Headache and Dizziness

Pain can be experienced in different regions of the head, including the forehead, temples, back of the head, or entire head. The pain may be throbbing, pressing, sharp, or dull.

These symptoms often accompany episodes of severe headaches or dizziness. They can range from mild queasiness to severe vomiting that worsens with movement.

Many individuals with headaches experience heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli. Bright lights or loud noises may intensify the headache or dizziness.

A feeling of being about to faint or lose consciousness. This sensation typically involves feeling weak or unsteady without the perception of movement.

A specific type of dizziness characterised by the false sensation of spinning or movement. The individual may feel as though they are spinning or that their surroundings are spinning around them.

Difficulty maintaining balance while standing or walking. This can appear as unsteadiness, staggering, or a tendency to fall to one side.

These can include blurred vision, double vision, or visual aura (temporary visual phenomena such as flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots).

Ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ears that are not from an external source. This symptom is particularly common in dizziness related to inner ear disorders.

The most common headache type, characterised by mild to moderate pain that feels like a tight band around the head. They develop gradually, affect both sides, and last from 30 minutes to several days. Common triggers include stress, poor posture, and muscular tension in the neck and shoulders.

Intense, throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head, and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Some individuals experience an aura (visual or sensory disturbances) preceding the onset. Migraines can last for hours or days and may have genetic links.

Extremely severe headaches occurring in cyclical patterns. The pain is intense, burning, or piercing, typically centred around one eye or temple. Attacks can occur up to eight times daily during a cluster period, which lasts 15 minutes to three hours. Symptoms may include tearing, nasal congestion, and restlessness.

Caused by underlying medical conditions such as sinus infections, dental issues, concussions, brain tumours, or blood vessel abnormalities. Treating the underlying cause is necessary to alleviate symptoms.

A sensation of spinning or movement, often due to vestibular system issues in the inner ear or brain. Common causes include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Ménière’s disease, vestibular neuritis, and migraines. Episodes range from mild and brief to severe and prolonged.

Light-headedness and a feeling of impending fainting, typically linked to reduced blood flow to the brain. Causes include orthostatic hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, and vasovagal reactions. Unlike vertigo, presyncope does not involve spinning sensations.

Unsteadiness or imbalance when standing or walking, without spinning or light-headedness. Often linked to proprioceptive system issues, cerebellar dysfunction, or nervous system disorders. More common in older adults, increasing fall risk.

• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin can help alleviate mild to moderate headaches, including tension headaches and mild migraines. These should be used cautiously to prevent medication overuse, which might not be effective for headaches.
• Migraine treatments: Prescription medications may be recommended for migraines. These work by targeting migraine-specific mechanisms to reduce pain and associated symptoms.
• Vertigo medications: Drugs such as betahistine, prochlorperazine, or cinnarizine can help manage dizziness and vertigo by acting on the vestibular system or neurotransmitters involved in balancing. These may cause drowsiness.
• Preventive medications: For individuals with frequent or recurrent headaches, a GP may prescribe beta-blockers, antidepressants, or anticonvulsants to reduce the frequency and severity of episodes. These medications work by stabilising blood vessels, modulating neurotransmitter levels, or reducing nerve excitability.

• Trigger management: Identifying and avoiding headache and dizziness triggers, such as dehydration, irregular sleep, stress, or dietary factors, can help reduce symptom occurrence.
• Posture and physical activity: Maintaining good posture, engaging in regular exercise, and making ergonomic adjustments can help prevent tension headaches and dizziness associated with muscle strain.