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Other Nerve Problems

INCREASED PRESSURE INSIDE THE SKULL

The brain is surrounded by fluid called 'cerebrospinal' fluid which bathes it with nutrients, and provides a cushion for the sensitive nerve cells (called neurones) which make up much of the brain tissue. The pressure of this fluid is usually held fairly constant, but can be increased in conditions where it's drainage is blocked, or too much is being produced. Conditions which can cause this vary from: brain tumours, and underactive parathyroid glands, to obstructions in the drainage of the veins inside the skull.

This condition can present as a headache, and may also cause visual effects such as blurring; it needs to be properly diagnosed and addressed as quickly as possible through a medical expert.

For further information on Intracranial Hypertension (IH) see the links page on this site or go to www.ihrfoundation.org website.

DECREASED PRESSURE INSIDE THE SKULL

This condition is most commonly the result of procedures which require the removal of cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic purposes. This problem usually occurs because the lining of the brain does not have enough fluid within it to properly support the brain tissue. Headaches resulting from such circumstances are usually self evident; but should be brought to the immediate attention of a medical expert such as your attending Neurologist.

Post Trauma

Post trauma headaches are a common result of 'concussion', where there has been a blow to the head or sudden jolting of the head (ie: car accident, falling off a horse).

It is very important to get these headaches properly investigated by a medical expert, as there may be more serious complications such as bleeding in or around the brain, or actual damage to the brain itself. The actual head-pain will often be as an obvious consequence of the trauma, but there may be a considerable delay before the head-pain is noticeable.

Alterations in the level of consciousness or progressive symptoms of head-pain, nausea or vomiting will often herald an underlying problem that needs urgent medical attention, usually via a hospital.

Trauma can also affect the neck region and this may then in turn refer pain into the head (often with a delay of days to weeks after the initial trauma), so it is very worthwhile having the neck checked also, usually by an expert in muscle and joint problems, such as a Chiropractor, Osteopath or Physiotherapist.

Nerve Damage / Irritation

Some conditions involve inflammation or degeneration of nerve tissue in the brain, spinal cord, and / or nerves in the body itself. This situation can cause irritation to these nerves and consequently can lead to pain in the head and face regions.

Multiple Sclerosis is one such condition, and headaches are a possible outcome in a number of cases. Often M.S also affects the 'Brain-stem' and Cerebellum, so symptoms often include problems with vision, balance, co-ordination, and speech.

Problems with sensation around the body is also a common result of nerve degeneration conditions; as too are problems with muscle 'power' (strength).

Most of these conditions will result in a progressive onset of symptoms (with or without periods of dormancy or no symptoms), so it is best to have a specialist check you, if your headaches are accompanied by other symptoms, or are getting worse.

Other conditions which can lead to nerve degeneration, include:

• Vitamin deficiencies
• Motor neurone disease
• Blockage of arteries to the spinal cord and brain (ie: 'stroke')
• Some genetic diseases
• Trauma
• Infection
• Tumours etc

Infections

Some infections such as Meningitis can cause headaches and migraine like symptoms. Usually these cases will also be accompanied by the associated symptoms of an infection (such as fever, rash, and feeling unwell); but this may not be the case in all patients. Other symptoms can include stiffness in the neck (usually of sudden progressive onset), as well as intolerance to light and irritability. Seizures can sometimes accompany meningitis, as to can unconsciousness if the problem is left undiagnosed. So it is very important to seek medical attention in these cases as infectious related headaches can be life threatening.

Other infectious conditions which can precipitate head-pain include:

Shingles - often occurs in older people after an episode of chicken pox.

Syphilis - in cases which may involve the spread of the infection to the brain.

Polio - this infection can lead to inflammation and degeneration of the nerves around the head and face, as well as head-pain. Fortunately it is rare these days due to worldwide vaccination programs.

Post-viral Neuralgias - this encompasses a broad category of infections which can result in irritation to nerve tissues and consequently head-pain.

All of these cases need to be properly diagnosed to avoid serious complications, so if in doubt- get the correct medical attention; you can start by consulting your family doctor without delay.

(Conditions such as meningitis can be life threatening within hours of the onset.)

Tumors

Tumours in and around the brain can certainly cause headaches, but fortunately they are fairly rare in occurrence. Depending on the type of tumour and the location, symptoms will vary.

Most often there is a slow progressive increase in pressure inside the skull (as the tumour grows), so symptoms are usually also slow and progressive and may involve a steady loss of control in some of the nerves around the head, face and even the whole body. Personality changes may also occur if the front of the brain is involved; and sometimes even visual, hearing and 'smell' hallucinations may occur.

Headaches may also occur and are usually persistent, dull and aching in quality; and may not even be that severe. Coughing and straining to go to the toilet, may further aggravate the headache.

Once again this demonstrates the importance of obtaining an accurate diagnosis, usually by simple, non-invasive medical procedures.

The outlook for a patient with this type of problem will be greatly influenced by the type of tumour, it's location, and how early it is diagnosed; so if in doubt get it checked out. Usually in cases such as this, a thorough evaluation by a Neurologist would ensure an accurate diagnosis, and hopefully- a good outcome.

Haemorrhages

The blood vessels within the skull are sensitive to pain stimuli, as to are the surrounding membranes that hold the brain in the correct position.

When a blood vessel ruptures (either spontaneously or due to trauma / or pressure), it usually causes a sudden, severe headache, and may displace some of the brain tissue and membranes- causing a progressive stiffness in the neck, and problems with the nerves which control the head, face and even the rest of the body!

There are many conditions which may make a patient susceptible to this type of problem, these include: high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, diabetes, aneurysms, head trauma, and aggressive brain tumours.

Whatever the case, all of these conditions require urgent medical attention, and can be diagnosed by well established testing procedures, under the guidance of a medical expert, usually a Neurologist.

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Many of these cases constitute medical emergencies; and further underline the need for an accurate diagnosis for all headache and migraine cases. Often, there is little correlation between the seriousness of the underlying problem, and the severity of the symptoms. If in doubt , see your doctor and / or neurologist.