Dizziness and headache are not only uncomfortable symptoms but also warning signs of instability in the nervous system and blood circulation. When they appear together, especially in the elderly or people with underlying diseases, they should be considered an emergency situation. Listening to the body, reacting promptly and seeking medical help are important factors in keeping life safe and limiting long-term nerve damage.
Why is it necessary to seek emergency care immediately when having headaches and dizziness at the same time?
When having headaches and dizziness at the same time, it can be symptoms of life-threatening medical conditions such as:
1. Cerebrovascular accident (stroke)
This is the most dangerous cause that needs to be eliminated first. During a stroke, a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or ruptured, causing the brain to be severely deprived of oxygen. One of the common early warning symptoms is severe dizziness and headache, so sudden that the patient has no time to react.
Symptoms that may accompany:
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Mouth distortion, difficulty speaking
- Blurred vision or loss of vision on one side
- Loss of balance, inability to stand
With just a few minutes delay, brain cells begin to die irreversibly. If you or a loved one has these signs, call an ambulance immediately.
2. Subarachnoid hemorrhage or mild traumatic brain injury
A rare but extremely dangerous form of headache is subarachnoid hemorrhage, which occurs when a small blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Patients often describe this as the “worst headache of their life,” accompanied by dizziness, nausea, or even rapid loss of consciousness. Although they may initially be alert, if left untreated, they can fall into a coma within a few hours.
A similar situation can also occur after a minor fall in the elderly, causing blood to gradually accumulate inside the skull, sometimes without immediate symptoms, but then dizziness and headache gradually increase and are easily overlooked.
3. Hypertension or hypotension
In people with cardiovascular disease, a sudden increase in blood pressure can cause a severe headache like a hammer, along with dizziness, lightheadedness, and a feeling of fainting. On the contrary, if blood pressure drops too much, the brain is deprived of blood supply, also causing a feeling of dizziness, disorientation, and dull headache.
Whether it is an increase or decrease in blood pressure, this condition can lead to serious complications such as stroke, acute heart failure, or sudden fainting.
4. Inner ear infection or vestibular neuritis
Inner ear infection can cause temporary imbalance due to its effect on the vestibular system. When this condition is accompanied by a headache spreading to the back of the neck, dizziness when turning the head, the patient is very likely to fall or fall into a state of confusion and disorientation. Severe cases of inflammation may require medication or hospitalization for monitoring.
5. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
This is a form of “mini stroke” but should not be taken lightly. Transient ischemic attack also causes dizziness, headache, blurred vision, speech disorder, but usually only lasts a few minutes to less than 1 hour and then goes away on its own. However, TIA is a warning sign that a real stroke will occur in the near future. Early treatment can prevent dangerous complications.
Signs that you need to go to the emergency room
You should not wait if you have the following signs along with a headache and dizziness:
- Sudden, severe headache that you have never had before
- Vertigo so severe that you cannot walk
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the face, arm, or leg
- Slurred speech, confusion, or trouble speaking
- Loss of consciousness, seizures
- Blurred vision, loss of vision, or visual disturbances
