Headaches and dizziness at the same time are often alarming. The feeling of dizziness, loss of balance, and aching, heavy head can come on suddenly or gradually increase over time. Many people describe feeling like they are sinking, unable to stand, and an uncomfortable pressure in the temples, top of the head, or back of the neck. Blurred vision, ringing in the ears, cold sweat, or nausea can also occur at the same time.
This is not just a normal feeling of fatigue. When headaches and dizziness occur at the same time, the brain is sending out warning signals that there is a problem with the nervous system, blood vessels, or even structures in the brain
What are the risks of headaches and dizziness appearing at the same time?
Although rare, headaches and dizziness can sometimes indicate some cases that require immediate medical attention. There are two emergencies that require emergency medical attention:
1. Brain Aneurysm
A brain aneurysm is a balloon that forms in the blood vessels of the brain. These aneurysms usually don’t cause symptoms until they rupture. When they rupture, the first sign is usually a sudden, severe headache. You may also feel dizzy.
Other symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm include:
- nausea and vomiting
- blurred vision
- neck pain or stiffness
- seizures
- sensitivity to light
- confusion
- loss of consciousness
- drooping eyelids
- double vision
If you have a severe headache and feel dizzy or notice any other symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm, seek emergency medical attention.
2. Stroke
A stroke occurs when something interrupts the blood flow to part of your brain, cutting off the supply of oxygen and other nutrients your brain needs to function. Without a steady blood supply, brain cells quickly die.
Like a brain aneurysm, a stroke can cause a severe headache. They can also cause sudden dizziness.
Other symptoms of a stroke include:
- paralysis or weakness, usually on one side of the body
- sudden confusion
- trouble speaking or understanding speech
- sudden vision problems
- sudden trouble walking or balancing
A stroke requires prompt treatment to avoid long-term complications, so seek emergency medical attention as soon as you notice any symptoms of a stroke.
Here’s how to recognize the signs of a stroke:
- Migraine
A migraine is a severe headache that occurs on one or both sides of the head. People who get migraines frequently describe the pain as throbbing. This severe pain may be accompanied by dizziness.
Other symptoms include:
- nausea and vomiting
- sensitivity to light or sound
- difficulty seeing flashing lights or bright spots (halos)
There is no cure for migraines, but some things can help relieve symptoms or prevent them in the future. The effectiveness of different treatments tends to vary from person to person, so you should talk to your doctor to find the treatment that is best for you.
- Head injuries
There are two types of head injuries, called external and internal injuries. External head injuries affect your scalp, not your brain. External head injuries can cause headaches, but they usually do not cause dizziness. When they do cause headaches and dizziness, they are usually mild and go away within a few hours.
In contrast, internal injuries often cause both headaches and dizziness, sometimes lasting for weeks after the initial injury.
- Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is usually caused by a blow to the head or a violent shake. It often occurs as a result of a car accident, a hard fall, or playing contact sports. Headaches and dizziness are both common symptoms of mild and severe TBI.
Additional symptoms of a mild TBI, such as a concussion, include:
- temporary loss of consciousness
- confusion
- memory problems
- ringing in the ears
- nausea and vomiting
Other symptoms of a more serious TBI, such as a skull fracture, include:
- loss of consciousness for at least a few minutes
- seizures
- fluid draining from the nose or ears
- dilated pupils in one or both eyes
- severe confusion
- unusual behavior, such as aggression or belligerence
If you think you or someone else may have a TBI, it is important to contact a doctor immediately. A person with a mild TBI may only need to go to the emergency room to make sure there is no major damage. However, people with more severe TBI need to go to the emergency room immediately.
- Post-concussion syndrome
Post-concussion syndrome is a condition that sometimes happens after a concussion. It causes a range of symptoms, which usually include a headache and dizziness, for weeks or even months after the original injury. The headaches associated with post-concussion syndrome often feel similar to migraines or tension headaches.
Other symptoms include:
- trouble sleeping
- anxiety
- irritability
- memory or concentration problems
- ringing in the ears
- sensitivity to noise and light
Post-concussion syndrome isn’t a sign that you have a more serious underlying injury, but it can quickly get in the way of your day-to-day life. If you have lingering symptoms after a concussion, talk to your doctor. In addition to ruling out any other injuries, they can come up with a treatment plan to help manage your symptoms.
