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Head feels like it will explode daily. Severe cognitive difficulties
Brain & Nervous System | Last Active: Jul 17 5:05pm | Replies (112)Comment receiving replies
This is my second post on this subject. I wanted to share some more details on the matter to see if I can get anymore direction/advice.For over a year, I have been dealing with constant head pressure in the back of my head. Sometimes my head aches along with the pressure, and my eyes frequently ache as well, thus weakening my vision. With these head issues come extreme cognitive setbacks. I feel like I have forgotten much of the past, and I can hardly think because I have to try and think through pain and this sludgy head pressure. My head feels like it will explode 24/7. In addition to head/brain symptoms are digestive issues, on-and-off anxiety with no rhyme or reason to it, breathlessness when I talk, and achy limbs. Another thing about the head pressure situation is that it just feels like I can't emotionally connect with anything (like depersonalization maybe?). It doesn't feel like I have the capacity to feel any joy whatsoever. I never experience a complete sense of relief or relaxation. In other words, life is hell and I cannot enjoy it. I can't really get out and do much either thanks to the extreme head symptoms. All in all, life is a huge mental struggle where I am fighting for the will to keep going. I WILL keep going, but it's impossible to ignore the hell I am currently dealing with.I have fallen on my back while wearing a drum once about 3 years ago. Other than that, no injuries. I have plans to see a neurology department somewhat near me (if they get back with me). I have already seen 2 neurologists who weren't of any help. Muscle relaxants, antidepressants, pain killers/migraine medication, and numerous supplements have already been tried and were little to no use. I have seen numerous other doctors (functional medicine, PCP, ENT, etc.) along with 2 ER visits and haven't gotten anywhere. A supine MRI of my brain showed no abnormalities either.I am just fearful of my life. I haven't considered a spinal leak issue yet, although I don't get any relief when I lay down. I could also consider pursuing a cardiologist for blood flow to the brain issues, but I don't really know where to go from here. I just wish my poor brain function (lack of emotions, poor memory, weaker vision) made sense. I don't know if there's anything else that could be contributing to my symptoms?
Replies to "This is my second post on this subject. I wanted to share some more details on..."
Your problem is very, very similar to mine. My GP seems mystified by the situation. I’ll be 90 next June. I tend to believe my problem is primarily one of age but it’s the sides of my head and forefront. Acetaminophen helps but my GP really limits my usage.
Wouldn’t mind if GP would say it’s an age problem but she doesn’t
Thank you for your response! I definitely notice the general numbness over the body (but I don't think it's a form of peripheral neuropathy). I do think it's likely spine related after looking into it deeper (I don't have the zappy pain that most people with Occipital Neuralgia have). Massages seem to help, but its gotten worse over time.
Your condition sounds exactly like what my 17 yo daughter had for the past 3 1/2 months. We finally broke the cycle two weeks ago. The diagnosis was never confirmed with imaging because couldn't get the unknowledgeable doctor to order an MRA / Mrv in time. But we followed the treatment protocol of removing all possible triggers and it worked ...
It sounds like PRES / RCVS. Recent research shows that vascular problems provoked by covid-19 can be a root cause. Basically, problems with blood circulation can start it. You get a painful pulsing base of skull pain that spreads down your spine and throughout the body. And your veins feel like they're throbbing. Getting a thunderclap headache can end the cycle and then you have to avoid triggers to keep it from starting back up. But removing all triggers might be able to calm your head back down again w/o enduring the horrible tch. Calcium channel blockers are supposed to help but my daughter couldn't tolerate the verapamil prescribed to her (we wanted nimodipine, but they gave her that). Try taking everything vasoconstricting out of your diet - ssris, NSAIDS, foods high in vitamin A like sweet potatoes and carrots, triptans, certain acne meds, coffee, antihistamines, hormone irregularities, check every herb or tea you ingest ... dandelion root and mint are both vasoconstricting. You can take vasodilators like coconut water or magnesium, but check you BP to make sure it doesn't go too low. Safe headache meds are Tylenol, feverfew and probably aspirin / Willow bark (they aren't vasoconstricting but they block a vasodilator in your body). You can buy magnesium sulfate (Epson salt) that is good grade and take 1-2 teaspoon as a good non prescription calcium channel blocker. Taking baths with Epson salt helps but avoid water that is too deep or too warm, because immersing yourself in warm water is a bad trigger.
Did a virus precede your head pain cycle? My daughter has mecfs / long COVID and are certain that this was the root cause, but there is barely any research on the link.
sounds like your neck and your posture needs attention. The head is like a bowling ball as we age with the muscles no longer able to do their job. You have to get a good kinseologist and MFR therapist to diagnose you and refer you for proper attention. Botox will relax the neck muscles so they don't tug on the head. Also your digestive problems may be caused by medication. Mine definitely ARE! You need to stay in care with a PCM who will support you on your journey. It sounds like most of your stuff can be cured but you aren't getting the support you need. Also the neuralgia - so very very painful! mine was actually caused by a cracked tooth unbeknownst to my expensive dentist until it cracked! It was extracted and the pain of 4 months immediately abated. See an eye doctor and have your eye lid muscles checked. I had a "tuck" on the eye weighty muscle and my vision is MUCH improved. who knew! You have a lot, and you will need to spend some time with different doctors. Aging can be a burden!
@nathansmith7143 - I moved your post to this discussion where you were discussing the symptoms you were experiencing in your head previously so you can return to your previous discussions:
- Head feels like it will explode daily. Severe cognitive difficulties https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/head-feels-like-it-will-explode-daily-severe-cognitive-difficulties/
Hoping members such as @joanm56 @gently @diannesmcneill will share about whether they've experienced head pressure with some head and eye aches, plus cognitive setback and some vision loss, along with some anxiety, breathlessness and digestive issues like you have described.
Did you end up hearing back from the neurology practice you were trying to get into previously? What did you decide about visiting with a cardiologist about the symptoms you are having?
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Everything you mentioned I have been experiencing. I have had every test you can think of the last 3 years and they cannot find a thing. It's debilitating and scary. Sometimes I even feel like I'm going to pass out the pressure is so overwhelming.