Differential Diagnosis of Headache and Vertigo: Topical Minoxidil Self-medication Should Be Considered

We describe a girl with headache and dizziness presumably caused by topical minoxidil (2%) treatment. Minoxidil was administered for the treatment of hair loss. Other common causes for the symptoms were excluded. Discontinuation of minoxidil led to prompt recovery over several weeks. Headache and dizziness are potential side effects of topical minoxidil treatment. Symptoms are reversed by discontinuation of treatment.