You’re driving down the road and you need to squint to see the signs. Then you realize you have a fuzzy head, blurred vision, and even feel a bit woozy. It may even make you feel somewhat scared. There are a number of reasons why this may be happening. This article will explain some of the causes and what you can do about it.
Why Do I Have Fuzzy Head and Blurred Vision?
Not knowing what causes fuzzy head and blurred vision can be upsetting. Especially if you have never experienced anything like this before. Here are a few of the common causes and some not-so-common causes:
1. Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
This syndrome is caused by a vitamin B-1 deficiency. It affects the brain by causing bleeding near the thalamus and hypothalamus. The resulting swelling causes dysfunction in your endocrine and nervous system. If the disease progresses, permanent memory loss may result. It is common in alcoholism or medical conditions that affect the absorption of B vitamins.
Symptoms
- Blurred or double vision
- Brain fog and/or confusion
- Eyelid droop
- Trouble remembering things
- Hard to find the right words when talking
- Trouble comprehending information
Treatment: If this condition is treated quickly, permanent damage can be prevented. Doctor’s will start you on IV vitamin B-1 in the hospital and send you home on vitamin B-1 supplements by mouth. You will also be instructed to eat a diet high in B vitamins. If you drink heavily, you will be encouraged to stop using alcohol.
2. Lyme Disease
Lyme disease occurs when you are bit by an infected tick. It is a bacterial infection and easily treated if you know you were bit. Often, people don’t know they were bit until symptoms are severe. It is most common in the warmer months in heavily wooded area where there are deer. If you have fuzzy head, blurred vision, it is important to check for the classic “bullseye rash” that accompanies tick bites.
Symptoms
- Bullseye rash where the tick entered the skin
- Blurred vision
- Brain fog or fuzzy head
- Headache
- Nausea
- Joint Pain
- Fever
- Swelling at the site
Treatment: If you have these symptoms and have been in a wooded or grassy area, see a doctor as soon as possible. Treatment consists of antibiotics from 10 days to 6 weeks depending on how soon you treat the infection. Early treatment will prevent long-term complications.
3. Diabetes
High blood sugar can damage delicate blood vessels in your eyes and brain. This can lead to poor vision and trouble thinking. Blood vessel damage can occur in other areas of the body and lead to complications.
Symptoms
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Blurry vision
- Brain fog or trouble thinking clearly
- Increased hunger
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Treatment: Diabetes is treated with either oral medications or insulin injections depending on the type you have. This is balanced with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes. Once blood sugar is brought under control, fuzzy head, blurred vision, and other symptoms tend to subside.
3. Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks the covering of the nerves that fire the muscles in the body or Myelin Sheath. This can cause changes in the brain that feel like a “fuzzy head.” It can also attack nerve fibers near the eyes and cause changes in vision. The disease is progressive, but treatable.
Symptoms
- Trouble walking
- Blurred vision
- Muscle pain
- Problems with speech
- Fuzzy head or trouble thinking clearly
- Hand tremors
- Feeling off-balance
- Incontinence
Treatment: When active, MS can be treated with steroids to reduce the inflammation around the nerve fibers. Over the long-term, doctors can give monthly infusions to help slow the progression of the disease. There are also several new oral medications to help reduce and slow the disease progression.
4. Migraine Headache
A migraine headache can last from hours to days. It usually affects one side of the head, but can sometimes be felt all over. A first migraine can be frightening due to the severity of the pain. They can cause fuzzy head, blurred vision and other symptoms.
Symptoms
- Severe head pain
- Facial pain
- Blurry vision
- Spots in the vision
- Dizziness or fuzzy head
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and noise
Treatment: There are some over-the-counter pain relievers designed for migraines that help. There are also prescription medications that help migraines by constricting the blood vessels in the head. Many people find relief from cold cloth over the eyes, rest, increased fluids, and staying in a quiet dark room.
5. Hypothyroidism
Thyroid hormone helps regulate many of the body’s functions. When your levels are too low, you may have “brain fog” or feeling like you have a fuzzy head. It may also affect your vision, and make your eyes feel puffy.
Symptoms
- Weight gain
- Slow heart rate
- Blurry vision
- Puffy eyes
- Brain fog/Fuzzy head
- Swelling in legs
- Fatigue
Treatment: If your thyroid hormone levels are too low, you will need to take thyroid hormone replacement every day. Once your levels stabilize, your vision and thinking should improve. It takes about six weeks for thyroid hormone medication to take full effect.
6. Stroke
When a stroke occurs, some or all of the oxygen supply is cut off to your brain due to a blocked blood vessel. This is a very serious medical emergency. If you have a sudden onset of fuzzy head, blurred vision and trouble thinking clearly, get to your nearest emergency room.
Symptoms
- Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
- Confusion/fuzzy head
- Slurred speech
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Blurred vision
- Facial droop
Treatment: Symptoms of a stroke must be evaluated and treated immediately. Get to a hospital right away. They will give medications to thin the blood and open up the blood vessels to the brain. Do not try to drive yourself to the hospital, call 9-1-1.
7. Low Blood Pressure
If you stand up too fast, your blood pressure can suddenly drop. This may make you feel fuzzy headed or dizzy. You can also experience blurry vision or even blackout. This is common in hot weather, when you are sick or dehydrated. It can also happen if you are taking blood pressure medications.
Symptoms
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Fuzzy head
- Blurred or blacked out vision
- Loss of balance
- Weakness
- Sleepiness
Treatment: If you start feeling this way, sit or lie down with your feet higher than your head. Drink plenty of fluids and get out of the heat. Do not drive. Call for medical help or have someone drive you to the emergency room.