What is the reason for sudden headaches and pressure in the head?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been getting bouts of confusion, dizziness, headaches, and pressure in my head. I have also been experiencing brain fog; during these episodes, my problem-solving and cognitive function is diminished. The attacks have been happening on and off for the last year. I have had three magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a full cognitive function test, a complete set of blood tests, a liver and kidney function test, a cardiac panel, arthritis, and sleep apnea test. I have also had a cardiac stress test, a 24-hour Holter monitor, a five-day event monitor, and an echocardiogram. These have not indicated a problem with my heart, tumor, or another brain defect. I have sometimes also experienced blurred vision in my right eye. Is there any way this could be intracranial hypertension?

Please can you advise as to what this could be?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

From what you mentioned, you most likely have a type of headache called migraine due to abnormal dilatation and spasms of the brain blood vessels. Please provide me with more details to confirm the diagnosis.

1. For how long does the episode last?

2. Before the headache starts, do you feel it coming?

3. What medications have you tried to overcome this?

4. Is it always on the same side?

I suggest you take the tablet Paracetamol with caffeine 1000/50 mg for headache and brain fog and multivitamins daily to enhance brain function and eat a well-balanced diet. Consult a specialist doctor, discuss with them, and take medications with their consent.

Please provide me with your feedback.

I will be more than happy to provide any further advice.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The symptoms you have are less likely to be due to intracranial hypertension. Intracranial hypertension manifests with vomiting mainly. Besides, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) would be abnormal.

The possible causes could be as follows:

1. Migraine.

2. Increased intra-ocular pressure ( glaucoma).

So measure the intraocular pressure to exclude glaucoma.

Please provide me with more details:

1. For how long does the episode last? How frequent is it?

2. Is there any motor function disorder?

I suggest you take the tablet Paracetamol 1000 mg and the tablet Arcalion (Sulbutiamine) for enhancing brain function. Consult a specialist doctor, discuss with them, and take medications with their consent.

Wish you get well soon.