There is severe headache triggered by indigestion. Do we consult a neurologist?

Question

Hello doctor,

The patient is a 30 year old male. A severe headache triggered by indigestion or sometimes even too much exhaustion results in vomiting. Occurs at least once a month, sometimes twice. One whole day goes into sleeping and resting in a dark room and vomiting in between, with a severe headache. Last two times it happened after eating meat. Food does not digest and bowel movement does not happen which is followed by a headache and vomiting. He insists on not taking medicines in general. Do we need to get MRI/CT scan or something or consult a neurologist?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The first possibility is a vascular headache (migraine). Usually, it is a throbbing-type pain (or pulsating blood vessel-like feel). It is associated with difficulty in hearing sounds or looking at light, followed by vomiting. Sometimes, vomiting reduces pain. If these features are present, CT or MRI is not necessary.

I suggest taking painkillers during these episodes of pain along with prophylactic medication like Sibelium (Flunarizine) or Amitriptyline or Propranolol regularly. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and start taking the medicines with their consent.

It is triggered by decreased sleep, exposure to sunlight, stress, etc.

Gastritis itself can lead to headache. So, take an antacid to prevent gastritis.

If these features are absent get a CT brain and consult a neurologist.

Avoid exposure to sunlight, large amounts of coffee and chocolates. Take adequate sleep and rest. Avoid stress conditions too.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online.