Headaches and Instability

[aejeffries]

I am 20 years old and have been experiencing headaches for probably 5 or 6 years on a constant basis. Within the past several months my headaches have intensified and become slightly more frequent on the sides of my head. My vision and focus is often inhibited during these headaches. Other headaches are also frequent with varying intensity all over the head. I have sought several opinions of physicians and most believed the aches to be the result of stress. Recently I have also been overcome by sinking feelings and boughts of dizziness that render me unsteady and at times nauseated. I again sought consult. This particular doctor found the symptoms reason for concern and after checking for fluid in my ear (to no resolve), he ordered bloodwork and a CT scan. Both test came back clear and nothing else was done.
Should I be concerned since the symptoms have not resolved? *they actually have become more frequent* Would seeking a second opinion or possibly undergoing an MRI or some other sort of scan be an alternative or would this be a waste of time and money. I feel as if it must be in my imagination if no one can find anything but such pain is an indicator that something is wrong. I just want to know what I can do to resolve this. My mother is very worried since the cancer rate in my family is tremendously high and family members have had similar symptoms, negative test results, and diagnoseses that came too late.
I would be so grateful for another opinion

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

Migraine headaches usually are unilateral. But it is not necessary that you should have only one sided headaches. Dizziness, nausea, eye pain and visual disturbances are some of the features that are associated with migraine headaches. These other symptoms may occur in variable frequency and severity.

Migraine is just one possibility. There are cluster headaches and tension type headaches also. Though not commonly seen, an individual may have a combination of these types of headaches.

Regards

[aejeffries]

Yes I thought originally that migraines might be the cause of the headaches but one doctor I talked to said that I didnt have pain in the right areas for a migraine. Would there be some sort of test that I would know for sure? Would this also explain the dizziness?

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

Have you considered the possibility of migraine headaches? It is commonly seen in your age and almost always associated with some amount of nausea. The vision may not be blurred always.

You may take a second opinion. It is always an option. It is better than leaving it to nothing.

Regards