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Constant head pressure and headaches
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?
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Neurosurgeon dx mine
C2 and C3 send nerves to the back of your head. The cervical neck can negatively affect the autonomic nervous system giving you the symptoms of ahedonia etc. https://caringmedical.com/prolotherapy-news/symptoms-dysautonomia/
An upright MRI can give marked view of pressures on the central canal. This might be especially helpful if you don't wake up with the headache.
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1 ReactionThis article explains how upright MRI can see more details than a flat MRI.
https://neurolaunch.com/upright-brain-mri/
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3 ReactionsI wake up with the headache. I am wondering if it's better to get an upright MRI or a cervical MRI?
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1 ReactionSee RFA, "Posted by summerstar @summerstar, Aug 27, 2023" for comparison only. My Cervical radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was mostly successful and did not include any of the problems summerstar experienced.
In my case I suffered with severe pain headaches for decades. Those ongoing and frequent pain headaches subsided after two RFA treatments in 2017. Not sure how much later head pressure became an apparent new side effect. To date headaches with pain have been more of a nuisance, infrequent and tolerable but the head pressure has continued and has gotten progressively worse since my serious bout with West Nile Virus in late 2021. A recent MRI of the brain did not indicate any serious problems other than being 78 but I continue to deal with this intolerable head pressure headaches. I welcome anyone's response.
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1 ReactionSorry, and upright cervical. Some clinics offer seated MRIs of the neck to show the position of everything in the upright position instead of supine.
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1 ReactionGetting a referral to a Spine and Pain Doctor would help greatly! They will do all the test needed. Your symptoms sound a lot like mine! I have Occipital Neuropathy and have had all kinds of procedures done such as epidurals and injections that help with the neuropathy and headaches. I am currently getting worked up for a spinal cord stimulator trail. I am praying that this will at least help with the pain enough that I can go swimming a paddleboarding again.
I hope you get some relief soon!
Blessings,
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4 Reactions@nathansmith7143
Cervical spine MRI can show if your spinal cord and blood vessels/nerves are being compressed/injured which can cause many symptoms, including head pain/pressure.
Nathan, chsjewel7770 gives us great information, I was unaware of the upright MRI of the brain. You might have a struggle finding a provider both of the requisition and of the scan. In your position I would call neurolaunch. They will know where the scanners are located and they'll know which neurologists are prescribing. I would also contact chsjewel and ask for the name of her prescribing neurologist. https://neurolaunch.com/contact-us/
This would be the first test I'd pursue most aggressively. But I wouldn't wait for the upright MRI of the cervical neck because you can seek them at the same time. I suspect the brain MRI will take the longest to secure. Both of these scans are preferrable to the lumbar puncture scan that I suggested because they are noninvasive. So I would leave that scan until there are results from the other two. And keep posting because every time you post a new person will see your questions. Bless your struggle
I have degenerative disc disease. Arthritis in my neck basically. That's what I was thinking you may have. Nothing scary.