Why can i feel my veins pumping in my head?

Do you ever feel like your head is a ticking time bomb ready to explode? Do you constantly hear the beating of your own heart and can feel blood pulsating through your veins? Well, fear not! You are not alone. Many people experience this phenomenon of feeling their veins pumping in their head at some point in their life.

Whether it’s due to stress or anxiety, high blood pressure or just good old fashioned curiosity – we’ve got all the juicy details on why exactly you’re experiencing these sensations.

The Anatomy Behind Vein Pulsations

To understand what causes vein pulsations, we must first take a look at our anatomy. Situated within our cranium are two main types of vessels – arteries that bring oxygenated blood to the brain and veins that carry deoxygenated blood away from it.

As arteries have thick muscular walls that allow them to expand and contract rhythmically as they send out fresh supplies from the heart; conversely, veins have thinner walls without muscles so rather than contracting themselves for pumping, they rely on muscle movements surrounding them to do so. This leaves us with an important question: if these guys aren’t doing any work themselves how come we can feel it when they pump?

The answer lies in other structures around the neck which transmit[cause] soft tissue vibrations directly onto larger cerebral venous sinuses leading into(drainage) both internal jugular veins (IJVs) each side(one for each). Passages where those empty their contents back into(Empty sites joining lower part of chest), superior vena cava (SVC- largest hepatic vesselwhich pumpsheart contains) situated inside thorax(chest area).

Common Causes

1. High Blood Pressure

Hypertension(high BP), requires greater constriction(decrease diameter) around arteries inorder to lessen(have less of) their diameter and increase(raise) pressure in them.. Over time, this can put a strain on not only the arteries but also veins causing the symptoms you may be experiencing.

2. Anxiety and Stress

Fear, stress or anxiety causes more sympathetic discharge that is associated with contraction leading to muscle tension which directly affects veins above neck areas/parts(more significantly closer to head). This makes it easier for sensations below skin/dermis around neck region (where IJVs lie), to propagate(apparent movement).

3. Physical Exertion

Engaging in intense physical activity like running or weight training leads to higher blood flow causing minor expansions(expands some extent-only say as enough expansion would cause damage – puts thin structure under too much pressure ) of vessels especially those proximal(closer) to your forehead.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

It’s important to note that vein pulsations don’t hold any inherent threat, however dense pain/ache might result due to constriction arising out of one reason(or multiple). In fact they most often resolve spontaneously. However , persisting issues even after some days lead to diagnosis via neurodiagnostic scans determining fluctuating vascular congestion(tables could be used here).
Other possible further tests include; Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI scan),Computed Axial Tomography(CAT scan),Angiography,etc., if concerns point towards more severe injuries such as blockages,growths etcetera within your cranial vessels

Symptoms common among individuals includes;

  • Thumping sound or ringing sensation⍺in ears
  • Occasional feeling like something ‘buzzing’ inside cranium(dome-like part)
  • Feeling light-headedness [duelow BP]
  • Projectile Headaches (lasting hours)
  • Tingling sensation in hand/arm especially before sleep(primarily on left); with presence of unilateral dilated subcutaneous veins on neck [within proximity(+) of affected hand]

Prevention

1. Stress Management

One way to avoid feeling your pulse in your head is by managing anxiety and stress through the use of psychological techniques like mindfulness,meditation or exercises.

2. Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Incorporating regular physical activity and keeping healthy weight along with fresh meals (with correct proportion of these) can ward off any possible secondary effects arising out(high BP) over time

3. Monitoring of Blood Pressure Values

Every few months checking for blood pressure values via sphygmomanome(manual/high-segmented arm cuff), especially if individuals cross age bracket(proceeding towards late twenties/thirties onwards)

Treatment Options

If symptoms are persistently causing discomfort medical intervention becomes necessary. Common treatments include;

  • Pain management using NSAIDs (preferably those with ant-inflammatory agents)
  • Volume Expansion: Intake fluids; specificallythose having osmotic properties(which increase BP)
  • Medicinal therapies directed towards relaxation giving rise to vasodilation that leads to contact reductionmost importantly helping cardiovascular/vascular walls remain more dilated e.g., Calcium Channel Blockers(CCBs), Ace-Inhibitors.

It is important, however, not to attempt self-diagnosis &self-medication further advice regarding different choices available should be sought from nearest clinic/hospital!

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day,pulsations in our heads although understandably worrisome(example due persistent occurrence multiple times within a small duration coupled with pain); tend not cause too serious issues.Taking right steps like being physically active,staying hydrated,the likes go long ways making significant difference within lifestyle.

That said if ever you experience such conditions it’s always best erring side caution~getting appropriate professional healthcare needed!

Random Posts