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Head pressure, Brain fog, odd head sensation, feeling detached

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Recoverandheal
Recoverandheal

Hi all, 

I decided to become a member and make a post here after reading the forums for quite a while, great site by the way. 

I am currently suffering with various symptoms and am in a bad way and just don't know where to turn any more so thought I would post here and see if anyone has any similar experiences or advice. 

So first of I am male and 26 years old. I have been suffering with the symptoms in the title pretty consistently for about 2 and a half years now. I used to have some relief from the symptoms for a day or 2 here and there or maybe a bit of relief for a few hours in the day but recently the symptoms are pretty much constant and I cannot shake them. 

I have an overall mild pressure feeling in the head, its not painful but is just very aggravating and feels really strange. I also have extreme brain fog with this and like a fuzzy head, there is a constant cloud over my brain and I never have any mental clarity or a clear head. My cognitive function is extremely poor now, my short term memory is non existent, its scarily bad. I often feel, detached from reality when the symptoms are bad and suffer from de-realisation, although I think this may be down to some anxiety and depression I experience when the symptoms run me down. I also get random sharp cramping pains in the head, they are quite painful but do not bother me so much as they only usually last a second or 2, it varies on how many I get of these each day but its usually less than 5. It often feels as though my brain is malfunctioning somehow and my cognitive function and senses are all out of whack, its hard to explain. There can sometimes be a build up of these symptoms throughout the day and by the night I can feel like I somehow how the flu without a fever? Like I have the head pressure, completely foggy headed, I feel super unwell, weak, sometimes even start feeling cold. Also have night sweats usually for about 4 or 5 days each month, there doesnt seem to be any sort of pattern to them that I can notice, so not sure if they are relevant. Another thing I have is ringing in ears which is mild but seems to have gotten worse recently if that sounds relevant at all. The main thing that gets me is the odd head pressure/sensation and the utterly life hindering brain fog, my brain feels like it is coated in a dark blanket constantly.

I do suffer from anxiety, I know many of these symptoms can be caused or made worse by these symptoms. I dont doubt that anxiety is a contributing factor and the way I think about they symptoms probably makes them worse but I have come a long long way with my anxiety, I have good control over it, I haven't had a panic attack in a couple of years, I manage to control most of my concious anxiety and stay in a positive mindset. No doubt I still have some subconscious anxiety underlying and I am working on that but I am not convinced this is the route cause of my symptoms. I am in therapy for my anxiety. I do not feel I will ever fully recover while I have these symptoms hanging over me though. 

I have been to the doctor about these symptoms, although I do think I struggle to explain them or put them across very well in the doctors office. I have have blood tests which are all normal. I saw a neurologist couple of years back when this started, had a CT scan which was normal, they put the stabbing pains down to icepick headaches and thought the other symptoms were probably made worse by my anx/depression. Since then I went away and have been on anti depressants etc with no improvement of symptoms. I have also had a few ECGs and a 24hr ECG as I have slow heart rate and low bp so thought maybe the symptoms could be down to low bp and lack of blood to the brain, doctors do not think think this is the case and all my results came back normal. I have recently been back to the neurologist who is referring me for an MRI although he said he is sure there is nothing sinister and thinks the symptoms are probably tension type headaches and made worse by and previous drug use, he only put it down to the drug use when i told him about it though so it seemed like a convenient diagnosis. I forgot to mention I used to take drugs on the weekends socially, cocaine, ketamine and ecstasy on different occasions for a couple of years, I have had periods where I have felt ok since taking these drugs and do not really think they are the cause, I was not an addict this was just one or 2 nights a month at the weekends. So I have an MRI coming up but the neuro thinks it will be clear and obviously I hope it is and I am looking for other answers. 

What could be causing these symptoms? Other than anxiety which i no can be a factor, but I have periods where my anxiety is pretty much non existent but these symptoms still build up out of nowhere and persist. I was thinking maybe some sort of allergy could be a possibility, I have tried cutting out gluten and lactose, this didn't seem to make much difference although I didn't stick to this for very long. I actually did a juice fast for 2 weeks with eating nothing other than fruit and veg juice put through a juicer to see if that would help but it didn't really give me any relief. Are there any other stomach issues that could cause this? I never have diarrhoea or constipation, my stools always float recently though, to the point of not being able to flush them, also whenever I have seen chance medicine doctors they check me out and say they think i have issues with digestion, i don't feel i have these issues but do wonder if there might be something in it. 

Could there be something going on with the blood vessels in my head? Could it be a spine/posture issue? Some sort of epilepsy or electrical activity in my brain? I just have no idea now and am desperate for some relief. If anyone has any ideas or advice I would really appreciate it. 

Oh just to add I am reasonably fit, I try go to the gym a few times a week and I do some weight lifting. I am a normal weight. I have been losing some weight recently which is a concern but I am still in a normal weight range for height and age. 

Thanks for reading

56 likes, 1496 replies

1496 Replies

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  • Hollyberry
    Hollyberry Recoverandheal

    Posted

    I think as you've tried anti depressants, had a scan , seen a neurologist with no answers of cause then maybe try something simpler. I suffered from sinusitis in my 20s, never had it before, it came on suddenly. I had some of your symptoms---headache, feeling of foggy brain, felt like my head was full of liquid cement. I can remember crouching down to puck up a tray of plants---couldn't stand up. I sed nasal drops and steam---lots and lots of steam. It lifted the symptoms. I found pollen, dust and any sort of tiny particles set it off. Even today ---40 years on--- I can't walk into a carpet shop, or even through a carpet dept in a store, without the symptoms starting again.

    also worth a dental check up and if you can run to it a chiropractor to just check you over. 

    You might want to look at EFT for anxiety. I don't know how it works but it does, and you can learn yo do it in 10 minutes so it's low/no cost.

    good luck, I hope you improve soon.

  • Recoverandheal
    Recoverandheal

    Posted

    Thanks Hollyberry and daisyrose.

    I am looking at other things now like possible food allergies or stomach issues that are leading to my head symptoms. I have read up on Candida which sounds like a possibilty. My doctors will not do any tests on these types of things though as I do not really have any bowel issues like loose stool or constipation, so the doctor wont refer me and I dont have the money to go private. I have also lost 2 stone over the past few months which is also worrying. My bloods are normal so I dont know what to do. Im sure there are other blood tests that could be done to check for certain things but the doctors will not do these.

    I am thinking about possible doing some sort of cleanse and changing my diet, ruducing sugar etc to try and see if it makes me feel and better and improves the candida (if i have it). I eat a reasonably healthy diet anyway and dont exactly want to be cutting out a load more stuff when I have already just lost a load of weight.

  • marie63713
    marie63713 Recoverandheal

    Posted

    Hi, Just wanted to say I can walk into a building and sometimes my head feels really bad, odd, foggy, I can't wait to leave when I get that. I have found out its from EMF's. Just check your surroundings with a meter. High EMF's make you feel all the symptoms you are describing.
    • HelpaGirlOut
      HelpaGirlOut marie63713

      Posted

      Yes, I get brain fog when I use the computer a lot. It's also the wi-fi I think. Someone I know said he gets it, too. He said it was worse at the library where there are multiple computers. It could be a factor among other things. I used to have issues with passing out when I was younger, it rarely happens now and when it does, I recognize it right away and sit down until it passes. Also, I used to have a bad habit of cracking my neck. Which I think has to do with some of the brain issues I have. That and the medication (anti-depressants and anti-anxiety) I used to take. Ever since then, I haven't been the same. I'm glad you brought up the EMFs. It makes a lot of sense. 

  • rashid07925
    rashid07925 Recoverandheal

    Posted

    I was feeling pressure feeling in head not not so severe not headache fatigue muscle pain and now diagnosed with low B12 (247) and High TSH 9.47. I am scared that there is something wrong in my head. Can't focus anything as my endocrinologist gave me medicines and told me don't worry. Still i am worried about headache/pressure, anxiety depression. please help. Will I have to visit neurologist.
    • FutureCenturian
      FutureCenturian rashid07925

      Posted

      Hi Rasid, first I hope your doc didnt just say "here take this dont worry" without further explanation. If so, time for a new doc. I want to share... US guidelines for B12 are lower than other countries. Japan believes B12 should be at least closer to 500. (If you're a veg can supplement w very low dose daily to bring that up. Low B12 can make you feel low on energy. A B complex may even benefit you). More importantly however is your TSH. 9.5 is very high. High TSH means your level of circulating thyroid hormones (T4, T3) are likely low. Likely hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism causes symptoms of lethargy, fatigue and brain fog; and from that lethargy could be symptoms like depression (from having no energy!). Further, most is hashimotos thyroiditis. Further, if you have one autoimmune disorder, you are likely to have another one (essentially inflammation). Dietary and environmental modifications are likely a wise idea. (ie increase fruit and veg intake, reduce processed food, and eliminate allergens ie vacuum and wash bedsheets weekly). Lastly, worry is great when it motivates reflection to produce solutions. However, a saying I read recently about worrying all the time, 'worry is like a rocking chair for the mind, keeps you busy but accomplishes little'. Meditation may help reduce anxiety and give you pause for reflection.
  • eric06181
    eric06181 Recoverandheal

    Posted

    i have these same symptoms they really drain me and strike at night .sometimes i get brain shutdowns before sleep, they really bring fear to quick realization. ive nearly died almost and got murderd and still the sleep shutdowns are the worst thing.sometimes when i get the waves i get an odd tungue tied sensation like i know im going to saysomething wrong i have  very vivid dreams after these moments and ive found that alchol increasies these symptoms for me 100 fold in the folowing days after .. its pesky. im 21 years old strong as an ox i keep the mind set that nothing can stop me but this feeling is ambitiosly besetting and heart stopping. ive also had an icy cold like sensation down my spine when the symptoms are at there worst .ive cheched around and speculated some as to what could cause them i havnt drank in weeks eating healthy seems to help i doubt its cancer allthough the weakness and over all sickness makes me feel as such. sinuss suck my father has sever sinus problems and anxiety.my sister has devasting painic attacks and migrains that numb her face and tungue. my mother is a nut . i often have stomach problems and milk destroys me hahahaha. it could be stres related stomach ulcers causing dilusions or hightend senses prettaing to a simpler problems,. such as bad dreams, people around you or sinus problems. ive found that the mind and body will full on go to war with its self when one consistantly dwells and seperates the two. ive been trying to keep a journal to check back on my thoughts to try and find if i have a very bad case of anxiety ...very possible..  I am in great need of learning what this crazed phantom pain is and what its relationships are.  hopefully someone here can bring forth the nessesary insight to resolve this dilema .              P.S. sorry for my poor spelling and grammer never really been good with that and thought it not as important as other things smile

     

    • vae42052
      vae42052 eric06181

      Posted

      Eric, I recommend researching Narcolepsy. Good luck to you.

      Good Luck to you

  • brittany95622
    brittany95622 Recoverandheal

    Edited

    Please get tested for lymes. I've been suffering for 2 1/2 years now. I found out that I had lymes in August. I have so many weird symptoms but the one that sticks around and seems to be constant is the weird feeling in my head and the brain fog. My memory has also been terrible. I'll just list all of my symptoms here.

    -Brain Fog

    -Name and word retrieval difficulty

    -numbness on Lower back left side of head

    -Numbness and tingling

    -Shooting pains

    -Difficulty following normal speed conversations

    -chest pain

    -Dizziness

    -Light sensitivity

    -Hyperacusis

    -Weakness

    -Tinnitus

    -Fatigue fatigue fatigue*

    -Mood swings

    -Irritability

    -eye flashers

    • jess1022
      jess1022 brittany95622

      Posted

      I have had all the same symptoms for the

      Last 3 years. I have been to every specialist out there. All is good except for finding of anxiety and fibro . I have read on Lyme disease but can't find a Dr to test me.

    • harry04134
      harry04134 brittany95622

      Edited

      Just over a year ago I began to have anxiety attacks. Mostly in the morning. I didn't realize this is what was happening as I've never had them before. Soon after, I started having weak feelings in my legs and arms. I then started having problems swallowing. Then the brain fog set in. Tinitus followed. It's a strange sound, not really like a ringing. It seems to come from the back of my head. I can't describe it really. I can make it louder by preasing on the top of my head. My feet would be numb when awaking in the morning and my hands would go numb during the night. It would wake me up and I would start moving my fingers and the feeling would come back. Soon after the onset of symptoms I started having muscle spasms or jerks. They would be very small but would be spread out all over my body. From the top of my head to my toes. I then started having problems breathing. I couldn't take a deep breath. I then started experiencing floaters in my vision. Lots of them. When looking at bright surfaces I can see little bright lights dancing around. Brihht light from the wdge of my visuon would blurr my vision. I've always been very laid back and extremely healthy. I began to self diagnose and came to the conclusion that I had either MS or ALS. I thought I was dieing. After a year, the brain fog and short term memory issues persist. The muscle spasms or jerks are nearly non existant. No problems swallowing or breathing. Sometimes the anxiety gives me a fit but the tinitus persists. It comes and goes. It's worse after taking a shower. The brain fog isn't as bad. I've gotten a lot better. I know longer feel as though I'm dieing. Ive had all blood tests. I've had ct scans, mri's and every blood test imaginable. I've seen neurologists and they've come up with nothing. Tested negative for everything including Lymes. Does this sound anything like what you've experienced?
    • Camb
      Camb harry04134

      Posted

      It sounds like you have Lymes Disease they love to tell you you have MS or fibromyalgia but a lot of people or Contracting Lymes Disease and have these symptoms some have different symptoms it affects people differently but you need to get to Lymese lab
    • Goawayalready
      Goawayalready Camb

      Posted

      Hey there, has your son came up positive on a lymes disease test? How is he going about treatment so far?
    • Sean190582
      Sean190582 harry04134

      Posted

      Mirror image pressure in head tinitus on head loud hot cold flushes dizzy when up and walkng about i feel weak, ive been so scared of what awaits me when i have mri.... havr ypu got to the bottom of it??
    • ashley826
      ashley826 harry04134

      Posted

      Lyme blood tests are very unreliable. I have tested negative 3 times now and I still think I might have it rolleyes There are many different strains and it can also disguise itself in the body. The blood tests are only looking for Lyme antibodies which will be hard to find if the Lyme bacteria itself is doing a good job of hiding from your immune system. Very sneaky little thing!! I would not rule it out just yet.

    • USMC2301
      USMC2301 brittany95622

      Posted

      I have most of these symptoms but I've never seen a tick on me. Could it still be lymes?

    • saguarosharon
      saguarosharon harry04134

      Posted

      I feel your pain!  It's rather interesting, how everyone on this site has experienced similar symptoms.  At the ER, if we're not "1/2 near death", then they tell us to go home.  At the drs office (insert your fav here), they are stumped too.  Puts us all in the limbo with emails lost in the space, where the sole socks roam and a place where we all relive groundhog day... Hope that you have better luck soon.... 

    • jaymckinley
      jaymckinley brittany95622

      Edited

      I have the same exact problems you have basically listed specifically the brain fog. Business owner - 38 - 1 year ago tested negative, after months of suffering I found a LLMD and had my blood work sent into a lab for additional testing. Came back positive and now being treated. Taking antibiotics for the past 4 months, not really helping. Bactrim, Zithromycin, Pinella, Alka-Seltzer Gold, and a few other brain vitamins.
    • brett92496
      brett92496 harry04134

      Posted

      Hi harry, I'm 30 years old and have all of the above symptoms. I haven't gotte. Tested for anythinf, but am pretty sure what I have is anxiety induced. Have you been told anything??

    • nikesh80599
      nikesh80599 harry04134

      Posted

      Harry mate look into pyroluria. I thought the condition didn't exist. It it flaming well does. I had tremors fatigue brain fog body pain for 3 years and after seeing neuros thinking I had Parkinson's or als and seeing endos thinking I had thyroid problems. I discovered pyroluria and feel 90 percent better. Yours symptoms are identical to mine and two other guys I know.

    • sara37428
      sara37428 harry04134

      Posted

      This is exactly what Ive been going thru. Except I had a few irregular ekgs. I haven't had any improvements as of yet. Ive been told it was possibly anxiety, candida, parasites. But no diagnosis as of yet. My grandmother died of a brain tumor. So that's a fear of mine especially since doctors seem to want to diagnose everything as anxiety. They have general diagnosis's that they use when they don't find the problem and Ive heard that doctors will avoid more in depth testing due to insurance companies. Also was told at the ER that I was going to be sent home but not to give up. Keep being my own advocate because a lot of times people are sent home and there is an underlying issue. The XRay departmemt had this talk with me after a CT. If you've figured anything out please let me know what it is and how it was diagnosed. Hope you get some answers.

    • bb14508
      bb14508 harry04134

      Posted

      Hi Harry. Ive had the exact same symptons. Ive had it for a while now. I would say its improved but I still have it. The eye problems have been really difficult. Ive been to the doctors numerous times about it. I had a MRI scan which came back fine and the only conclusion my Doctor came to was migraines and anxiety. Have you got a closer to a diagnoses? 
    • Guest
      Guest harry04134

      Posted

      Hi Harry,

      I had spasm too, little bight lights dancing around when I'm looking at the sbow or blue sky, etc. So did you found cure since then? Do you know what you have? Let me know please.

    • Blueskii
      Blueskii ashley826

      Posted

      It may take a naturopath.  I found a ND who talks about it on the website. (Holtorf Medical Group)  A GP will do a simple Lyme test that I don't believe is that accurate.    This may be my problem and I may have contracted it when I was a kid.  So I totally agree with you ashley826

    • kaitlin04587
      kaitlin04587 harry04134

      Posted

      hi Harry,  did you ever get this sorted out? I have been experiencing the same symptoms for 7 months. Some of them have let up but the brain fog and tingling feeling in my hands persists. I am also very fearful that I have MS. 
    • Angelica2017
      Angelica2017 harry04134

      Posted

      I have these symptoms to a T. Please tell me you've gotten a diagnosis by now!!!

    • ana85762
      ana85762 brittany95622

      Posted

      Hi brittany hope you are doing well  .did you have any treatment for lyme ?did you find anything that helps ?  Pls let us know thank you 
    • ana85762
      ana85762 jaymckinley

      Posted

      Hi jay how is it going ? Did the meds help you with brain fog and lyme symptoms ?
    • ana85762
      ana85762 Angelica2017

      Posted

      Have you found anything that helps ??We're you on any meds when this started happening ??

    • kate92707
      kate92707 harry04134

      Posted

      This is very similar to what I have been experiencing last 1.5 years. Brain fog and memory issues are debilitating though. Have you had any progress?

    • joshua60012
      joshua60012 kate92707

      Posted

      I have been following this thread for like 6 months now and its odd that it seems that nobody has found any solution or diagnosis to this. With this many of us having these same symptoms, you would think someone had gotten at least a diagnosis...

    • kate92707
      kate92707 joshua60012

      Posted

      Same here, I got a diagnosis as Fibromyalgia except i m not in pain, very rarely. Not taking anything for this diagnosis as of yet. Currently doing hyperbaric oxygen treatments to rule out Lyme. Lyme tests have been negative so far. I feel lost, its been going on for 1.5 years in my case.

    • shaun1000
      shaun1000 joshua60012

      Posted

      I have a diagnosis. i have intracranial hypertension. Basically my venous sinus vein in my brain is blocked so I'm not draining CSF, this vein is responsible for that as well. This causes a build up of CSF around your brain which causes our symptoms. With me it lead to fibromyalgia symptoms. You need to see a neurologist and get a lumbar puncture. If the opening pressure is 20+ then theres your diagnosis. Some neurolgists will say it has to be 25 but believe me it doesnt. Mine was 21.

    • kate92707
      kate92707 shaun1000

      Posted

      would a CT scan or MRi be able to determine any blockage like that? i have had many if these scans done recently and all came back fine.

      Do your symptoms come and go? what are you doing to treat it?

    • shaun1000
      shaun1000 kate92707

      Posted

      An MRV scan is needed as that looks at veins in the head or neck. MRI scans or CT scans do not show this.

    • shaun1000
      shaun1000 kate92707

      Posted

      I have symptoms all the time, sometimes worse than others.

    • Dekan14
      Dekan14 shaun1000

      Posted

      hi Shaun, was there anything specifically that caused this? i too, have had these symptoms for almost 4 years.

    • jessica69037
      jessica69037 Dekan14

      Posted

      Hi, I have been suffering from similar symptoms for nearly 2 years. Vertigo, vision problems, extreme light sensitivity, nausea and feeling awful. I've recently been diagnosed with vestibular migraine, migraine vertigo and a very small dose of amitriptyline is helping me so far. Just a thought as this can cause all the symptoms you all speak of

    • kate92707
      kate92707 jessica69037

      Posted

      does that also help with brain fog, detached feeling, cognitive impairment?

    • shaun1000
      shaun1000 Dekan14

      Posted

      I had a knock to the head, nothing bad but thats what i can trace it back to.

    • nadia0311
      nadia0311 harry04134

      Posted

      thats exactly what has happen to everything is good with my exams.. but I STILL get head issues and breathing problems.. doctor came with the conclusion that I HAVE migraines and a lot of stress... I STILL need to find a diagnose.

    • jessica69037
      jessica69037 kate92707

      Edited

      Yes has helped alot with brain fog and disassociated feelings only at 20mg. It helps me sleep and has improved my life so much. Amitriptyline. I'm not perfect but so much better

    • crystals51917
      crystals51917 shaun1000

      Posted

      Your post has really open my eyes. What exactly is a Lumbar Puncture? I'm so tired of feeling this way every single day, all day long. 😦

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