Headaches and Dizziness

Headaches and Dizziness

Headaches and dizziness are common medical complaints that affect people of all ages. While they are usually temporary and harmless, persistent or severe cases may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires professional attention. At Heritage Hospital’s General Medicine Department, we provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for headaches and dizziness, ensuring that patients receive the right care based on their symptoms and medical history.

What Are Headaches and Dizziness?

Headaches

A headache is a pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. It can be mild, moderate, or severe, and may last for a short time or persist for hours or even days. There are several types of headaches, including:

• Tension Headaches: The most common type, caused by stress, poor posture, or muscle tension. They present as a dull, aching pain around the forehead or back of the head.
• Migraine Headaches: These are intense, throbbing headaches, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can last for hours or even days.
• Cluster Headaches: Severe headaches that occur in clusters over weeks or months, usually affecting one side of the head and accompanied by eye redness or tearing.
• Sinus Headaches: Caused by sinus infections or allergies, these headaches result in facial pain and pressure, often worsening with head movement.
• Secondary Headaches: These are caused by underlying medical conditions such as infections, high blood pressure, or head injuries.

Dizziness

Dizziness refers to a range of sensations, including feeling faint, unsteady, or as if the surroundings are spinning. It can be classified into different types:

• Vertigo: A sensation of spinning or movement, often linked to inner ear problems like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or vestibular neuritis.
• Lightheadedness: A feeling of nearly fainting, usually due to dehydration, low blood pressure, or sudden changes in position.
• Disequilibrium: A sense of unsteadiness or loss of balance, which may be related to neurological conditions or musculoskeletal issues.

Common Causes of Headaches and Dizziness

Several factors can trigger headaches and dizziness, including:

• Dehydration: Lack of fluids can cause headaches and dizziness, especially in hot weather or after physical exertion.
• Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress can contribute to tension headaches and dizziness.
• Poor Sleep: Insufficient or irregular sleep patterns can lead to frequent headaches and lightheadedness.
• Low Blood Pressure: A sudden drop in blood pressure can cause dizziness and fainting.
• Inner Ear Disorders: Conditions like Meniere’s disease and BPPV can result in vertigo.
• Neurological Disorders: Migraines, stroke, and brain tumors can sometimes cause headaches and dizziness.
• Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure or depression, may have dizziness as a side effect.
• Sinus Infections: Congestion and inflammation in the sinuses can lead to sinus headaches and dizziness.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While occasional headaches and dizziness are common, medical attention is required if you experience:

• Severe or sudden headaches, especially with vision changes or confusion.
• Persistent dizziness that affects daily activities.
• Headaches accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or neurological symptoms.
• Frequent headaches that do not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Dizziness after a head injury.
• Recurrent vertigo or balance issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment at Heritage Hospital

At Heritage Hospital, our General Medicine specialists conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the root cause of headaches and dizziness. Diagnosis may involve:

• Physical Examination: Checking vital signs and neurological functions.
• Blood Tests: Assessing for anemia, infections, or metabolic disorders.
• Imaging Studies: CT scans or MRIs to detect brain abnormalities.
• Balance Tests: Evaluating inner ear function for vertigo-related issues.

Treatment Options

• Medications: Pain relievers, migraine medications, and anti-vertigo drugs based on the condition.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Stress management, hydration, proper sleep, and a healthy diet.
• Physical Therapy: Vestibular rehabilitation for balance disorders.
• Medical Procedures: In severe cases, treatments such as Botox for chronic migraines or inner ear therapies for vertigo may be recommended.

At Heritage Hospital, we prioritize personalized care to help patients find long-term relief from headaches and dizziness. If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, visit our General Medicine Department for expert diagnosis and treatment.