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
sonia08058 Recoverandheal
Posted
Hi, thank you for sharing. I'm going through the same thing. It's been 3 years. It's miserable living like this. No one understands me when I described to them how I feel. I tried everything. I'm getting so tired of this. I just want my clarity back. It's been 3 years. ??
dona57225 Recoverandheal
Posted
When I got my TBI I was told at the ER that this maybe the "brain I have from now on" I just started at the doctor in shock! I didn't even know my name at first - slowly I got basics back. But the brain fog, lack of memory, and complete blank slate about things that happened, when, what someone said...all not there. Even trying to think, like someone erased the blackboard nothing to draw from for thought- NOTHING. I fully understand. I've created help for myself with notes, brain pad of todos...brightly colored clip board. Alarms on my phone like an appointment for med times, to eat, prepare for appointments....its different! I had to be taught to read again!!
My prayers are with you..getting off most of the meds helped A LOT.
Ron7712 Recoverandheal
Posted
Hello everyone! I'm experiencing the same systems as everyone else here. This is my story so far. My whole life I've suffered from IBS and cramping and fainting when not being able to have a bowel movement. It presses on the vagal nerve and I blackout from it. A little over a year ago I changed my diet and started working out. I ended up losing weight and feeling better. One night I had to urinate in the middle of the night. I woke up urgently and made it to the bathroom then I passed out after. Woke up to paramedics around. Apparently my blood pressure dropped after urinating. I guess it's common if you don't give yourself enough time after sitting up in bed and then waiting a little bit.
After that incident my life turned upside down. I started having high heart rates and sweaty palms when sitting at work. (I loved my job and people, so it wasn't work stress). It didn't make sense that my heart rate would jump to 160 bpm when sitting in an office chair. Sadly a few weeks later I quit my job because I couldn't focus on work , so it wasn't fair to my work and fair to me. I've been trying to figure out what's going on with me for the past year. Many doctors saying, it's all in your head, it's anxety, it's panic disorder, blah blah. I honestly just thought that's probably what it is. After trying 5 different Anti-depressants over half of a year, the last being zoloft, I experienced what is called Serotonin Syndrome on the zoloft. It felt like there was a fire on the left center part of my brain and my pupils were fully dilated. I called the pharmacist on day 7 and she said, stop taking it immediately. That was a few months ago in May. Since then I've been experiencing flu-like symptoms without the fever, depressive episodes, self harm thoughts and it's driving me bananas. In June, last month, I took it upon myself to demand certain test results and some things don't add up for me. As of the last 2 months of lab tests, my vitamin D and B1 are deficient. My B6 is 3 times the high amount and my creatinine levels are elevated.
Currently I have found great doctors and jumping from doctor and possible diagnosis is mentally and physically exhausting. It took a year to get this far. Tomorrow I start a 30-day heart monitor. My primary care doctor put me on 50,000 IU of vitamin D2 once weekly starting last week. I'm having my T3 Free and Reverse T3 blood test done this week, since my last doctor (it's all in your head) only checked my TSH, T4 Free and T3 Total. I'm curious to see what could be happening with me. I get the "it's all in your head" but I don't buy it. I also have an MRI scheduled in 2 weeks with my Neurologist.
As of right now, here are my list of symptoms:
*High heart rate (Possibly it's POTS being it jumps up high when standing, but we'll see)
*Sweaty palms
*Flu-like feeling without fever
*Freezing in the morning to mid day (temp ranges from 96.5 when cold, to normal 98.6 when feeling better)
*Mentally exhausted
*Intrusive and self harm thoughts when flu-feeling is strong and mood plummets
*Tingling nerve issues in feet and hands
*Sensitive skin on arms weird sensation (It's like my body temperature can't adjust well)
*Stiff neck
*Migraines frequently and ocular migraines too
*IBS (inconsistent bowels)
*Anxiety / Panic disorder
*Worsening memory
*Fuzzy headed
*Brain pressure (not headache or pain, just uncomfortable pressure usually during depressive episodes and flu-like symptom)
*Ball in throat when swallowing
That's all I can think of right now. These next few weeks will be rather interesting. I hope we all can get the answers we're looking for. Life is about living and loving. Not suffering and surviving.
Ron7712
Posted
b659540 Ron7712
Posted
Ron7712 b659540
Posted
Thanks for your message. I already joined it. I saw your post for before, that's why I joined it. My range in my test was 2 - 22 and my results showed 68. Definitely not sure how or why it occurred. All the best.
b659540 Ron7712
Posted
Hey Ron, so glad you joined. If I were you I’d post your first message you posted here and post it over there on the fb group with your symptoms and b6 level and ask questions. Just about every single symptom you listed and more I had. The sad part is I suffered most of my life not knowing what it was, so I was toxic for most likely 15 + years. I was never able to have a career, relationships and just live life because of this b6 toxicity, yes, it’s that serious. You wouldn’t think b6 could do that! I hope I can help as many people as possible, so they don’t have to suffer like I have. And another thing doctors don’t have a clue what’s going on... all of them wanted me on depression & anxiety meds or just thought I was faking it.
Ron7712
Posted
b659540 Ron7712
Posted
Guest Recoverandheal
Posted
Katsuan Recoverandheal
Posted
Hello - I've been experiencing the head pressure along with brain fog and short term memory loss as well. I was attributing it to my Anterior Cervical Disc Fusion C5/C6 about a year ago. I had major neck/head pain along with arm/shoulder pain and hand numbness before my surgery and was happy that most of that went away (except numbness in my thumb and still get head/neck pain but not nearly as severe). The newest symptom is this pressure in my head. It seems to be more pronounced when my neck is sore and feels like it covers the roof of my mouth up into my sinus cavities. I'm not sure if that is what you are feeling or if you have more of an external to internal pressure sensation. In your case, I'd wonder if it has something to do with your cervical vertebrae, at least get that checked to see if they can rule that out. I've not heard of anyone having the pressure sensation I'm having after my type of surgery, but then again, I've had other complications that came along with the surgery such as: swallowing issues, vocal cord damage, voice loss and uncoordination of my tongue/floor of the mouth area. I've not had any anxiety/depression so, it may not be related to that at all in your case. So strange how our bodies can have these strange symptoms and baffle the medical profession. I hope you find out what is going on.
Better.now Katsuan
Posted
Long story short I went to a chiropractor and 2 adjustments later I was brain fog and headache free for the first time in months!! I spoke to my chiropractor about my symptoms and asked if I could have a pinched nerve in my neck. Turns out that was my self-diagnosed problem.
He has been working on my C1 area and it has been working wonders. I know I am not out of the water yet, but hoping with a few more weeks of concentrated adjustments I will be back to normal.
I wanted to share and hope you can find relief soon!!
Katsuan Better.now
Posted
Glad to know you had relief! Being in the dental field for close to 30 years, I had to find a chiropractor that was worth his salt (had two who were worthless) and found that ones who graduated from the Palmer Institute were the best for me. I realized, much later on, that my initial symptoms were a type of degeneration, and while Chiropractic helped at times, it got to a point that my only option was surgery. I would agree with you that if it's not a degenerative issue, Chiropractic is a good option as long as you find ones who don't claim to cure fevers with a toe adjustment! ( I actually had one tell me that!)
julia5400 Recoverandheal
Posted
Recoverandheal,
I don't know what your current status is......but your description above IS MY LIFE. What further insight have you gained. They determined that I have Lupus. That explains the brain fog (I also have epilepsy) and that explains loss of short term memory and the joint pain that I have.
While things got better after I got on meds......I am now at this SAD, CHALLENGING place of the increased feelings of not being able to put all the pieces together.....pieces I have done for years (in my job) and the fog feeling "thick" on some days. Just that "lost" feeling is becoming overwhelming.
I am used to freezing in 85 degree weather, the quick sharp occipital nerve pains that shoot up my neck to the top of my head, the extreme fatigue and even mild versions of memory loss and brain fog........but this is going too far now and I am looking for answers. Even if I don't like them -- I just want to know what the answers are as to what this is expanding to beyond Lupus and Epilepsy.
ANY INSIGHT FROM ANYONE??
Better.now julia5400
Posted
Long story short I went to a chiropractor and 2 adjustments later I was brain fog and headache free for the first time in months!! I spoke to my chiropractor about my symptoms and asked if I could have a pinched nerve in my neck. Turns out that was my self-diagnosed problem.
He has been working on my C1 area and it has been working wonders. I know I am not out of the water yet, but hoping with a few more weeks of concentrated adjustments I will be back to normal.
I wanted to share and hope you can find relief soon!!