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Suggest Treatment For Dizziness And Pulsating Sensation In The Head
Question: I am a 65 year old male in excellent health. I exercise regularly. I have been experiencing dizziness and a pulsing sensation in my head. I have some stiffness in back of neck. The condition at first only occurred in the morning upon first waking. It now is occurring throughout the day. The pulsing sensation is extremely bothersome to me. I have been taking synthroid (0.175 mg) and theophylline (200 mg) daily for over 10 years. I also have been taking Lea pro for over 5 years (0.5 grain). I take multi-vitamin and iron daily also turmeric and saw palmetto food supplements. Any idea regarding the cause?
Thank you
XXXX
Thank you
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
One possibility for these symptoms would be high blood pressure which is commonly manifested with pain or other abnormal sensations in the back of the head. So first step would be some blood pressure measurements.
Another possibility would be neck arthritis, which is commonly related to dizziness and neck stiffness. The fact that it is more marked in the morning supports it as well. A neck x-ray would be a cheap routine initial test to evidence it and if confirmed physical therapy would be recommended as well as muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine or anti-inflammatory over the counter medication like Ibuprofen.
Anemia or thyroid dysfunction might be other possibilities. I understand that you have been stable with synthroid but still I would advise TSH test to check for necessity of modifying the dosage as well as blood count and some other routine blood tests such as glucose, liver and kidney function, electrolytes.
In the absence of other signs it is unlikely for brain lesions like tumors or vascular malformations to be the cause, usually such conditions have other symptoms as well and in tumors pain is the prevalent symptom. However if no cause is identified a MRI might be scheduled to exclude them.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
One possibility for these symptoms would be high blood pressure which is commonly manifested with pain or other abnormal sensations in the back of the head. So first step would be some blood pressure measurements.
Another possibility would be neck arthritis, which is commonly related to dizziness and neck stiffness. The fact that it is more marked in the morning supports it as well. A neck x-ray would be a cheap routine initial test to evidence it and if confirmed physical therapy would be recommended as well as muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine or anti-inflammatory over the counter medication like Ibuprofen.
Anemia or thyroid dysfunction might be other possibilities. I understand that you have been stable with synthroid but still I would advise TSH test to check for necessity of modifying the dosage as well as blood count and some other routine blood tests such as glucose, liver and kidney function, electrolytes.
In the absence of other signs it is unlikely for brain lesions like tumors or vascular malformations to be the cause, usually such conditions have other symptoms as well and in tumors pain is the prevalent symptom. However if no cause is identified a MRI might be scheduled to exclude them.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dear Dr Taka:
Thank you for the reply. I failed to mention that my blood pressure is normal to slightly low. One other factor. I have had low hemoglobin for my entire adult life (generally around 11 to 12) hence the daily vitamin and iron supplement. Is it possible that this is affecting my condition.
Also, the pulsing sensation that I feel in my head and ears that I find the most roubling. Is this consistent with my other symptoms?
Thank you XXXX
Thank you for the reply. I failed to mention that my blood pressure is normal to slightly low. One other factor. I have had low hemoglobin for my entire adult life (generally around 11 to 12) hence the daily vitamin and iron supplement. Is it possible that this is affecting my condition.
Also, the pulsing sensation that I feel in my head and ears that I find the most roubling. Is this consistent with my other symptoms?
Thank you XXXX
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the update.
While that hemoglobin value is slightly low it is not enough to cause any symptoms. If you haven't been tested in a long time you should repeat a blood count though. Anemia (with lower levels than that) can justify all those symptoms including the pulsating feeling.
Since your blood pressure is normal that can be excluded.
As for cervical arthritis pulsating feeling is not typical I must admit. However there are cases with inflammation and muscle spasms which may cause it. That is why I advised Ibuprofen an the muscle relaxant.
In some rare cases brain vascular malformations may cause such a pulsating feeling which is why I mentioned the MRI to be done if symptoms persist. It is rare though. At times all tests including MRI turn out normal and symptoms are more due to anxiety.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the update.
While that hemoglobin value is slightly low it is not enough to cause any symptoms. If you haven't been tested in a long time you should repeat a blood count though. Anemia (with lower levels than that) can justify all those symptoms including the pulsating feeling.
Since your blood pressure is normal that can be excluded.
As for cervical arthritis pulsating feeling is not typical I must admit. However there are cases with inflammation and muscle spasms which may cause it. That is why I advised Ibuprofen an the muscle relaxant.
In some rare cases brain vascular malformations may cause such a pulsating feeling which is why I mentioned the MRI to be done if symptoms persist. It is rare though. At times all tests including MRI turn out normal and symptoms are more due to anxiety.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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