Most people experience a headache and dizziness at some point in life. Sometimes a headache is accompanied by dizziness and at other times these symptoms occur individually. The causes of headaches and dizziness may be internal as in the case of infection or external in nature such as when barometric pressure changes abruptly. People who experience these symptoms should seek medical care when symptoms are new, severe or prolonged.
Head Trauma
Headache is a symptom of head injury that occurs either immediately after the trauma or begins hours or days after the injury. Headache following head trauma signals potential serious complications. The Society of Critical Care Medicine recommends that patients who complain about severe headache following head trauma be medically evaluated to rule out the presence of a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is a medical emergency. In subarachnoid hemorrhage, blood vessels between the protective layers of the brain where cerebral spinal fluid is produced and flows have ruptured. Symptoms include severe headache and dizziness.
Stroke
The American Heart Association (AHA) educates the public about the symptoms of stroke. Headache and dizziness are signs of stroke. These symptoms can be intermittent or constant, mild and progressing to severe, or severe with a sudden onset. The AHA recommends that symptoms of headache and dizziness be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out the possibility of stroke.
Hypertension
Hypertension is high blood pressure. Often hypertension does not cause symptoms until the blood pressure is dangerously high. According to Donna D. Ignatavicius, MS RN, and M. Linda Workman, Ph.D, authors of Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking for Collaborative Care, frequently the first symptom people experience with hypertension is headache and dizziness. Recurring headaches, headaches with dizziness, headache and dizziness that worsen with activity or increasing severity of these symptoms require medical evaluation.
Dehydration
Headache and dizziness are symptoms of dehydration. People often do not recognize the signs of dehydration and mistake these symptoms as signs of fatigue or illness. Consume an average of eight 8-oz. glasses of water daily to prevent dehydration.
Medications
Headache and dizziness are potential side effects for many medications prescribed today. Each person reacts differently to medications. Billie Ann Wilson, Ph.D., Margaret Shannon, Ph.D., and Kelly Shields Pharm.D., authors of Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010, recommend that a person who experiences headaches and dizziness after taking a new drug check with his physician or pharmacist to see if this is an expected side effect, and if so, how long will the side effect last and what can be done to alleviate the symptoms.
Migraines
Many people experience migraine headaches. For some people, the headaches are accompanied by auras that cause a multitude of sensory symptoms, including dizziness. Despite a history of migraines with aura, a person who experiences these symptoms is advised to be thoroughly evaluated by a doctor to ensure no other cause for the headache and dizziness exists.
References
- "Fundamental Critical Care Support (4th ed.); Society of Critical Care Medicine; 2007
- American Heart Association: "Heart Attack, Stroke and Cardiac Arrest Warning Signs"
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking for Collaborative Care"; Donna D. Ignatavicius MS RN, & M. Linda Workman Ph.D; 2006
- "Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010"; Wilson, B. A., Shannon, T. M., & Shields, K. M.; 2010
