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What Causes Short Term Memory Loss Along With Headache And Loss Of Vision?
Posted on
Wed, 3 May 2017
Wed, 3 May 2017
Answered on
Wed, 31 May 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : Slightly worried if it is a brain tumor:
Last 3-4 years I have had some loss in short term memory, occasional difficulty in finding a random word (usually one I haven't used in a long time). I also have very momentary losses of balance (usually early in the morning). I didn't think too much of it until today when I had some glimmering in my vision for 20-30 mins followed by a headache in the back of my head.
I saw the eye doctor who did a thorough exam and they found no issues.
Thanks
Last 3-4 years I have had some loss in short term memory, occasional difficulty in finding a random word (usually one I haven't used in a long time). I also have very momentary losses of balance (usually early in the morning). I didn't think too much of it until today when I had some glimmering in my vision for 20-30 mins followed by a headache in the back of my head.
I saw the eye doctor who did a thorough exam and they found no issues.
Thanks
Brief Answer:
Tumor very unlikely
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
However (fortunately) I do not find in your account something to indicated brain tumor. Brain tumor manifestations may of course vary depending on location and tumor type, but they usually include progressive headache, nausea and vomiting, seizures etc. Headache as I said is constant and progressively increasing over weeks or months, not the short lasting headache you describe.
Changes in memory may be initial subtle manifestations, but the timeline you describe makes a tumor unlikely as in 3-4 years it would certainly have grown in size causing other symptoms. As I said symptoms progress over weeks or months.
As for that episode you describe one possibility might be migraine which commonly may be preceded by visual aura. Tension type headache is another common primary headache (primary meaning with no identifiable cause) commonly associated with stress and anxiety. Other possible causes may include anemia, electrolyte alterations, low blood pressure.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Tumor very unlikely
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
However (fortunately) I do not find in your account something to indicated brain tumor. Brain tumor manifestations may of course vary depending on location and tumor type, but they usually include progressive headache, nausea and vomiting, seizures etc. Headache as I said is constant and progressively increasing over weeks or months, not the short lasting headache you describe.
Changes in memory may be initial subtle manifestations, but the timeline you describe makes a tumor unlikely as in 3-4 years it would certainly have grown in size causing other symptoms. As I said symptoms progress over weeks or months.
As for that episode you describe one possibility might be migraine which commonly may be preceded by visual aura. Tension type headache is another common primary headache (primary meaning with no identifiable cause) commonly associated with stress and anxiety. Other possible causes may include anemia, electrolyte alterations, low blood pressure.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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