What causes headache, dizziness and sudden vision blackout?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 23 years old. At about 1 am I suddenly experienced some symptoms at the same time. Extremely severe headache (worst headache I have ever had), blurred vision, my right eye crossed inwards, darkness in my vision, nausea, extreme dizziness, extremely dilated pupils with slightly different sizes (could barely see my iris), bloodshot eyes, severe cold, chills and shivering, The intensity and suddenness of these symptoms made me drop like a sack of potatoes. It was very difficult to not black out. I was unable to call for help. This event lasted around for one hour. I already had two transient ischemic attack (TIA's) this year, but this was different. I am still having trouble focusing on objects closer than 18 inches and my pupils are still dilated. Why are my eyes still dilated? What happened?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. After going through your detailed and insightful query, I am of the opinion that you had one episode of cluster headache. I like to inform you that cluster headache affects mostly middle-aged men. Its cause is unclear but may relate to a vascular headache disorder or a disturbance of serotonin neurotransmitter mechanisms. Usually, there is no family history of headache or migraine. Episodes of severe unilateral periorbital pain occur daily for several weeks and are often accompanied by one or more of ipsilateral nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, lacrimation, and redness of the eye. Episodes often occur at night, awaken the patient, and last for less than two hours. Spontaneous remission then occurs, and the patient remains well for weeks or months before another bout of closely spaced attacks occurs. During a bout, many patients report that alcohol triggers an attack, others report that stress, glare, or ingestion of specific foods occasionally precipitates the attacks. In occasional patients, typical attacks of pain and associated symptoms recur at intervals without remission. I hope this helps.