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
jim53730 Recoverandheal
Posted
Hi Mate,
I know it is a long time since you posted this. Do you have a contact email address or number i could get you on. I have identical issues which no one can understand and i would love to compare notes.
Many thanks
greg86 Recoverandheal
Posted
I have been following this discussion for years. I was just diagnosed with the following .... Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) | CDC
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome ( ME/CFS) is a serious, long-term illness that affects many body systems. I feel like there is a band around my head, sometimes I feel like I have a fever, brain fog all the time, not able to multitask and countless other issues. previous dr's had know idea and I felt like they did not want to help anymore. This has been going on for 7 years at least. I am week two into the new revelation. and am just eating super healthy, vitamins and rest. I will let you know if I find some relief. I am fortunate to have a the support of an amazing bride of 30 years which helps. I am rooting for all of us. There is a newly recent test for CFS.
Alexxx greg86
Posted
Yes, please keep us posted! I'm also doing a lot of research and tests!!!
carole5364 Recoverandheal
Posted
I dont know how old this post is but i hope you get this reply. Although i am female and much older than you, i also have been experiencing these symtons linked to menopause.
What i have found out is alot of these symptons are cause by too much estrogen (yes men can have too much too) especially due to xenoestrogens in the environment. And lower progesterone. Also the the thyroid can become low causing many symptons, anxiety being just one. Stress of any kind is the next element that throws off hormones and thyroid.
Hope you heal.
kate92707 carole5364
Posted
How do you lower estrogen in women? I am not in menopause age yet but it could be early menopause, who knows.
fentonA Recoverandheal
Posted
Overall i found that my senses, touch etc, felt quite strange. Ive had it for about 4 weeks now however i began to see improvement. I also discovered i dwelled on it a bit too much. The less i thought about it the less it was there. Some people i asked experience this after drinking. This made me think what if it was the fact that people are actually aware of the symptoms compare to those who are completely oblivious. Im no expert but from a mental point of view, taking my mind off it made me feel so much better. Also just sticking to the basics like drinking plenty fluids was a good help. I used Headspace to meditate and stop worrying and it genuinely cleared my head.
Nasteha85 Recoverandheal
Posted
Like everyone else on here I have no ideal what's going on with you; however, I have/had a lot of your symptoms and was just diagnosed on 4/16/20 with vitamin D deficiency.
nadia0311 Nasteha85
Posted
same thing I was diagnose with couple years back when all this started, over 3 years now and beeing in and out ER.. neurologist, nutritionis, all test coming back normal... the last neurologist diagnose me with sleep apnea, occipital neuralgia and untractable migraine ... the only thing thats seems to help me dor the last 6 months is head nerve blocking.
Tonia93 nadia0311
Posted
could you share your symptoms that you were having for him to..give you the diagnosis of occipital neuralgia please?
I have seen many Drs , many test , but on my own research I swear i have occiptial neuralgia! My Dr is ordering neck specific x rays so once this covid is cleared out, I will get them done. I was gonna start massage foe the neck but everything with covid started. Been dealing with this almost 2 years.
Thank you so much !!!!
Lnodes Recoverandheal
Edited
I started to have these symptoms almost 5 years ago following a night of heavy drinking. I also had been living a lifestyle similar to OP in the years preceding. I was always a heavy binge drinker but i guess this night was the straw that broke the camel's back. I blacked out on the train and I had been sleeping in a very uncomfortable position (neck) for a prolonged period of time so it is one of the many possible reasons for this problem. When i finally woke up my vision was impaired and my fingers/toes were tingling. This was not an ordinary hangover.
Decided to quit drinking from that point on but all these mysterious symptoms started to occur which set my anxiety through the roof ( note: a reaction to but not the cause of these symptoms). I saw many neuros and doctors and eventually turned to alternative medicine because modern medicine had no answers for me (I actually am a healthcare professional myself so you can imagine my disappointment).
I'm noticing a lot of people start to experience these symptoms immediately after some physically stressful event (e.g drinking, heavy physical exertion, post-surgery, pregnancy/labor). To me it seems our bodies were pushed to the limit which caused our immune system or something else to go haywire. Essentially we are off balance in some way.
symptoms: Brain fog, head pressure, tinnitus (resolved), feeling of fullness in ears, migrating pain in lymph nodes of groin , navel , armpits (resolved), cough, mucus drip , shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness in arms/legs/behind the eyes, facial tingling, formication (feeling of bugs crawling under skin (resolved), heartburn, pain in neck and head ...did i miss anything ? Probably.
I have a pain specifically in what is called the greater auricular nerve (please google location) right around where the ear and jaw meet ... predominantly on the left side of my neck but sometimes on the right side as well. I am curious to know if anyone else has this pain. I have heard it described as a twinge or others have referred to it as a guitar string like sensation. Initially thought it was my lymph nodes(hence my name) and of course the thought of cancer crossed my mind but later realized it isn't likely because it probably would have grown in size by now.
Another possible theory i have is this is actually an internal problem related to the gut (google gut-brain axis), gallbladder or liver. Along with these neurologic symptoms i also started to experience many digestive issues at the same time which leads me to believe they may be connected. I tried dietary changes (e.g gluten free, vegetarian, etc) but had no significant improvement. Many acupuncturists have confirmed that the location of my pain points to a gallbladder issue. Liver problems can also cause a lot of neurologic issues such as hepatic encephalopathy. It is a reasonable suspicion due to my prior drinking habits. I'm just throwing theories out there and would like others to share as much of their experience as possible. Ideally i hope we can connect the dots and solve this thing together. Most importantly don't lose hope and if there is any time to turn to God .. no better time than now.
don42291 Lnodes
Edited
Sounds exactly like me, I gave up drinking too thinking symptoms are a long long hangover, but of course it was not. I tried the gluten free and cut out things but but no help. Really, one day, if you do get any relief or better yet a diagnosis, even if in a few years time, please do post back and please contact me and let me know. I am exactly in the same unfortunate boat suffering daily, literally word for word. Its as if I feel that something that never used to be is now closed, clogged or hardened up in the left side of my throat or not getting the correct brain signals to work in its natural order since this 'started' many years ago (after a stressful event) to move an inside part of my neck or throat that used to be able to naturally. I even had surgery for possible Eagle Syndrome in left side but it did nothing to change anything. Only slight temporary relief I get is weekly deep massage in the left side of my throat and on my neck, however it does not get rid of the problem, just relieves a bit of extra tension in there caused by whatever the underlying problem really is. Someone else mentioned it could be Ipad neck, from holding and tensing shoulders and head and something gave in or broke or twisted,,, but doubt all here use ipads though, but worth looking at all possible reasons.
PatientTom Lnodes
Posted
have you tried apple cider vinegar?
Nasteha85 don42291
Posted
This post was from 11 months ago, so I doubt that the person who posted received my comment. However, I'm going to tell you what I told him. You guys symptoms sound like it could be sever vitamin D deficiency. If you guys check out post on hear regarding vitamin D deficiency then you will see that most people have the same symptoms as you and the original poster, and have been diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency. I myself was just diagnosed a few weeks ago, my levels are supposed to be between 75 -100, however, mine was at a 15. So sever vitamin D deficiency. It's worth getting checked out.
don42291 Nasteha85
Posted
Hmm well been taking 3000 vitamin D3 now for a year and not much improvement. While it helps with regaining some energy, it certainly is not the cause of our pain and other neck/throat issues, and I believe that the body fighting constant pain increases our fatique. Vitamin D3 just helps a bit.
Lnodes PatientTom
Posted
yes actually i have. not sure if i was taking it properly but i definitely tried it. Did it give you any relief ?
Lnodes Nasteha85
Posted
i actually do have severe vit D deficiency based on my last blood work...like close to 0 my doctor was shocked lol . I have tried supplementing with little relief but it's an easy one to correct so definitely worth a try.
anne_19225 don42291
Posted
Reply to don42291
I haven't had your symptoms regarding left side of neck etc but I have suffered terrible brain fog for 30 years that made me fell very antisocial, gut problems, muscle and joint pain and just a feeling of being out of body experience. I want to address two things here. Firstly, I went and saw a doctor who did many tests, and what stood out was that i had an Igg and Igm for ebstein virus, which means i had it previously and still have it. he gave me the antiviral drug Valtrex. I can happily say as quickly as that brain fog came upon me 30 years ago it went just as fast. I used to take 3 x 400mg over 24 hours now I only take 2. So I strongly suggest for ANYONE who is suffering extreme brain fog find a doctor who will treat ME and CFS. I live in Western Australia and I googled around and found an excellent doctor and my whole life has changed.
I am socialising and as happy as I was 30 years ago.
The last 30 years of darkness has gone. It may not be the answer to everyone with brain fog but it is worth a shot, for sure. Secondly I googled Eagle Syndrome and some people don't respond to surgery but respond better to conventional medicine. I have copied and pasted it for you, not sure if that works on this site, if not look further into it. I wish you all the best, rest assured everyone there is an answer to your debilitating symptoms and I want to encourage you all by proving how the body can bounce back to normal when you are given the right treatment. Never give up, keep fighting, find a doctor who understands Valtrex.
anne_19225 Lnodes
Posted
I have tried everything under the sun for 30 years. Apple cider vinegar did not help me at all, I stuck with it for a month and took it exactly how you suggested Tom, which doesn't mean it is not the answer for some people, just didn't help me, was definitely worth a shot, so thank you Tom, I am thrilled it helped you. 5 years ago I had low Vit D levels, have since been taking drops, my level for the last 5 years is normal Vit D.
The improvement i noticed with VitD was a little less muscle and joint pain and a little less fatigue, it didn't clear my brain fog at all. I want to point out also that I am prone to sinus infections and bacteria, fungus and viral infections in the sinuses can also cause brain fog, especially if you get the infections with pain around the eyes (sphenoid sinuses) as they are right next to the lining of the brain and the optic nerves. if you have a chronic sinus infection that needs to be sorted out number one. Go to a recommended ENT Specialist and have CT scans or an MRI and find out what the problem is and get it treated. That was my first step, then I read so much about Valtrex helping brain fog, I researched my area and found a doctor who uses Valtrex to treat not only ME and CFS syndrome but treats it for a broader range of diseases successfully too. Valtrex is an anti viral drug that is not only used for ME and CFS but helps a variety of diseases that modern medicine doesn't at this stage have an answer too. I wish I could help you all but if I have helped just one person with this then it was worth it. Remember, never give up or give in and keep delving as you will find the answer and YOU WILL GET BETTER. I wish you all the best and I totally understand the debilitating brain fog, it is almost soul destroying but remember I was stuck in that for 30 years and I have been brain fog free for exactly one year now, keep at it, you will get there.
Nasteha85 don42291
Posted
Taking Vitamin D without magnesium a multivitamin, and, K2 is useless. The body cant absorb vitamin D without magnesium, and vitamin D depletes calcium. So if taken, it has to be taken with the co-factors. ( magnesium, K2 and a multivitamin) You seem uninterested and receiving any advice so I will not elaborate any further. Take care and I hope you find what's causing you such distress.
Nasteha85 Lnodes
Posted
You have to supplement vitamin D with magnesium, a multivitamin, and vitamin K2 in order for it to work. Most doctors don't know anything about vitamin D deficiency or how to treat it, my doctor even said that she had to read up on it before calling and giving me my diagnosis. Vitamin D deficiency ruins people's lives and in many cases can be fatal. I'm dealing with it now, since January my life have come to a complete halt. Nevertheless, since I started supplementing correctly I am feeling a tad bit better. However, I have a severe vitamin D deficiency and according to all my research, it's going to take 3 to 6 months for me to be completely healed.
Nasteha85 Lnodes
Posted
Also, vitamin D is not a vitamin at all ,it's actually a hormone.
anne_19225 Nasteha85
Posted
My response was not at all meant to steer people in the direction of not taking your very useful advice about Vitamin D. My naturopath has me on Vit D, magnesium, K2 and a multivitamin which I have been on for 5 years and for me I noticed a little less muscle and joint pain. As i stated in my previous comments that I am talking abput only myself, I think it is wonderful that it has helped you and no doubt could help other people. I appreciate your advice and no one knows their body response more than themselves, so please accept my apology if I offended you, it wasn't my intention. I think we all need to let each other know what works for us individually and what doesn't. The reality is we probably all don't have the same illness, problems etc so all advice should be appreciated and looked at. i myself are feeling 100% now and only commented to explain to people what worked for me as you yourself have done. If Vit D in combination works then fantastic, if not after giving it a fair trial you look at other options. All the best everyone.
anne_19225 Nasteha85
Edited
By the way, I think your response was to don42291, not me, I am pretty useless with technology. Maybe don42291 meant not working for her problems not ours. It makes certain sense to me that many of us are dealing with different underlying infections, diseases and problems, we should all be taking on any structural advice given on this site and if it doesn't work for us personally it does not mean it won't work for someone else, depends what you are treating and as the majority of us haven't got a diagnoses we should trial these things ourself. I think your advice about Vit D and the combination is very important, so please keep offering advice and let people know how you are doing further down the track. I am sure it is appreciated. Thank you.
PatientTom Lnodes
Posted
there are so many responses in here so I hope I’m responding to the right one. Yes Apple cider vinegar worked for me and still does. The way you take it is three times a day. Mixing a tablespoon or two in a full glass of water, once in the morning when you wake up, once late morning, And one mid afternoon.
kate92707 anne_19225
Posted
Since Valtrex appears to help with symptoms, then what is causing the symptoms? Valtrex is anti-viral drug, are these symptoms due to virus? If so, then what type of virus? Still trying to understand what are we all dealing with.
b659540 Lnodes
Posted
Hello, all the symptoms everyone on here is having sounds just like mine were. I've suffered for most of my life, never getting any answers. Finally about three years ago I found out I was b6 toxic. It's taken almost two years to get the toxic b6 out of my body and heal. I feel so much better now. I just wanted to let everyone know so they can check for this and get your life back. I truly understand the pain and hopelessness you are feeling. I don't check on here much so if you have Facebook there is a group call unraveling b6 toxicity w/western research. sometimes they change the name of the fb group, but that's the new name as of now. I hope I can help someone!
don42291 anne_19225
Posted
Hi Anne,
Thanks for yoru post, I also had Epstein Barr but was never suggested Valtrex. Was it a GP or a specialist, and if so, what type of specialist and where was it in tne country? I am going to try to check out that route, problem is my GP is unhelpful, so happily would go private to discuss with someone who knows about these medications but could do with a starting place outside of my normal GP.
Many thanks,
Don
anne_19225 don42291
Posted
Hi Don,
I live in Australia. My symptoms for thirty years were constant brain fog, some muscle pain and sinus infections on and off. I went to an ENT Specialist and had sinus surgery and my sinuses improved but the brain fog remained. My GP was not helpful regarding Valtrex as I had googled brain fog and read how Valtrex could help, so I researched for a doctor in or around my area who would treat ME/CFS which when treated with Valtrex helps clear brain fog. I didn't think I had ME/CFS but asked him if I could try Valtrex. The doctor ran about 4 or 5 different viral tests and all were negative except for Epstein Barr virus which showed previous infection and continuous infection. The doctor said that doesn't mean that there isn't more viruses in my system, we could keep looking and just waste more money. He gave me Valtrex and I noticed a huge difference within 3 days with my mental clarity, it was like the fog had been lifted. I have been on Valtrex for a year now and I have my life back, my brain fog has gone. I would suggest you seek a doctor who specialises in ME/CFS and also uses Valtrex. Google and research. In the meantime if you want to try a natural alternative to treat viruses, I have been told Vitalforce is excellent. Not sure if it is available in US but it is used to treat viruses and if you respond well to that then I think you have your answer.
All the best.
Anne
anne_19225 don42291
Posted
vitaforce not vitalforce.
anne_19225
Posted
Sorry. VIRAFORCE. That is the coccect name.
don42291 anne_19225
Edited
Dear Anne,
i have searched and found that you can purhcase Valtrex from an online pharmacy (a proper one dont worry) here in the UK but for Herpes. I am wondering if the dosage seems right to you. I guess there are 10 dosages in one pack too, can I just ask what your dosage was and how many times daily you were advised to try for the ME? I also have the EV including current in my bloods. I will purchase and then tell my GP this is what im trying and make him give me a dosage to monitor me on as he has no idea about this med. I have nothing to lose and wish to take my health into my hands now.
Nasteha85 anne_19225
Posted
Valtrex ? The herpes medication?
Lnodes kate92707
Posted
There is a theory that all this could have been caused by Epstein barr virus (EBV) a type of herpes virus that can attack when a person is immunocompromised. Made sense to me at first since a lot of our stories were preceded by a weakened immune state(mine was heavy alcoholism and prolonged exposure to cold temperature) . Valtrex is a common herpes treatment but i have tried it myself with zero relief. Also ebv will resolve on it's own and it's not really an ongoing thing, but if my knowledge is correct it can leave lasting damage to the nervous system which can be causing these lingering symptoms.
Definitely worth a try but if you don't feel relief in 3 weeks or a month i recommend you discontinue treatment.
anne_19225 Lnodes
Posted
Yes, I totally agree, worth a try but if you don't notice a change in 2 to 3 weeks discontinue treatment. My brain fog really improved in 3 to 5 days and other symptoms improved over 2 weeks. Working for me, I have been on Valtrex for one year but I am sure we don't all have the same problems, it is just a suggestion.
anne_19225
Posted
Make sure you look for VIRAFORCE. I am in Australia but you should be able to get it in the US.
anne_19225 don42291
Posted
Hi Don,
I started on 3 x 500 mg tablets over 24 hours. After one month that was dropped to 2 x 500mg over 24 hours,which is one tablet every 12 hours. My GP would not give it to me, I had to find a GP who used it to treat ME/CFS and then was open to try it regardless, if my symptoms improved he was happy to prescribe it. I am on it long term, I am amazed that after thirty years the body can heal itself once the infection is being addressed. I am on it for many years, this GP is very understanding and is happy that I am feeling so much better. This GP did do before and after blood tests.
Good on you for taking your health into your own hands, that is what I did, now you just have to find a GP who thinks outside the square regarding Valtrex, most believe it is just a three day course for shingles or herpes, you need to find a GP who will work with you. My advice is if you can get Valtrex without a doctors script then try it, you should notice a difference in a few weeks, if you don't then it probably isn't right for you.
All the best.