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What Causes Sudden Extreme Headache, Temporary Reduced Hearing And Vomiting?

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Posted on Fri, 7 Aug 2015
Question: 78 year old female had sudden extreme headache, temporary reduction in hearing and could not lift her head without extreme pain. She then vomited. Symptoms lasted only 5-7 minutes and now she can move neck with some soreness and slight headache

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Answered by Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Pathology in inner ear suspected in absence of other features

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Thanks for your query.

Regarding the symptoms as mentioned in your post, please let us know about the following:
1. Is there any history of recent illness or injury/trauma to the head or ear?
2. Is there is significant past history of systemic disease like Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease, Thyroid disorder, etc. ?
3. Habit of smoking or alcohol consumption?
4. History of prolonged intake of any medication?
5. Has she consulted any Doctor? Any tests/ laboratory investigations carried out? If yes, then please attach the concerned reports along with your post
6. Any other associated symptoms, like fever, loss of consciousness, disturbance in vision, etc.?

If your answer to the above mentioned questions is "NO", then the symptoms can be attributed to a pathology in inner ear most probably Labyrinthitis or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Short duration of symptoms i.e. only 5-7 min is suggestive of that. Investigations like vestibular function tests and MRI of brain will be helpful in clinching the diagnosis.
Symptomatic relief can be obtained with intake of Vestibular sedatives like Betahistine or Cinnarizine preparations (to be taken only under the guidance of a Physician)
She can also use an analgesic+muscle relaxant gel for the soreness in neck as well as take analgesic anti-inflammatory preparation like Paracetamol for headache.

Clinical examination is important for diagnosis, so I will advise you to consult her Doctor for a proper clinical examination.
In addition to the investigations mentioned earlier,estimation of blood pressure, complete blood count and serum electrolytes will be required to rule out any pathological cause for the symptoms.

There is no need to worry, she will be fine.
Till then, she should maintain adequate hydration & proper nutrition status and avoid stress.
And also take precautions of getting up from bed slowly & avoid sudden head movements.

Wishing her a Good Health.
Take care.
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Polash Sannigrahi

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 3353 Questions

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What Causes Sudden Extreme Headache, Temporary Reduced Hearing And Vomiting?

Brief Answer: Pathology in inner ear suspected in absence of other features Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXXXX Thanks for your query. Regarding the symptoms as mentioned in your post, please let us know about the following: 1. Is there any history of recent illness or injury/trauma to the head or ear? 2. Is there is significant past history of systemic disease like Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease, Thyroid disorder, etc. ? 3. Habit of smoking or alcohol consumption? 4. History of prolonged intake of any medication? 5. Has she consulted any Doctor? Any tests/ laboratory investigations carried out? If yes, then please attach the concerned reports along with your post 6. Any other associated symptoms, like fever, loss of consciousness, disturbance in vision, etc.? If your answer to the above mentioned questions is "NO", then the symptoms can be attributed to a pathology in inner ear most probably Labyrinthitis or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Short duration of symptoms i.e. only 5-7 min is suggestive of that. Investigations like vestibular function tests and MRI of brain will be helpful in clinching the diagnosis. Symptomatic relief can be obtained with intake of Vestibular sedatives like Betahistine or Cinnarizine preparations (to be taken only under the guidance of a Physician) She can also use an analgesic+muscle relaxant gel for the soreness in neck as well as take analgesic anti-inflammatory preparation like Paracetamol for headache. Clinical examination is important for diagnosis, so I will advise you to consult her Doctor for a proper clinical examination. In addition to the investigations mentioned earlier,estimation of blood pressure, complete blood count and serum electrolytes will be required to rule out any pathological cause for the symptoms. There is no need to worry, she will be fine. Till then, she should maintain adequate hydration & proper nutrition status and avoid stress. And also take precautions of getting up from bed slowly & avoid sudden head movements. Wishing her a Good Health. Take care.