Headache with temporary loss of vision

Dear Ask The Doctor: Not too long ago, I was complaining about light sensitivity. I had a headache and then I went to bed. Woke up with the same headache, tried falling asleep again and still had the same symptom. I got up, started to get hot, I was dizzy, my eye sight when all black for about 30 seconds, I was feeling around for the light, I regained consciousness and then vomited in the bathroom. This also happened back in January. I have no gotten sick since January. My guess is food poisoning but this didn't occur til 6:52am this morning.

Dear Chelsea: Headache that present after waking up, is associated with vomiting and temporary loss of vision needs to be investigated urgently. I would advise you not to overlook your symptoms and delay your appointment with your doctor. Meningitis or possible a blockage in the arteries supplying the brain may present with similar symptoms.

The best step is to consult your doctor or go to the ER. Complete blood-work, CT scan of the brain and possibly an analysis of the spinal fluid will be required to make a definitive diagnosis.