Full headness after stroke

[SherrySchweitzer]

I had a cerebellum stroke on Jan10,2008.  I have regained the use of my legs and am working with the coordination of my hands.  My problem is my head.  It feels like it is full.  It feels like the day you would get a head cold and you reach to the floor to pick up something and you get this "rush."  I feel like it's inner ear and I've been to an ENT and he says I have to give it time.  I know it's not vestibular and it is holding up the other parts of my rehabilitation because I always feel bad because my head feels "full."  Can you help me?  Sherry Schweitzer, Milford, NE

[ampky]

It's great to hear that you're doing OK after your stroke!

I had a stroke and surgery at the right cerbellum/brainstem in June, 2005 and am still recovering (still using a walker, double-vision, etc).

I'm sure you've had MANY CT Scans and MRIs after the stroke.  Has your Neuro mentioned that the ventricles look a little swollen?  This could be hydrocephalus(a.k.a "water on the brain) or maybe the brain is just slowly "de-swelling" from the trauma it had from the stroke.  In any case, it's something you might want to mention to your doc.

Again, you're doing great!

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

I'm glad to hear that you have recovered most of your functions after a stroke.  This symptoms of full headed-ness can be really hard to evaluate.  For starters, this can be a manifestation of high blood pressure, since this condition can present with this symptom.  Metabolic problems like high blood sugar can also be the culprit.  Migraine could also explain your symptoms as well as inner ear problems like what you have just said.

I suggest you discuss these things with your doctor and hopefully find a convincing explanation.

Good luck and best wishes on your road to recovery.  Regards.