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Suggest Treatment For Headaches And Dizziness

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Posted on Tue, 29 Aug 2017
Question: When I lay down I become dizzy; feel as if my skull were tight, like a band around it; headache in forehead area. Stiff neck and tight neck and shoulder muscles. Very milk nausea.
This has been going on for three nights.
During the day I seem to feel okay.
Tried Tylenol twice a day for two days; now two aspirin this evening.
Have wrist b/p monitor but can't get consistent reading. Used to be 115/70. H/R normally 70-75.
Very uncomfortable

Sorry; very MILD nausea; no vomiting.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please avoid aspirin and it might be advisable for you to visit your doctor

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at healthcaremagic.

I carefully read your question and understand your concern.

Headaches and dizziness are very general symptoms that can be caused from many conditions from the most simple ones (viral self limited infections) to more important ones.

I would say that because your symptoms are worse when you lay down this might indicate a disease related to the brain and might need visit with a doctor to rule it out. A viral infection might still be the cause of it but to be safe i would recommend you have a doctor visit you.
He will do your blood pressure and pulse rate again and do a general check, including neurological examination that will lead him to decide if you need further examinations to rule out brain lesions or not.

Please make sure you make an appointment with your doctor and have it checked soon. Once the examinations come out normal than we can consider viral infections that generally are self limiting and you will feel much better in a few days with rest, eating and drinking well and pain killers.

I would avoid taking aspirin as it increases the risk for hemorrhages including brain hemorrhages so please make sure you use paracetamol for pain (ibuprofen might be used also but this has also some increased risk for bleeding, especially in your stomach and should be taken after food)

I hope this is helpful to you and answers to your question but please feel free to let me know if anymore clarification is needed on this.

Kind regards,

Antoneta Zotaj, MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (7 minutes later)
WHAT IS PARACETAMOL? It it sold under another name in the United States?

I am going to a Urgent Care Clinic this morning.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Paracetamol is Tylenol- please check the dose

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

Paracetamol is the same with Tylenol. You have used it the first day- but the dose i think is not correct. Tylenol has an effect for 4-6 hours, so you might need to take tylenol 500 mg, 1-2 tablets every 6 hours for a better effect.

It is good you are seeing your doctor soon but please do not panic (viral infections still remain a very possible cause), I would just want you to understand the need for a visit with a doctor to figure out which is the real cause of it and you seem to be taking the right decision by meeting your doctor today.

I wish you all the best,

Antoneta Zotaj, MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4435 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Headaches And Dizziness

Brief Answer: Please avoid aspirin and it might be advisable for you to visit your doctor Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for asking at healthcaremagic. I carefully read your question and understand your concern. Headaches and dizziness are very general symptoms that can be caused from many conditions from the most simple ones (viral self limited infections) to more important ones. I would say that because your symptoms are worse when you lay down this might indicate a disease related to the brain and might need visit with a doctor to rule it out. A viral infection might still be the cause of it but to be safe i would recommend you have a doctor visit you. He will do your blood pressure and pulse rate again and do a general check, including neurological examination that will lead him to decide if you need further examinations to rule out brain lesions or not. Please make sure you make an appointment with your doctor and have it checked soon. Once the examinations come out normal than we can consider viral infections that generally are self limiting and you will feel much better in a few days with rest, eating and drinking well and pain killers. I would avoid taking aspirin as it increases the risk for hemorrhages including brain hemorrhages so please make sure you use paracetamol for pain (ibuprofen might be used also but this has also some increased risk for bleeding, especially in your stomach and should be taken after food) I hope this is helpful to you and answers to your question but please feel free to let me know if anymore clarification is needed on this. Kind regards, Antoneta Zotaj, MD