HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Headaches, Severe Jaw Pain, Blurry Vision And Lightheaded Feeling?

default
Posted on Wed, 18 Mar 2015
Question: I had bells palsy about 7-8 yrs ago and have had heachaches with shooting pains behind and above my left often ever since. Just recently, I had a 14 day bout with these headaches accompanied with severe jaw ache on the same side. The a few days ago, out of the blue, i got a strange tingling on the opposide side of my scalp, my vision went blurry and i was extremely light headed. I never fainted but this all lasted for 15-20 minutes
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Need some details to guide you better

Detailed Answer:
Hello

My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.


I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. There could be a number of causes for your symptoms. I would be in a better position to reach to a conclusion if you answer following questions please:

1. Does anyone in your family has similar complaints? if yes then who and since when?
2. Pain occurs in whole head or in half head?
3. Does pain aggravate with movement?
4. Is there any associated history of:
a. visual symptoms like bright light flashing in your eyes or unable to focus from eyes at particular point?
b. Nausea, vomiting or anorexia?
5. Do you then prefer to lie in a dark room so that you headache improves?
6. Does headache occurs only during awakening?
7. Does headache starts if you are tired or did not take ample sleep?
8. Did you take any type of medication for this?
9. Is there any family history of hypertension, diabetes or any other illness?
10. is there any Episodes of severe, shooting or jabbing pain that may feel like an electric shock in jaw area?

I will be looking forward for the answers to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours.
Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (25 hours later)
1. Does anyone in your family has similar complaints? ... No
2. Pain occurs in whole head or in half head? ... both, primarily on left though
3. Does pain aggravate with movement? ... no, not really
4. Is there any associated history of:
a. visual symptoms like bright light flashing in your eyes or unable to focus from eyes at particular point? ... no
b. Nausea, vomiting or anorexia? ... no
5. Do you then prefer to lie in a dark room so that you headache improves? ...if I have the ability to do so then yes, but generally take excedrin migraine (1-2 pills dependent on level of pain. If I can get away with taking nothing and just dealing with it, that is preferred.
6. Does headache occurs only during awakening? ... no, it has woken me up on occasion
7. Does headache starts if you are tired or did not take ample sleep? ... no, although it is not uncommon to wake up with one
8. Did you take any type of medication for this? ... excedrin migraine is the only thing that helps
9. Is there any family history of hypertension, diabetes or any other illness? ... not to my knowledge
10. is there any Episodes of severe, shooting or jabbing pain that may feel like an electric shock in jaw area? ... no, the jaw pain is more of an achy feeling
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Most probably due to migraine

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thank you for getting back with the answers. I have gone through them. Your headache symptoms are most probably due to migraine. There are two kinds of treatment for it; immediate & preventive. Excedrin will not produce effective results because of its potency. I usually start my patients with sumatriptan at an initial dose of 25 mg for pain relief. In addition, preventive medication can also be started to reduce the frequency(if headache occurs often). Options include propanolol & amitriptyline. Most of these drugs are prescription drugs so you need to visit hospital and get an appointment for a neurologist.

General Measures:
These steps will help you to reduce the severity & recurrence of symptoms.

1. Diet:
Following food aggravates symptoms:
> Alcohol
> Caffeine overuse
> Chocolates
> Citrus Food & banana
> Dairy cheese
> Vinegar

2. Stress:
Stress is a potent stimulator of headache. If you have past history of stress related issues then you need to visit hospital to get medication for it as they are prescription only.

3. Exercise:
Try to have a walk in the evening for 30-45 mins. Change in environment will help to reduce stress & improve health.

4. Sleep:
Adequate sleep is very important. Sleep deprivation is a potent stimulator of headache. You need to manage adequate sleep of at least 5-7 hrs/day.

5. Light:
Flashing lights like in clubs also stimulates the headache so you need to avoid them.

6. Keep a Headache Diary:
It can help you keeping the record of triggers. Write down everything you eat and drink, your exercise routine and schedule, the weather, strong feelings and emotions you may be having, your medications and their effects, and times and severity of your headaches. This can help you see a pattern in your migraine occurrences, and will make avoiding one easier.

7. Hormonal Changes:
Particularly important for females as it may aggravate the headache, specially oral contraceptive pills.

8. Weather may also effect:
Humidity and hot temperatures can stimulate headaches, as can rainy days, so it’s important to be aware of your environment.



Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1312 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Headaches, Severe Jaw Pain, Blurry Vision And Lightheaded Feeling?

Brief Answer: Need some details to guide you better Detailed Answer: Hello My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem. I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. There could be a number of causes for your symptoms. I would be in a better position to reach to a conclusion if you answer following questions please: 1. Does anyone in your family has similar complaints? if yes then who and since when? 2. Pain occurs in whole head or in half head? 3. Does pain aggravate with movement? 4. Is there any associated history of: a. visual symptoms like bright light flashing in your eyes or unable to focus from eyes at particular point? b. Nausea, vomiting or anorexia? 5. Do you then prefer to lie in a dark room so that you headache improves? 6. Does headache occurs only during awakening? 7. Does headache starts if you are tired or did not take ample sleep? 8. Did you take any type of medication for this? 9. Is there any family history of hypertension, diabetes or any other illness? 10. is there any Episodes of severe, shooting or jabbing pain that may feel like an electric shock in jaw area? I will be looking forward for the answers to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours. Thank You