symptoms of blood clot in head or neck - #17114
I am feeling really worried about something going on with me these days. I've been getting these weird headaches that just don't go away no matter what I do... like, I took some over-the-counter pain meds, but they barely help. I keep having these dizzy spells too, like I can’t focus or remember things clearly. My dad had a stroke a few years back, and I remember hearing about the symptoms of blood clot in head or neck during that time. I can't shake the feeling that maybe I'm experiencing something similar. Sometimes I can feel this pressure in the back of my neck, and it kinda freaks me out! I’ve also noticed that my vision gets blurry occasionally, especially in my left eye, which is super unsettling. There's this tingling sensation that runs down my arm, and I even mentioned this to my doctor. He said not to worry too much yet but suggested a few tests. Like, how do you even know the real symptoms of blood clot in head or neck? I’ve read about them online, but still, I feel lost and confused. Should I push for more tests or just wait it out? Anyone else gone through something like this?
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Doctors’ responses
It’s understandable to be concerned, especially given your family history. The symptoms you’re describing—persistent headache, dizziness, blurred vision, pressure in the neck, and tingling in your arm—could potentially be indicative of a blood clot in the head or neck, although other causes could also be responsible. A blood clot in the brain, which may lead to a stroke, often presents with sudden-onset symptoms such as severe headache, confusion, balance or coordination issues, speech difficulties, and weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body. Blurred vision and arm tingling can also be part of this picture. In your case, with the headaches, dizziness, and visual disturbances, it’s crucial not to ignore these signs. Even if your doctor suggested initially not to worry too much, given your symptoms and family history, seeking further evaluation is a prudent step. Pushing for more thorough testing, such as brain imaging like a CT or MRI scan, is sensible; these tests can rule out or confirm a clot or other abnormalities. As for the tingling and headache, these could be related to other conditions such as migraines or even neurological issues like cervical spine problems. Ensure you document when and how these symptoms occur, as this information will be helpful for your healthcare provider. Don’t wait it out; if symptoms intensify or new ones emerge, seek emergency medical care immediately. It’s better to err on the side of caution, especially with anything that could relate to neurological health.
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