Can internal jugular vein compression cause headaches, migraines, dizziness, and brain fog?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have constant dizziness, pulsation, brain fog, pressure in my head, left ear fullness, headaches, and migraine. I did an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and the reports say that I have internal jugular compression. Kindly review my report and advise on what I should do next.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I hope you are not in much discomfort. Internal jugular vein compression might have different presentations. It can be focal, short segment, or long segment compression. The results of compression might vary with the cause and conditions in the patient. The common symptoms in patients with internal jugular vein compression are headaches, head noise, tinnitus, high-frequency hearing impairment, neck discomfort, stiffness, diplopia, blurred vision, visual field defect, insomnia, and even transient amnesia. Suppose there is a compression of the internal jugular vein because of the surgical complication, central venous catheterization, head and neck infection, or a local malignancy. In that case, the treatment is directed to solving the primary condition and might involve giving antibiotics, anticoagulants, and treating the malignancy. If the compression is due to intrinsic factors like vascular tortuosity, then there are a list of prescription migraine pills that can help with treatment to increase blood flow, and stenting is done for focal stenosis. It is essential to do a doppler scan of the neck vessels before suggesting any treatment.

Regards.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have analyzed the X-ray and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) images and would like to comment on the following (attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity). There is a faint line on the right side of the X-ray, but it is not convincing to me. In such cases, I would request a CT (computed tomography) scan with 3D (three dimensions) to see the styloid processes before confirming a diagnosis of eagles syndrome. There is a focal compression of the left internal jugular vein. This needs to be assessed with a post-contrast venous scan of the neck and a doppler to show any consequences of the compression. There is a mild posterior disc bulge in the cervical spine at C5 and C6 disc levels, causing mild to moderate left neural foraminal compromise. The left side neck discomfort might be due to this finding.

Regards.