathy and tachycardia since then. I take 20 mg Elavil for the neuropathy (for two years) and 5mg bisoprolol for the tachy (for 8 months).

I have been getting frequent chiropractic adjustments for a back injury, massages and acupuncture. I have had my eyes tested - mild far sightedness that does not require prescription.  

Any idea what might be causing this, or what I should expect from my neurologist.

[Parvosufferer]

I am nervous to say I am a little better - may be a bit too early to tell. Main symptoms are persistent headache at front of head, and waves of dizziness / vibration in my forehead. A bit of nausea with this too. My baseline is peripheral neuropathy (not flaring too bad at the moment actually), tachycardia (relatively under control with the BB), occassional IBS symptoms. My back injury was a hiking fall that slipped a rib in May 2012 - it is still very sore if I do exercise such as yoga / weights etc. I have also been getting a plantar wart treated on my foot for the past 14 months - monthly freezing, lasering and treatment with salycilic acid and/or silver nitrate. I did spill the silver nitrate (10% solution) on my bedside table one night and slept next to the spill all night - but this was almost 2 months ago.

I was referred to Urgent Neuro Clinic from the ER, but they did not concur that it was an urgent neuro case. My GP has suggested reducing the Elavil to see if it helps, but I have been on this for two years - could I really develop new side effects this far in? I am also trying a saline rinse of my sinuses to see if that helps.

I have an appointment with my cardiologist in the spring too.

I hope it goes long before then.  Thanks  

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? What other symptoms are present? Can you elaborate on the back injury that you mentioned? Aside from the back injury, other issues to consider include tension headache or medication side effect since Elavil or amitriptyline  may cause headaches and dizziness also. Additional diagnostic tests such as imaging studies may help determine the underlying cause also. If it persists, it is best that you have this checked by your doctor for proper evaluation. Take care and do keep us posted.