light headedness and mild headaches - General Health Message Board

robbierazz · 03-08-2006, 04:22 AM

I have been experiencing light headedness for the last 5 weeks. The way I would describe the light headness is like being a bit 'spaced' out, kind of like I've had a few beers or something. I don't drink alcohol very often and haven't been drinking since I've been experiencing these symptoms.

I experience the symtpoms most days to varying degrees, although some days I feel fine. The symtoms are sometimes occompanied by mild headaches at the front of the head (forehead) and usually to one side.

I also have slight neck pain when I bend my head forwards. My head also feels like it is too heavy for my neck to support, that is how I would describe the sensation.

I have been to my GP 3 times about this. The first time he thought the problem may be related to tense neck muscles and prescribed me a muscle relaxant. This seemed to get rid of the headaches but didn't make any difference to the light headedness, and only slight difference to the neck pain.

The second time I visited him he took my blood pressure, which was normal.

The third time I visited he took my blood pressure again which was again normal, and I had a full blood count done. The results of the blood test came back fine, so I'm at a complete loss as to what could be causing the problem, or what to do next.

He is referring me to the ENT specialist at my hospital, as he thinks the problem could be related to my inner ear, as this controls balance. That could possibly explain the light headedness, but I can't see how that would explain the neck pain and headaches.

Has anyone experienced similar symptoms, or can anyone shed any light on this?

If you can then I'd be very interested to hear, as this is driving me mad.

For the record, I have also had a slight cough for the last year or so and I was diagnosed as having post nasal drip. Not sure whether this could be connected to my other problems though.

Angela22F · 03-08-2006, 06:54 AM

"For the record, I have also had a slight cough for the last year or so and I was diagnosed as having post nasal drip. Not sure whether this could be connected to my other problems though."

Yes it could all be related. IF you have an inner ear disorder.

First thing that came to my mind was an inner ear disorder actually

Then I read that you were on the way to an ENT, so thats a good start. There is an inner ear disorder board, and may great ppl thee who would be able to help you out.

The other thing that came to mind was TMJ - temporamandolar joint dysfunction. It can cause headaches, neck pains, eustachian tube dysfunction (ear problems) lightheadedness, dizziness, brain fog (the drunk feeling you decribe) and many many other things. Do you experience any jaw pains? a clicking/popping sound when opening your mouth? It is worth looking into.

Good Luck and I hope you feel better soon.

Leela_C · 03-08-2006, 08:00 AM

I have had the same problem for over three years! I am very lightheaded when I sit and can't rest my head on something. It feels like my head is going to just fall off my body - or like you said, too heavy for my neck to support. I have been to an ENT, cardiologists, neurologists and even an endocrinologist. They can find nothing wrong with me. When I explain my symptoms, the doctors act like I am totally nuts. I have also developed horrible anxiety because of the way I have been treated by the medical community. I had a doctor tell me off in her office once and told me "it is just a little light headedness, get over it!". I finally had a doctor tell me last week that she thinks it is coming from the herniated discs in my neck, but there is nothing that can be done about it. I suffered whiplash about two months before this all started and I am convinced it has something to do with that. I was getting ready to go to a chiropractor and my doctor told me not to. She said physical therapy may help. Don't let doctors treat you like you're crazy because they will eventually make you think you are. Please please please let me know if you find anything out. I check these message boards often and have never seen anyone describe the same problem I have. Take care!

robbierazz · 03-09-2006, 06:01 AM

Hi Angela and Leela.

It's nice to know that I'm not alone in experiencing these symptoms, as it's
beginning to drive me mad!

With regards to Leela's comments about doctor's, I totally agree that they do try to make you feel that it is all physcological and not to make such a fuss about it. It is 'easy' for them to say as they don't have to put up with the awful symptoms! It makes my blood boil when they try to tell me it's all in my mind, as I know that problem is 'definately' physical!

Leela, do you sometimes experience a sensation in your head as though an elastic band has been put round the head, causing a pressure sensation? I have those symptoms as well at times.

With regards to the jaw clicking, my jaw does click sometimes, but seems ok at the moment. As I write this message my light headedness is quite severe and I have a mild headache at the front of my head. Incidentally, when I get the light headedness I notice that my neck also aches a bit, so quite possible a connection there. Also my co-ordination is a bit out due to the light headedness. Do you feel this way too?

Leela, it was interesting to hear that you had whiplash a while back, as I too suffered whiplash in a car accident about 4 years ago now. Maybe there is a connection.

I may have to wait a while before getting an ENT appointment (good old NHS!!) but as soon as I do have a check up I will post back on this thread to update you both on the situation.

In the meantime, hope you both feel better soon and please let me know if you manage to find out what's causing your problems. I will do likewise.

Ate least we can now suffer with our symptoms together!

robbierazz · 03-09-2006, 06:07 AM

Hi Leela,

Following on from my previous post I forgot to mention that I also feel more light headed when I am unable to rest my head on something, and I have noticed that when I lie on the couch at home the symptoms go away quite a bit as my head is being supported by a cushion on the couch.

Just thought i'd mention this and I too am so glad that someone else is having 'exactly' the same symptoms as me, as the doctor's do try to make you feel like you are going mad.

Incidentally, do you have any major stress in your life at the moment?

I have just moved house and the problems co-incided with that so wondering whether the symptoms have been brought on/worsened by the stress!

Anyway, take care.
Robbierazz.