Head pressure, Brain fog, odd head sensation, feeling detached
Posted , 724 users are following.
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
Guest Recoverandheal
Posted
odette97618 Guest
Posted
I just commented on this thread. Fits everything. Can have this feeling for months or years without actually headache, until receiving treatment. Look up Facebook groups for vestibular migraine, they sound exactly like this .
PixiWanders Guest
Posted
Hey! I’ve just now remembered my password and such, and couldn’t tell if you were replying to me, or the OP, but I thought I’d share anyway! Lol... Hopefully my story can spread some hope! My PCP has been ridiculously slow in helping me, so I ended up going to an ENT... This man has been AMAZING! I’ve seen him twice since we’ve met, but he has ordered tests for me three different times, and each time, he finds something, so now we are moving on to the MRI of my brain! I go on the 6th of August! He ordered a VNG, and it showed I have pretty severe vertical nystagmus, which is basically when I look up (with just my eyes) the bounce like crazy... He says he believes this is causing the vertigo, and that nystagmus doesn’t happen for no reason, that there’s a cause, and the specialist he sent me to saw the “rash” (weblike pattern under the skin, especially on my hands!) and said she believes with my symptoms that it’s an autoimmune disorder, and he agrees! So, once I get that MRI of my brain (I know its strange to be excited for an MRI, but I’m SO READY for answers and HELP) they believe we will unlock the clues! After that, there will be lots of autoantibodies testing, but he says if there are lesions on the MRI, then we will immediately do a spinal tap for MS... The symptoms are still flaring up, tonight my brain is OM FIRE, and feels like it’s trying to pop out of my head 😔... But, I’m so grateful for this ENT! In one month he has helped me get further than any of the other doctors I’ve seen in one whole year! (August 17 will be one hear since these flare ups started this bad!) Have a good day! 💚
Ron7712 PixiWanders
Posted
What an amazing feeling that must be. I'm excited for my MRI also. I posted on here a few days ago my whole journey and story. Now I have some doctors in my corner who are actually putting in the work I requested. I'm super excited for you getting answers. Hopefully I can get to that level.
cory99899 PixiWanders
Posted
I know how you feel to be excited to get an MRI done. I have been battling with dizziness, headaches, blackouts, seizures, migraines, pain throughout my body, off balance, losing feeling in my right side and the right side of my face sometimes droops then goes numb. I've been to so many doctors and hospitals and they ALL tell me it's because I'm depressed. I AM SO SICK OF THEM SAYING THAT!! Not everything is caused by depression. Well thank God I have a new Neurologist, Family Dr and a GYN (which I had her for a little while) that finally listened and ran a bunch of blood work (18 tubes to be exact) an EEG and now waiting to do MRI of head and neck, so far it turns that I have, Vitamin Deficiency in D, B12 and Magnesium, I have low iron, I have MHTFR, Psuedotumor Cerebri, PCOS, Migraines, Gastroparesis, 25% hearing loss, TMJ, Authoritis in lower back with spurs and blood test are showing signs of an autoimmune disease. So if anyone is reading this and they are telling you that depression is causing your problems, don't give up there are still doctors out there that still care and listen.
odette97618 Recoverandheal
Posted
Vestibular migraine.
Fits everything and there's Facebook groups full of people with the exact same symptoms and feelings.
Treatments-, antidepressants, benzo, seizure meds, beta blockers, botox injections, physical therapy. Look up Facebook groups. FYI you do not have to have a headache and this feeling can last month or years when having no treatment.
paula08755 odette97618
Posted
We have tried loads of stuff benzo's antidepressant, of which made the symptoms worse, tried tens machine which eased the symptoms for a while. Now been treated with antipsychotic combination and sleeping pills which is a very scary treatment and I'm very worried for my partner right now.
dona57225 paula08755
Posted
It seems we get "Pegged" as the (I don't know what the F to do with this one)and they throw everything med they have at it because they can NOT do anything! And, frankly don't know what to do! I have read that the hyperbolic Oxygen chambers do wonders for helping clear up a lot of the issues. I have done more reading and have seen great progress w/ brain issues doing this therapy. It normally runs about 40$ a treatment and oddly enough - you start seeing changes around the 40th treatment. The brain oxygenation allows for synapse to bridge and for regrowth of brain tissue richly oxygenated allowing the body to do what it needs to "heal us" w/out all the drugs. Frankly the best thing that happened for me was a drug interaction - made me so sick that I stopped taking everything I was given even for allergies! The FOG isn't as bad now, and the slurring or inappropriate word isn't happening as much. I can actually follow a conversation and start one w/out loosing my thought process now. I even stopped my sleeping med. Took me a week for my body to get back into the rhythm of how and when I was supposed to sleep. I actually feel tired and know i can sleep now as opposed to being up until 2am. I still have NO concept of time. I don't know if something happened last week or 6 months ago. If I have an appointment I have to set multiple alarms to make sure i get out the door on time. Hours can slip away w/out me knowing it. I still have difficulties keeping up with phone calls that need to be done for repairs ect. Because you can never get anything done in one phone call. For me to "follow the string of information" and thought - from one call to the next I have to take copious notes- then "know where to find them" and set an alarm on my calendar for me to remember I need to follow up. Before I would have been all over that and taking care of business short term w/out a thought. (The Before I had this brain) pre TBI. (Traumatic brain injury) I say totally inappropriate things (Things people only think) not meaning to hurt people but, being to Frank with them. Smells, Erratic motion, Harsh Lights, designs that are to close together (Like stripes or circles) all turn my system upside down. People say, "You can't tell looking at you" There is "no outward manifestation" so no one would know!! Well, that helps me realize that people aren't staring at me like WTF! But, on the inside...The struggle goes on. What did they say, what does that mean, spelling things wrong side out, loss of orginal vocabulary so when i want to say something I have to reword it and sometimes the "Slate (brain) goes blank" Nothing to pull from for information. It is like someone erased the blackboard! No info here look somewhere else. Next to me I keep folders with information of each thing I have to take care of because i don't have the ability to maintain it in my head. I keep my "brain pad" that has all the immediate things i need to do- calls/appointments to be made/meds ordered etc. Without that pad Which is BRIGHT YELLOW so I can find it- forget it- I would get nothing done in a timely manner. Or even remember I was supposed to do it. I buy audio books with full intention of listening to them...but- I get 10 pages in maybe and don't go back to it. Makes me feel covered in words listening to someone else read. I have "Natural Reader" So I can slow the pace down of the reader, but yet...still covered in words. No matter how much I want to know what is in the book. I WAS an avid reader. Now i don't read. I used to kayak, but now i don't have the balance or ability to do all that is required to GET on the water. So now I look at the computer, read small articles...try to keep up w/ friends...I am basically happy, because of my lack of attachment to time. If someone didn't tell me I wouldn't know it was July- It could be February. I have No reference to time at all. When asked "when did that happen" I think maybe 6 months ago...was 2 years ago. Everything isn't "Fixed" now that I am not taking meds....just not so muddled. I am going to ask my Doctor about hyperbolic Oxygen treatments when I see her next week. I am appreciative to the person on here (Another thing no names stick) that told me she had success doing the HBOT. Oh, the Midline shift syndrome- Your brain seeing things at one plain on the horizon and our eyes seeing a different whole picture! Yes, I have that...wearing prism glasses that I have to have changed about every 3 months. I am now on my 6th pair. That need to be changed now so on to pair 7. Good luck to all of us finding our way as few doctors know what to tell us....just medicate them - they will be quietly lost.
b659540 dona57225
Posted
dona57225 b659540
Posted
Gussysmom dona57225
Posted
The recommendation for HBOT is 80 to 120 treatments for TBI. I did 80 HBOT treatments. I did them 3 years ago.
I’m planning on doing “maintenance” treatments as soon as I can afford to get them. $175 per treatment at the large chamber I told you about in Panama City Beach.
I hope you get HBOT. Meds don’t heal the TBI, in my opinion.
dona57225 Gussysmom
Posted
Thank you for checking back in w/ the information for the HBOT. One other person was telling me that they pay 40$ per visit. But, they were not going into a Large Chamber like the one you talked about in Panama City. 80-120 treatments WOW. Well, I will ask at the VA if they have a HBOT and if so...perhaps they will do my treatments. If Not perhaps they will do out patient as I am 100% disable Veteran.
Gussysmom dona57225
Posted
There are smaller HBOT chambers, made for one person. The problem with that is they can’t obtain the pressure level needed. Makes treatment less effective.
I have found some things that help function with a TBI. Eat high protein (lean meat) diet; body needs it as it works hard for healing. Getting 10 to 11 hours of sleep per night. Limit cognitive stimulation; too much causes my symptoms to get worse. Keep my living environment plain, too much stuff around keeps brain working too hard. (Nothing hanging on walls, keeping everything put away.. not laying around). Keep noise exposure low. Avoid large crowds. Keep caffein to a minimum. When I hit the wall of too much cognitive stimulation, I get to quiet place and take a nap. Try to be kind and gentle to yourself.
If I remember more, I will post for you.
I’m also a veteran. My TBI was from a auto accident.
I take it each day, sometimes just at the moment. As you know it’s not easy living with a TBI. Hang in there... my sister in arms.
dona57225 Gussysmom
Posted
Sister n Arms,
Nice to know you served to. I agree, no noise, arguments, raised voices, loud music or people. I avoid large crowds and mega stores. The likelyhood of me getting agitated is to high.
I struggle with sleep...but attempt to get 8-10 hours. Any less like 5-8 I am a zombie.
I try to eat as "clean" as possible. The cleaner the better. I had surgery recently and was non weight baring for 3+ months...plus, I wasn't cooking...yes, poorer quality of foods + more sugar - weight gain and sluggish mind/body.
Naps are mandatory from time-time. My brain shuts down and I am out cold. If severe I have to go to bed for 3-4 hours.
I also cant be around "strong patterns" stripes, circles. They throw off my balance and make me nauseous. Kind of like what someone would draw to portray dizziness above a cartoon head.
Hmmm, so the bigger chambers allow 4 higher pressure...is that kind of like what they use to treat "The Bends" from ascending to quickly from diving in deep water? Or simply how they are able to put MORE O2 in the room. How long is a treatment? Several hours? It would seem so for better saturation.
The "Natural Reader" helps with reading to me and slowing the pace of reading so my brain can keep up.
Thanks 4 the tips. Hopefully our conversations will help others to.
Dona
Gussysmom dona57225
Posted
The chamber I told you about is same as treating divers with bends.
The man who designed it is a retired navy engineer that worked with navy divers. The man who owns it, his father was a navy master diver.
Almost all staff there are retired military.
Having a rough day; talk soon.
PixiWanders dona57225
Posted
dona57225
Have you had a VNG done? My ENT sent me for one, and they basically put these goggles on your face while blowing air into your ears... It’s meant to help them see if vision problems, balance problems, and head pain is being caused by the inner ear, or the brain itself... Mine came back showing I have vertical nystagmus, which is causing my vertigo and extreme head pain, and nystagmus is almost always caused by something wrong with the brain, so this warranted my insurance to pay for my MRI of the brain, which I have done on the 6th... I can't stand loud patterns like you, it hurts my eyes and makes me sick in my stomach, as well as too much visual stimulation, loud noises, crowds, etc... It was such a simple test that really ends up being so helpful, because they can build off of it to see if it’s your inner ear or brain! Lots of love and positive vibes 💚