What conditions can cause both dizziness and headaches. How to recognize signs of serious underlying issues. When should you seek immediate medical attention for these symptoms.

Understanding the Link Between Dizziness and Headaches

Experiencing dizziness and headaches simultaneously can be distressing. While often harmless, this combination of symptoms may sometimes indicate a more serious underlying condition. Understanding potential causes and recognizing warning signs is crucial for proper management and timely medical intervention when necessary.

Migraines: A Common Culprit for Dizziness and Head Pain

Migraines are a prevalent cause of both dizziness and severe headaches. These intense headaches typically manifest as throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head, often accompanied by dizziness and other symptoms.

Common migraine symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Visual disturbances (aura)
• Difficulty concentrating

Can migraines be prevented? While there’s no definitive cure, various treatments and lifestyle modifications can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Working closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized management plan is essential for effective migraine control.

Head Injuries: When Trauma Leads to Lingering Symptoms

Head injuries can result in both dizziness and headaches, with symptoms varying based on the injury’s severity. External injuries affecting only the scalp typically cause mild, short-lived symptoms. Internal injuries, however, may lead to more persistent issues.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBIs occur due to a significant blow to the head or violent shaking, often resulting from accidents, falls, or contact sports. Both mild and severe TBIs commonly cause headaches and dizziness.

Symptoms of a mild TBI (concussion) may include:

• Brief loss of consciousness
• Confusion and memory problems
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Nausea and vomiting

Severe TBI symptoms can be more alarming:

• Extended loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Cerebrospinal fluid leakage from ears or nose
• Pupil dilation
• Severe confusion or unusual behavior

Is immediate medical attention necessary for all head injuries? While not all head injuries require emergency care, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation promptly after any significant head trauma. Mild TBIs may be assessed at an urgent care facility, but severe TBIs demand immediate emergency room treatment.

Post-Concussion Syndrome

Post-concussion syndrome is a condition that can develop after a concussion, causing persistent symptoms for weeks or even months following the initial injury. Headaches resembling migraines or tension headaches, along with dizziness, are common features of this syndrome.

Additional post-concussion syndrome symptoms may include:

• Sleep disturbances
• Anxiety and irritability
• Cognitive difficulties (memory and concentration problems)
• Tinnitus
• Heightened sensitivity to noise and light

Does post-concussion syndrome indicate a more serious injury? While distressing, post-concussion syndrome doesn’t necessarily signify a more severe underlying injury. However, its impact on daily life can be significant. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential for proper management and to rule out other potential issues.

Infections: When Bacteria and Viruses Cause Discomfort

Various infections can lead to both dizziness and headaches. These symptoms may be part of a broader constellation of effects caused by the body’s immune response to invading pathogens.

Common infections that may cause dizziness and headaches include:

• Viral upper respiratory infections (common cold, flu)
• Sinusitis
• Inner ear infections (labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis)
• Meningitis (in more severe cases)

How can you differentiate between a harmless infection and a more serious condition? Pay attention to additional symptoms and their severity. Most common infections resolve on their own with rest and supportive care. However, persistent or worsening symptoms, especially when accompanied by high fever, severe neck stiffness, or altered mental status, warrant immediate medical evaluation.

Recognizing Medical Emergencies: When to Seek Immediate Help

While many causes of dizziness and headaches are benign, certain conditions require urgent medical attention. Recognizing the signs of these emergencies can be life-saving.

Brain Aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is a weakened, bulging area in a blood vessel of the brain. When an aneurysm ruptures, it can cause a sudden, severe headache often described as the “worst headache of your life,” accompanied by dizziness.

Other symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm may include:

• Sudden, intense nausea and vomiting
• Blurred or double vision
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Seizures
• Sensitivity to light
• Confusion or loss of consciousness

Should you wait to see if symptoms improve with a suspected brain aneurysm? Absolutely not. A ruptured brain aneurysm is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Any suspicion of this condition warrants calling emergency services without delay.

Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. Like brain aneurysms, strokes can cause sudden, severe headaches and dizziness.

Additional stroke symptoms to watch for include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
• Confusion or difficulty speaking
• Vision problems
• Sudden difficulty walking or loss of balance

Is immediate treatment crucial for stroke outcomes? Yes, absolutely. The phrase “time is brain” emphasizes the critical importance of rapid treatment in stroke care. Seeking emergency medical attention at the first sign of stroke symptoms can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Dehydration: A Simple Yet Often Overlooked Cause

Dehydration is a common and easily remedied cause of both dizziness and headaches. When the body lacks sufficient fluids, blood volume decreases, potentially leading to reduced blood flow to the brain and resulting in these symptoms.

Signs of dehydration include:

• Thirst
• Dry mouth and lips
• Dark urine
• Fatigue
• Decreased urine output

How can you prevent dehydration-induced headaches and dizziness? Maintaining proper hydration throughout the day is key. Aim to drink water regularly, especially during hot weather or physical activity. If you’re experiencing mild dehydration symptoms, increasing your fluid intake and resting in a cool environment can often alleviate the issue.

Anxiety and Stress: The Mind-Body Connection

Psychological factors like anxiety and stress can manifest physically, often causing headaches and dizziness. The body’s stress response can lead to muscle tension, changes in blood flow, and alterations in balance perception, contributing to these symptoms.

Common anxiety-related symptoms include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Feeling of impending doom
• Difficulty concentrating

Can managing stress and anxiety help alleviate associated physical symptoms? Indeed, addressing the underlying psychological factors often leads to improvement in physical symptoms. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and cognitive-behavioral therapy can be effective in managing stress and anxiety-related headaches and dizziness.

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

While many instances of combined dizziness and headaches are benign, certain situations warrant medical attention. It’s important to know when to seek help to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Consider consulting a healthcare provider if:

• Symptoms persist or worsen over time
• Headaches are severe or different from your usual headaches
• Dizziness interferes with daily activities
• You experience additional neurological symptoms (vision changes, weakness, numbness)
• Symptoms occur after a head injury
• You have a history of cancer or immune system disorders

How can you prepare for a medical consultation regarding dizziness and headaches? Keep a symptom diary noting the frequency, duration, and intensity of your symptoms, as well as any potential triggers or associated factors. This information can be invaluable in helping your healthcare provider make an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Diagnostic Approaches for Dizziness and Headaches

When evaluating dizziness and headaches, healthcare providers employ various diagnostic tools and techniques to determine the underlying cause and develop an effective treatment strategy.

Medical History and Physical Examination

A thorough medical history and physical examination form the foundation of the diagnostic process. Your healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your symptoms, their onset, duration, and any associated factors.

Key aspects of the physical examination may include:

• Neurological assessment
• Blood pressure measurement
• Ear examination
• Eye movement tests
• Balance and coordination evaluation

Diagnostic Tests

Depending on the suspected cause, your healthcare provider may recommend various diagnostic tests to further investigate your symptoms.

Common diagnostic tests for dizziness and headaches include:

• Blood tests (to check for infections, anemia, or other systemic issues)
• Imaging studies (CT scan or MRI of the brain)
• Electronystagmography (ENG) or videonystagmography (VNG) to assess inner ear function
• Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) test
• Audiometry to evaluate hearing function

Are all these tests necessary for every patient with dizziness and headaches? Not necessarily. The choice of diagnostic tests depends on the individual’s specific symptoms, medical history, and the results of the initial examination. Your healthcare provider will determine which tests are most appropriate for your situation.

Treatment Approaches for Dizziness and Headaches

Treatment for combined dizziness and headaches varies depending on the underlying cause. A multifaceted approach often yields the best results in managing these symptoms effectively.

Medication

Various medications may be prescribed to address specific causes or symptom

Migraines, Head Injuries, and Other Causes

Overview

It’s often alarming to have a headache and dizziness at the same time. However, many things can cause the combination of these two symptoms, from dehydration to anxiety.

We’ll go over the signs that your headache and dizziness might be a sign of something more serious before diving into other, more common potential causes.

While rare, a headache with dizziness can sometimes indicate a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Brain aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is a balloon that forms in the blood vessels of your brain. These aneurysms often don’t cause symptoms until they rupture. When they do rupture, the first sign is usually a severe headache that comes on suddenly. You may also feel dizzy.

Other symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm include:

• nausea and vomiting
• blurred vision
• neck pain or stiffness
• seizures
• sensitivity to light
• confusion
• loss of consciousness
• a droopy eyelid
• double vision

If you have a severe headache and feel dizzy or notice any other symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm, seek emergency medical treatment.

Stroke

Strokes occur when something interrupts the flow of blood to a part of your brain, cutting off the supply of oxygen and other nutrients it needs to function. Without a steady blood supply, brain cells quickly start to die.

Like brain aneurysms, strokes can cause a severe headache. They can also cause sudden dizziness.

Other symptoms of a stroke include:

• numbness or weakness, often on one side of the body
• sudden confusion
• trouble speaking or understanding speech
• sudden vision problems
• sudden difficulty walking or maintaining balance

Strokes require quick treatment to avoid lasting complications, so seek emergency treatment as soon as you notice any symptoms of a stroke. Here’s how to recognize the signs of a stroke.

Migraines are intense headaches that happen on one or both sides of your head. People who often get migraines describe the pain as throbbing. This intense pain can be accompanied by dizziness.

Other symptoms include:

• nausea and vomiting
• sensitivity to light or sound
• trouble seeing
• seeing flashing lights or spots (aura)

There’s no cure for migraines, but certain things may help to reduce your symptoms or prevent them in the future. The effectiveness of different treatments tends to vary from person to person, so it’s a good idea to work with your doctor to find a treatment that works best for you. In the meantime, you can try these 10 natural ways to soothe a migraine.

There are two types of head injuries, known as external and internal injuries. An external head injury affects your scalp, not your brain. External head injuries may cause a headache, but usually not dizziness. When they do cause a headache and dizziness, it’s usually mild and goes away within a few hours.

Internal injuries, on the other hand, often cause both headaches and dizziness, sometimes for weeks after the initial injury.

Traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are usually caused by a blow to the head or violent shaking. They often happen due to car accidents, hard falls, or playing contact sports. Both headaches and dizziness are common symptoms of mild and severe TBIs.

Additional symptoms of a mild TBI, such as a concussion, include:

• temporary loss of consciousness
• confusion
• memory problems
• ringing in the ears
• nausea and vomiting

Other symptoms of a more severe TBI, such as a skull fracture, include:

• loss of consciousness for at least several minutes
• seizures
• fluid draining from the nose or ears
• dilation of one or both pupils
• severe confusion
• unusual behavior, such as aggression or combativeness

If you think you or someone else might have a TBI, it’s important to contact a doctor right away. Someone with a mild TBI may just need to go to urgent care to make sure there’s no major damage. However, someone with a more severe TBI needs to go to the emergency room right away.

Post-concussion syndrome

Post-concussion syndrome is a condition that sometimes happens after a concussion. It causes a range of symptoms, which usually include a headache and dizziness, for weeks or even months after the original injury. The headaches associated with post-concussion syndrome often feel similar to migraines or tension headaches.

Other symptoms include:

• trouble sleeping
• anxiety
• irritability
• memory or concentration problems
• ringing in the ears
• sensitivity to noise and light

Post-concussion syndrome isn’t a sign that you have a more serious underlying injury, but it can quickly get in the way of your day-to-day life. If you have lingering symptoms after a concussion, talk to your doctor. In addition to ruling out any other injuries, they can come up with a treatment plan to help manage your symptoms.

Bacterial and viral infections

If you have a headache accompanied by dizziness, you may just have a bug that’s going around. These are both common symptoms when your body’s exhausted and trying to fight off an infection. In addition, severe congestion and taking over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines can also cause a headache and dizziness in some people.

Examples of bacterial and viral infections that can cause a headache and dizziness include:

• the flu
• a common cold
• sinus infections
• ear infections
• pneumonia
• strep throat

If you don’t start to feel better after a few days, make an appointment with your doctor. You may have a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, which requires antibiotics.

Dehydration

Dehydration happens when you lose more fluids than you take in. Hot weather, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and taking certain medications can all cause dehydration. A headache, especially with dizziness, is one of the main signs of dehydration.

Other symptoms of dehydration include:

• dark-colored urine
• decreased urination
• extreme thirst
• confusion
• fatigue

Most cases of mild dehydration are treatable by simply drinking more water. However, more severe cases, including those in which you can’t keep fluids down, might require intravenous fluids.

Low blood sugar

Low blood sugar happens when your body’s blood glucose level drops below its usual level. Without enough glucose, your body can’t function properly. While low blood sugar is usually associated with diabetes, it can affect anyone who hasn’t eaten in a while.

In addition to a headache and dizziness, low blood sugar can cause:

• sweating
• shaking
• nausea
• hunger
• tingling sensations around the mouth
• irritability
• fatigue
• pale or clammy skin

If you have diabetes, low blood sugar may be a sign that you need to adjust your insulin levels. If you don’t have diabetes, try drinking something with a bit of sugar, such as fruit juice, or eating a piece of bread.

Anxiety

People with anxiety experience fear or worry that’s often out of proportion with reality. The symptoms of anxiety vary from person to person and can include both psychological and physical symptoms. Headaches and dizziness are two of the more common physical symptoms of anxiety.

Other symptoms include:

• irritability
• trouble concentrating
• extreme fatigue
• restlessness or feeling wound up
• muscle tension

There are several ways to manage anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy, medications, exercise, and meditation. Work with your doctor to come up with a combination of treatments that work for you. They can also give you a referral to a mental health professional.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an inner ear infection that causes inflammation of a delicate part of your ear called the labyrinth. The most common cause of labyrinthitis is a viral infection, such as a cold or flu.

In addition to a headache and dizziness, labyrinthitis can also cause:

• vertigo
• minor hearing loss
• flu-like symptoms
• ringing in the ears
• blurred or double vision
• ear pain

Labyrinthitis usually goes away on its own within a week or two.

Anemia

Anemia occurs when you don’t have enough red blood cells to effectively transport oxygen throughout the body. Without enough oxygen, your body quickly becomes weak and fatigued. For many people, this results in a headache and in some cases, dizziness.

Other symptoms of anemia include:

• an irregular heartbeat
• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• cold hands and feet

Treating anemia depends on its underlying cause, but most cases respond well to increasing your intake of iron, vitamin B-12, and folate.

Poor vision

Sometimes, a headache and dizziness may just be a sign that you need glasses or a new prescription for your existing lenses. Headaches are a common sign that your eyes are working extra hard. In addition, dizziness sometimes indicates that your eyes are having trouble adjusting from seeing things far away to those that are closer.

If your headache and dizziness seem worse after you’ve been reading or using the computer, make an appointment with an eye doctor.

Autoimmune conditions

Autoimmune conditions result from your body mistakenly attacking healthy tissue as if it were an infectious invader. There are more than 80 autoimmune conditions, each with their own set of symptoms. However, many of them share a few common symptoms, including frequent headaches and dizziness.

Other general symptoms of an autoimmune condition include:

• fatigue
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• ongoing fever
• high blood sugar

There are a variety of treatments available for autoimmune conditions, but it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis first. If you think you might have an autoimmune condition, make an appointment with your doctor. They can start by doing a complete blood count test before testing for other things, such as specific antibodies.

Medication side effects

Headaches and dizziness are both common side effects of many medications, especially when you first start taking them.

Medications that often cause dizziness and headaches include:

• antidepressants
• sedatives
• tranquilizers
• blood pressure medications
• erectile dysfunction medications
• antibiotics
• birth control pills
• pain medications

Many times, side effects may only occur in the first few weeks. If they continue, ask your doctor about adjusting your dose or putting you on a new medication. Never stop taking a medication without talking to your doctor first.

Many things can cause a headache and dizziness at the same time.

If you or someone else is showing signs of a stroke, ruptured brain aneurysm, or severe head injury, seek emergency medical attention immediately. If you’re still not sure what’s causing yours, make an appointment with your doctor to help rule out other causes.

Migraines, Head Injuries, and Other Causes

Overview

It’s often alarming to have a headache and dizziness at the same time. However, many things can cause the combination of these two symptoms, from dehydration to anxiety.

We’ll go over the signs that your headache and dizziness might be a sign of something more serious before diving into other, more common potential causes.

While rare, a headache with dizziness can sometimes indicate a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Brain aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is a balloon that forms in the blood vessels of your brain. These aneurysms often don’t cause symptoms until they rupture. When they do rupture, the first sign is usually a severe headache that comes on suddenly. You may also feel dizzy.

Other symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm include:

• nausea and vomiting
• blurred vision
• neck pain or stiffness
• seizures
• sensitivity to light
• confusion
• loss of consciousness
• a droopy eyelid
• double vision

If you have a severe headache and feel dizzy or notice any other symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm, seek emergency medical treatment.

Stroke

Strokes occur when something interrupts the flow of blood to a part of your brain, cutting off the supply of oxygen and other nutrients it needs to function. Without a steady blood supply, brain cells quickly start to die.

Like brain aneurysms, strokes can cause a severe headache. They can also cause sudden dizziness.

Other symptoms of a stroke include:

• numbness or weakness, often on one side of the body
• sudden confusion
• trouble speaking or understanding speech
• sudden vision problems
• sudden difficulty walking or maintaining balance

Strokes require quick treatment to avoid lasting complications, so seek emergency treatment as soon as you notice any symptoms of a stroke. Here’s how to recognize the signs of a stroke.

Migraines are intense headaches that happen on one or both sides of your head. People who often get migraines describe the pain as throbbing. This intense pain can be accompanied by dizziness.

Other symptoms include:

• nausea and vomiting
• sensitivity to light or sound
• trouble seeing
• seeing flashing lights or spots (aura)

There’s no cure for migraines, but certain things may help to reduce your symptoms or prevent them in the future. The effectiveness of different treatments tends to vary from person to person, so it’s a good idea to work with your doctor to find a treatment that works best for you. In the meantime, you can try these 10 natural ways to soothe a migraine.

There are two types of head injuries, known as external and internal injuries. An external head injury affects your scalp, not your brain. External head injuries may cause a headache, but usually not dizziness. When they do cause a headache and dizziness, it’s usually mild and goes away within a few hours.

Internal injuries, on the other hand, often cause both headaches and dizziness, sometimes for weeks after the initial injury.

Traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are usually caused by a blow to the head or violent shaking. They often happen due to car accidents, hard falls, or playing contact sports. Both headaches and dizziness are common symptoms of mild and severe TBIs.

Additional symptoms of a mild TBI, such as a concussion, include:

• temporary loss of consciousness
• confusion
• memory problems
• ringing in the ears
• nausea and vomiting

Other symptoms of a more severe TBI, such as a skull fracture, include:

• loss of consciousness for at least several minutes
• seizures
• fluid draining from the nose or ears
• dilation of one or both pupils
• severe confusion
• unusual behavior, such as aggression or combativeness

If you think you or someone else might have a TBI, it’s important to contact a doctor right away. Someone with a mild TBI may just need to go to urgent care to make sure there’s no major damage. However, someone with a more severe TBI needs to go to the emergency room right away.

Post-concussion syndrome

Post-concussion syndrome is a condition that sometimes happens after a concussion. It causes a range of symptoms, which usually include a headache and dizziness, for weeks or even months after the original injury. The headaches associated with post-concussion syndrome often feel similar to migraines or tension headaches.

Other symptoms include:

• trouble sleeping
• anxiety
• irritability
• memory or concentration problems
• ringing in the ears
• sensitivity to noise and light

Post-concussion syndrome isn’t a sign that you have a more serious underlying injury, but it can quickly get in the way of your day-to-day life. If you have lingering symptoms after a concussion, talk to your doctor. In addition to ruling out any other injuries, they can come up with a treatment plan to help manage your symptoms.

Bacterial and viral infections

If you have a headache accompanied by dizziness, you may just have a bug that’s going around. These are both common symptoms when your body’s exhausted and trying to fight off an infection. In addition, severe congestion and taking over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines can also cause a headache and dizziness in some people.

Examples of bacterial and viral infections that can cause a headache and dizziness include:

• the flu
• a common cold
• sinus infections
• ear infections
• pneumonia
• strep throat

If you don’t start to feel better after a few days, make an appointment with your doctor. You may have a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, which requires antibiotics.

Dehydration

Dehydration happens when you lose more fluids than you take in. Hot weather, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and taking certain medications can all cause dehydration. A headache, especially with dizziness, is one of the main signs of dehydration.

Other symptoms of dehydration include:

• dark-colored urine
• decreased urination
• extreme thirst
• confusion
• fatigue

Most cases of mild dehydration are treatable by simply drinking more water. However, more severe cases, including those in which you can’t keep fluids down, might require intravenous fluids.

Low blood sugar

Low blood sugar happens when your body’s blood glucose level drops below its usual level. Without enough glucose, your body can’t function properly. While low blood sugar is usually associated with diabetes, it can affect anyone who hasn’t eaten in a while.

In addition to a headache and dizziness, low blood sugar can cause:

• sweating
• shaking
• nausea
• hunger
• tingling sensations around the mouth
• irritability
• fatigue
• pale or clammy skin

If you have diabetes, low blood sugar may be a sign that you need to adjust your insulin levels. If you don’t have diabetes, try drinking something with a bit of sugar, such as fruit juice, or eating a piece of bread.

Anxiety

People with anxiety experience fear or worry that’s often out of proportion with reality. The symptoms of anxiety vary from person to person and can include both psychological and physical symptoms. Headaches and dizziness are two of the more common physical symptoms of anxiety.

Other symptoms include:

• irritability
• trouble concentrating
• extreme fatigue
• restlessness or feeling wound up
• muscle tension

There are several ways to manage anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy, medications, exercise, and meditation. Work with your doctor to come up with a combination of treatments that work for you. They can also give you a referral to a mental health professional.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an inner ear infection that causes inflammation of a delicate part of your ear called the labyrinth. The most common cause of labyrinthitis is a viral infection, such as a cold or flu.

In addition to a headache and dizziness, labyrinthitis can also cause:

• vertigo
• minor hearing loss
• flu-like symptoms
• ringing in the ears
• blurred or double vision
• ear pain

Labyrinthitis usually goes away on its own within a week or two.

Anemia

Anemia occurs when you don’t have enough red blood cells to effectively transport oxygen throughout the body. Without enough oxygen, your body quickly becomes weak and fatigued. For many people, this results in a headache and in some cases, dizziness.

Other symptoms of anemia include:

• an irregular heartbeat
• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• cold hands and feet

Treating anemia depends on its underlying cause, but most cases respond well to increasing your intake of iron, vitamin B-12, and folate.

Poor vision

Sometimes, a headache and dizziness may just be a sign that you need glasses or a new prescription for your existing lenses. Headaches are a common sign that your eyes are working extra hard. In addition, dizziness sometimes indicates that your eyes are having trouble adjusting from seeing things far away to those that are closer.

If your headache and dizziness seem worse after you’ve been reading or using the computer, make an appointment with an eye doctor.

Autoimmune conditions

Autoimmune conditions result from your body mistakenly attacking healthy tissue as if it were an infectious invader. There are more than 80 autoimmune conditions, each with their own set of symptoms. However, many of them share a few common symptoms, including frequent headaches and dizziness.

Other general symptoms of an autoimmune condition include:

• fatigue
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• ongoing fever
• high blood sugar

There are a variety of treatments available for autoimmune conditions, but it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis first. If you think you might have an autoimmune condition, make an appointment with your doctor. They can start by doing a complete blood count test before testing for other things, such as specific antibodies.

Medication side effects

Headaches and dizziness are both common side effects of many medications, especially when you first start taking them.

Medications that often cause dizziness and headaches include:

• antidepressants
• sedatives
• tranquilizers
• blood pressure medications
• erectile dysfunction medications
• antibiotics
• birth control pills
• pain medications

Many times, side effects may only occur in the first few weeks. If they continue, ask your doctor about adjusting your dose or putting you on a new medication. Never stop taking a medication without talking to your doctor first.

Many things can cause a headache and dizziness at the same time.

If you or someone else is showing signs of a stroke, ruptured brain aneurysm, or severe head injury, seek emergency medical attention immediately. If you’re still not sure what’s causing yours, make an appointment with your doctor to help rule out other causes.

Headache and dizziness. Causes of headache and dizziness.

Headache and dizziness. Causes of headache and dizziness.

Gimranov Rinat Fazylzhanovich
Neurologist, neurophysiologist, experience – 33 years;
Professor of Neurology, MD;
Clinic for Rehabilitation Neurology. About the author

Publication date: May 1, 2021

Updated: October 25, 2022

The rhythm of life often leads to the fact that constant fatigue, stress, regular background noise, improper nutrition become part of our daily existence. In this case, people regularly have a headache, dizziness and weakness occur.

However, even if the condition does not improve after these changes, seek medical attention. After all, headaches with dizziness can be symptoms of a serious illness, a brain cyst [1].

Article content:

• 1 Causes
  • 1.1 Safe
  • 1.2 Serious diseases
• 2 Diagnosis
• 3 Treatment 9 0025
• 4 Prevention
• 5 References

Causes

If men or women often, or even constantly, have headaches and dizziness, then before deciding what to do, you need to understand what it is, to establish the cause of the condition.

The culprit of bad health may be our wrong way of life, some external factors that are easy to get rid of.

It is recommended to rule out a serious illness first.

Let’s take a closer look at what can negatively affect a person’s well-being. For convenience, we will divide the causes into those that can be eliminated at home and those that require medical attention.

Safe

There are factors that affect a person and cause cephalgia, which can hardly be called dangerous. However, with constant exposure to the body, they can lead to the gradual development of a serious illness. It is easy to eliminate dizziness and headaches on your own if their cause is:

1. Eye fatigue due to too much time spent at the computer. It is also a phone, tablet or other device that has a backlit screen. Aggressive impact of directional light on the eyes leads to excessive fatigue and headaches.

1. Sudden dizziness when standing up or making other sudden movements, often followed by a headache, typical of adolescents and pensioners. This indicates the underdevelopment of the vascular system or too low blood pressure. There is a similar picture in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, BPPV [2].

1. Long breaks between meals, lack of calories, lead to a deficiency of energy and elements needed by the body, with subsequent problems against such a background.

1. Increased anxiety, stress due to some situation.

You can see for yourself whether the described attacks of pain and vertigo occur after the situations described in the list. If yes, you can read on the clinic’s website how to deal with such problems.

Serious illnesses

Headaches, dizziness and nausea may be symptoms of a developing serious illness.

If attacks become systematic, they should be given the necessary attention.

Such signs may indicate various problems in the body:

1. Atherosclerosis of the vessels. The deposition of plaques on the walls of blood vessels leads to the fact that the supply of blood to the brain is sharply reduced. The lack of oxygen and nutrients not only causes pain and dizziness, but also contributes to the gradual death of brain cells, a decrease in intelligence, and attentiveness.

1. Brain injuries. Even an insignificant blow can lead to concussion, the consequences of which appear even after a long time [3].

1. Tumors of the brain, meninges. Regardless of benign or malignant, the occurrence of a neoplasm on the cerebral cortex leads to compression of surrounding tissues and constant pain.

1. Hypertension or regular high blood pressure. Manifested by dizziness and pain, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), flies in the eyes and drowsiness.

1. Viral diseases leading to inflammation of the membranes of the brain.

1. Migraine is a congenital or acquired disease that manifests itself as localized pain in a specific part of the head. Attacks can last only a few minutes, or they can stretch for hours.

There are viruses that affect not so much the membranes as brain tissues. For example, Sars-Cov-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. The virus disrupts the processes of energy synthesis in neurons, so weakness and dizziness are symptoms of the disease. And often they continue to disturb a person after recovery from the actual infection [4].

If discomfort increases or appears regularly, you should consult a doctor to avoid the development of a dangerous disease. Or get rid of its consequences as soon as possible.

Diagnosis

If you are not sure what is causing your symptoms, contact your physician first. After the initial examination, the doctor will make an assumption about the causes of frequent severe headaches and dizziness, weakness in women or men in a particular case.

To clarify the diagnosis, instrumental examinations will be ordered. Their results will help to understand the patient’s condition and refer him to a doctor of the appropriate profile:

• general blood test to detect possible infection, signs of acute inflammation in the body;

• transcranial Doppler examination of the vessels of the brain and cervical spine;

• MRI to assess the state of the brain;

• x-ray of the cervical spine, revealing possible osteochondrosis;

After receiving the results of neuroimaging, the doctor will determine the specific cause of poor health [5]. And he will select the appropriate complex of therapy.

Treatment

After the causes of weakness, dizziness and headache are identified, treatment is prescribed.

If attacks of bad health are the result of external factors or an incorrect daily routine, then a neurologist will give advice on how to get rid of such a negative influence.

When a serious disease is detected, therapy is prescribed, the basic methods of which are:

• Drug treatment. It includes not only taking painkillers, but also means that eliminate the root cause of the condition. That is, normalizing blood pressure, reducing the amount of cholesterol in the blood (from atherosclerosis).

• Physiotherapeutic methods. Various methods of exposure are selected, depending on the problem that has arisen in a particular patient. This also includes specially selected yoga exercises, physiotherapy exercises with dosed physical activity.

• Surgical intervention is practiced in certain types of traumatic brain injuries and in the presence of neoplasms.

At the end of the course of treatment, the doctor gives recommendations on how to further build the daily routine so that the symptoms do not return.

Prevention

Prevention is the best way to stay healthy.

Small changes in your daily routine will eliminate most of the causes of persistent headaches and dizziness.

Follow just a few rules:

• Take regular breaks and warm up during any sedentary work, including at the computer.

• Ventilate rooms where you plan to stay for several hours at a time.

• Get enough sleep, regular sleep according to an established schedule is the key to excellent health in the morning.

• Give up bad habits: drug and alcohol use, smoking.

• Limit your intake of coffee, strong tea, and energy drinks.

• Organize your daily diet with the required amount of proteins and carbohydrates. Avoid too much monosodium glutamate

Also, regular light training several times a week will improve daily well-being [6].

References

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Gimranov Rinat Fazylzhanovich

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5 causes of headaches in the morning

Does your morning start with a headache? How dangerous can such a condition be? Let’s look at a few possible causes of this condition.

At night, the body is restored. If the quality of sleep is disturbed for any reason, it is not uncommon for a person to experience headaches.

Apnea

With this disease, a person’s airways are blocked in a dream, provoking breath holding for several seconds.
Disease symptoms:

• awakening due to lack of air;
• daytime sleepiness;
• profuse sweating;
• strong snoring is characteristic at night;
• decrease in working capacity during the day.

The occurrence of this pathological condition, as a rule, is a consequence of serious diseases: metabolic disorders, diseases of the heart and blood vessels, neurotic conditions. If you find the symptoms listed above, you need to consult a therapist or neurologist and undergo a comprehensive diagnosis in the direction of specialists.

Sleep deprivation

The optimal duration of sleep helps a person to fully relax and recover. According to somnologists, headaches increase if the duration of sleep is less than 6 hours and more than 8. 5.
You can improve your sleep at night by taking certain actions on a regular basis:

• adjust your sleep and rest schedule;
• exercise systematically;
• exclude TV viewing and computer work before going to bed;
• prepare the room for sleeping in advance by airing it;
• do not drink alcohol, green tea and coffee shortly before going to bed;
• take a relaxing bath before going to rest;
• use aromatherapy and meditation to relieve stress.

Depression and psychotropic drugs

Chronic headaches are characteristic of a mental health disorder such as depression. Deep and intense experiences exhaust the human psyche, provoking insomnia and, as a result, pain in the head. Taking medications associated with the treatment of the disease helps to reduce anxiety and level out the manifestations of a depressive state. However, psychotropic drugs have numerous side effects. Including migraines and headache attacks.

Drinking alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol causes a hangover. One of its symptoms is headache. As well as a violation of the ability to concentrate on any activity and general weakness of the body. Alcohol dehydrates the body by constricting blood vessels in the brain. The supply of cells with oxygen is disrupted, blood flow slows down. This is what causes headaches. It is important to remember that there is no safe portion of alcohol. Consumption of any amount carries a risk to human health.

Bruxism

A strong grinding of teeth in a dream, and sometimes during wakefulness, is associated with malfunctions in the functioning of the nervous system of the body. Serious problems can arise if bruxism is severe.
The disease may be accompanied by symptoms and complications:

• damage, abrasion of teeth;
• pain in the lower jaw or temple area;
• soreness in the neck, ears;
• migraines;
• gum deformation;
• sleep disorder;
• headaches in the morning.

The appearance of the above symptoms is a signal that it is time to go for advice to a medical institution.

Headache is a symptom of a serious illness

Sometimes it happens that pain in the head is a secondary symptom. The reasons that cause it can be very serious.
It is necessary to visit a general practitioner or neurologist to obtain a further plan of action and undergo a comprehensive examination if the following symptoms occur:

• recurrence of headaches more than twice in 7-10 days;
• fixation of frequent headaches in a person after 50;
• sudden onset of severe headache and stiffness in the neck;
• occurrence of headache after hitting the head;
• pain appears suddenly, is accompanied by vomiting and nausea, fever, but is not associated with any disease;
• there is double vision, loss of consciousness, dizziness;
• the nature of pain changes dramatically;
• there is an attack of shortness of breath, convulsions;
• recurring headaches in children.