What Causes Headache While Suffering From Low Iron Levels?

Posted on Tue, 17 Mar 2015

Question: I have very low iron it is between 0-3 for the past few days i have had i dibilitating headache it has now started to move dow into my back and shoulders its like a stronge wave of pian starts on my forhead and moveing to the back of my skull and down into my back. It has also cause me to have little white spots in front of me and the room to feel like its spinning. I have also gotten a slight fever. Should i be worried about this enough to go to a after hours clinic.

Answered by Dr. Deepak S Jois (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please provide details

Detailed Answer:
Hi, Thanks for asking in healthcaremagic forum
I am Dr Deepak S Jois answering your query

The first thing to get affected because of low iron stores in the body are red blood cells & hemoglobin.
Usually Anemia is diagnosed and classified based upon the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood.
Anemia can cause following symptoms including which you have stated. Some of them are
a. Generalized weakness
b. Anxiety, dizziness
c. Anginal pain in severe cases
d. breathlessness
c. headache
d. esophageal webs etc
So, please provide details regarding your hemeglobin levels and please send proper details regarding the iron test(Is it ferritin levels/ Serum transferrin levels ? etc) for further suggestion. You can also attach the reports too so that I can see them.
Also your symptoms may be related to cervical spondylosis/ slip disc etc.
Hope I have answered your question. Will be waiting for your details.Please let me know.
All the best.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta

Follow up: Dr. Deepak S Jois (30 minutes later)

It also hurts worse when i lay down and can feel my heart beat in my arms and neck

Answered by Dr. Deepak S Jois (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You need parenteral Iron administration/blood transfusion

Detailed Answer:
Hi, Thanks for getting back to me
I am Dr Deepak S Jois answering again

Yes, you have very low iron stores in your body leading to anemia and causing you all the above symptoms which you have mentioned above.
But, you need to find out the reasons for such a low iron concentration in your body while getting treated for the same.
Some of the reasons are
a. Blood loss
b. Dietary deficiency
c. Pernicious anemia
d. Bone marrow disorders etc
So,please provide details regarding peripheral blood smear examination, Haemoglobin , reticulocyte levels & any bone marrow examination report if any for further suggestion.
But, you need treatment immediately for this probably parenteral iron/blood transfusion.
Hope, I have answered your question. Please let me know.
All the best.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta

Follow up: Dr. Deepak S Jois (14 minutes later)

These are all the tests that have been done

Answered by Dr. Deepak S Jois (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Do not worry then, follow your doctor's advice

Detailed Answer:
Hi, Thanks for getting back to me
I am Dr Deepak S Jois again

You need not worry about the investigations which you have not undergone. You can surely get them at a later date. They would just provide a more clearer picture and reinforce the diagnosis. But do please visit your doctor for follow up and further treatment as soon as possible.

Have patience & trust your doctor as correction may take little time.

Hope I have answered all your queries.

All the best.
Get well soon.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta