Brain Tumour anxiety hell
Posted , 2 users are following.
I have suffered from what my GPs have described as health anxiety for 17 years. My primary fear is that I suffer from a brain tumour.
The reason I feel this way is that I have a sensation at the top left side of my head which feels like pressure/throbbing which is constant.
In addition to the sensation, I also experience muscle twitches and pains. These symptoms generally hit me for a couple of months and then disappear for a few months and the pattern repeats itself.
I recently lost a close friend to an unexpected illness and my symptoms have reared their head again and my anxiety is spiralling out of control to the point my work colleagues think I'm mad.
I have been trying hard to get a scan but the doctor won't authorise, however I'm in pain and completely terrified and convinced I have a brain tumour.
Not sure if anyone else experiences this and is in a position to share any tips on coping with such extreme anxiety?
0 likes, 4 replies
jan34534 sean55640
Posted
Very often anxiety leads to negative thinking which leads to fear and worst case scenario thinking. Pressure and throbbing in the head is also common with anxiety. It's called a tension headache. I get those all the time. I have a constant pressure in my head that often throbs. Many people get that. I can also tell you that what's making me think yours is anxiety related are the muscle twitches. Those are very common with anxiety. Mine started in my 20s pretty severely and they eventually lightened up. I still get them occasionally when I'm anxious. They are harmless.
The fact that you lost a friend would definitely cause your anxiety to peak.
honestly if you had a brain tumor you would have far worse symptoms.
another reason you were having those symptoms is that you have convinced yourself you have a brain tumor. That causes anxiety which in turn causes symptoms. you can't convince yourself of that because it's not based on fact. What it is is that you're having thoughts that are negative but not based on reality.
try to remember that most every symptom can be related to most conditions. For instance, somebody having chest pain maybe convinced they're having a heart attack. Chest pain can also be caused by indigestion, back problems, gas, anxiety, etc.
The vast majority of headaches and head pressure are caused by stress and anxiety. Sometimes they are caused by someone may be needing glasses.
for a lot of people on this site, the problem isn't the symptoms. The problem is that people are not learning how to manage their anxiety. If they did, they would get far less symptoms or maybe none at all. Anxiety is the culprit of the symptoms.
The more you think about all of this the worse your symptoms are going to get. Have you ever tried to take anything for your headache?
I like to listen to meditations on YouTube for anxiety. They completely relax my mind and body and any symptoms I have diminish greatly or go away.
since all anxiety begins in the brain, you need to relax your mind in order to get rid of symptoms.
if you're really struggling, I would advise speaking with a counselor. They can be very helpful. You're going to be just fine!
sean55640 jan34534
Posted
Hi Jan
Thank you for your reply and apologies for not responding sooner.
It is very reassuring to hear your words and I take great comfort when I read them and many of the other discussions on this forum.
I have an MRI scan booked for Tuesday after visiting a neurologist and I should get the results on the 25th when she returns from holiday.
I think you are right about my symptoms manifesting from my anxiety.
I'm hoping that the MRI will show up all clear and I can then focus all of my efforts on battling anxiety.
Losing my friend so unexpectedly has proved a massive factor in my mental health and well-being and I have undoubtedly struggled since.
Will keep you posted
jan34534 sean55640
Posted
Sorry about your friend, that is difficult for you I'm sure.
The fact that the head symptoms and muscle twitching comes and goes months at a time tells me it's not a brain tumor. Brain tumor symptoms are continuous and get worse over time. You have had these symptoms for many months on and off, so by now, you would be very ill.
Good luck on the MRI, but I'm willing to bet that it will be 100% normal!!😃
Maybe some grievance counseling would be beneficial for you.
jan34534 sean55640
Posted