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
julie25317 Recoverandheal
Posted
Hi recoverandheal... I've read your post and been going through the same. have you considered a vestibular disorder? I was diagnosed with labrynthitis by a consultant ENT specialist. Hope you find the answer to what is troubling you 😊
chris88639 Recoverandheal
Posted
wow, you've had a lot of responses, so i'll keep it short. I have very similar symptoms. get yourself tested for ADHD. It's not uncommon for anxiety to be present with ADHD.
It is weird being aware of your brain in your head. It's just an organ but you don't feel your lungs or even heart as a physical thing.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, don't take the stimulant medication, it will heighten your anxiety.
Good luck
MissMononoke Recoverandheal
Posted
You just described everything I have been experiencing for the last 2 months. Every detail even the drug use in the past. Your telling my you have had no relief in 2 and half YEARS!!!!
Its like being a completely different person.
sarah20633 MissMononoke
Posted
how are you now?
benjamin38155 Recoverandheal
Posted
Could it possibly be symptoms of untreated ADHD since you were a child. Adderall would be a great option and I believe would help. If anything, just try it for a week and if it doesn't work out stop using it. I started having your symptoms at 25 and stopped at nothing to find a cure. when all Dr.s I've seen said nothing was wrong with me. I studied an entire year. It was very difficult due to the brain fog. Mentioned my findings to my Dr and he prescribed it. I am much better now and even smarter than I used to be. My focus is also a lot better and I am finally accomplishing my goals daily.
brad84685 benjamin38155
Posted
hi, i was wondering if you could help me and give me some advice. i have had similar symptoms and i had adhd also as a child. I feel detatched/ brain fog a alot.
John373345 Recoverandheal
Posted
wow okay this all just started happening to me two days ago, I as well took many drugs as a teen but it was mainly Xanax, ecstasy, weed and alcohol that were my main drugs of choice.
I literally feel the exact same way you described and I really appreciate you reaching out to help me know it nothing to do with my brain and now no it could possibly be my thyroid.
my mom had thyroid cancer so this is kind of a big shock and kind of scaring me a little, my anxiety super bad and about a week ago I had a really bad panic attack, one that I’ve never experienced before where my head went so late that I thought I was going to pass out or have a seizure so I walked out of my apartment and knocked on everyone’s door because I was afraid I was gonna pass out walking down many flights of stairs knocking on peoples doors then my head finally clears up.
A week later we come to know where I’m feeling detached, lightheaded, confused and unable to really concentrate with little moments of relief where I feel normal.
I’m 29 years of age and I’m hoping you find an answer and share with us What all you did to help your situation thank you so much
John Michael
Guest John373345
Posted
Hey man you should ask a doctor about Hashimoto's Encephalopathy could provide some awnsers if your mum had thyroid issues.
ben66117 Recoverandheal
Edited
have you heard of the condition pans it is where your body in response to a virus attacks your brain this can range from it destroys your life to it bing a really bad inconvenience but if you are in the uk getting treatment requires you to go private i cannot remember the doctors names at the moment though
jarrad85632 Recoverandheal
Edited
Hello @Recoverandheal
I am a 25 year old male and I've had the exact same symptoms as you have described for about 9 months now. Did you find any cause/solution?
Thanks,
Jarrad
RobRoyUK Recoverandheal
Edited
Hi everybody,
It's most likely Lyme disease, pay to get the proper tests done at a good laboratory as western blot often gives false negative.
If negative then get an MRI for IIH (scan will likely show flattened pituitary gland, probably fluid in optic nerve sheath)
Hope this helps
Rob
BlakeV Recoverandheal
Posted
it said this was updated 46 minutes ago so I’m hoping that you’re currently still using this website and possibly know what’s wrong with you so i can figure out what’s wrong with me, I’ve suffered from the same issues for about three years now on and off and they just recently started up again and they are worse than they were before... just hoping to get some info from somebody who’s going through the same thing I feel like I’m going crazy half the time... so help would be incredible..
todd66592 Recoverandheal
Posted
Hi. I am a male and 53 years old. A year and a half ago my symptoms started with burning sensations in toes and then fingers. After that it felt like there was inflammation in my body ( a burning sensation under my skin up my arms and into my chest area). Then I was having strange feelings in my head. Just like you described it , it feels like having a fever or head cold without having a fever. I also have some ringing and pressure in inner ear and behind eyes. Have you been able to get a diagnosis and or relief?
jovi60747 todd66592
Posted
what about you are you able to feel any better or get a diagnosis?
epster19171 Recoverandheal
Posted
Sounds very similar to what I am experiencing now. I also suffer from anxiety and panic attacks and on top of that I also have two chronic illnesses. While battling all of this I have slept very poorly for years, which I think is a major culprit. Also, recently I started to suspect that neck muscle tension might be to blame. I also have problems with digestion and my stools also float. I have read it is bc there is too much fat in the stool which doesn't get absorbed. Brain needs fat right, so I started to think that maybe that could be the issue? Anyway I am on my way to change my life habits now. I will cut wheat and sugar bc I feel like they don't suit me and might be worsening this brain fog thing.
For you I would give this advice: Your symptoms sound like depersonalization which can be very scary. I had it as a teen for the first time and it was pretty scary. Even back then I had troubles sleeping so I do think it has to do with that. First I would check that you get enough sleep and rest. Depersonalization can cause anxiety so it is important that you still try to rest and tell yourself it will be ok. Second I would make sure you get enough vitamins (B, D and omega 3). Also drink a lot of water and eat healthy. Third I would exercise but not too much and hardcore. You should try to find ways to relax. Sometimes not thinking much can be good. It is your brain's way of relaxing. Fourth you should stretch your neck and back often. Fifth I think you should limit the use of phone especially before bedtime. I have noticed using too much phone can make you feel bad so limiting that can help. Also listen to your body. Take baby steps. If you feel tired sleep.
If living healthy doesn't ease your symptoms go to the doctor and say firmly that you need help. If a normal doctor cannot help you talk to a psychologist about the anxiety and ask about depersonalization. I am a firm believer that the antidote to anxiety and depersonalization is relaxation even if it is scary. It is hard for me too but too much of anxiety will make the body exhausted so what we need is lots of rest, both physical and mental. Sleeping is the first step to feeling better usually. I hope this helps!