Head feels like it will explode daily. Severe cognitive difficulties

@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.

I am so sorry to hear what you're going through. This is far too much, and at such a young age. It's clear you are self reliant, determined, and intelligent. These skills will help you while you progress through your journey towards health. Please do not give up! Although you may feel it's hopeless at times (I certainly did and continue to at times), there's always the possibility for healing with the right help and support.

I am a 61 year old female and have a history of vestibular migraines going back 7 years. After seeing multiple neurologists, they discovered I have what's called transverse sinus stenosis, resulting in a condition named Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. Although I had multiple MRIs, it wasn't until a neurologist who specialized in tinnitus (I experience this intermittently) ordered an MRV of my brain that they discovered this. Since I was diagnosed, I've read reports of younger people with this condition who were helped tremendously by a procedure that involves placing a stent in the sinus vein.

I also want to mention that some of your symptoms sound like they're related to a dysregulated nervous system. I experience this due to an autoimmune disease and it's been a struggle, but I'm learning more and beginning to understand how to help ease some of my symptoms. I recommend you begin to research both of these conditions (idiopathic intracranial hypertension and dysregulated nervous system) and see if anything sounds familiar. If not, it's another thing you can check off your list. If so, it may provide some leads for you to pursue.

I've included some links to studies below, as well as links to two books that have helped me a lot. The first (Brave New Medicine) is written by a female doctor who experienced a debilitating illness that was extremely difficult to diagnose and treat. It gave her an entirely new perspective on the limitations of traditional approaches to medicine and, over time, she was able to heal herself. Although you may not feel you have anything in common with the author, this book may give you hope and make you realize you are not alone—nor is this all in your head. The second book, The Nervous System Reset, provides an excellent overview of the autonomic nervous system, as well as exercises to help balance dysregulation. This has helped me a lot. I checked them both out from my local library and eventually purchased them for reference.

One last thing I want to mention is that I now pay careful attention to my water intake, since dehydration will quickly result in a headache. Are you drinking enough water? If not, this is something you can try immediately. It's free, accessible, and my provide some relief. Also, what about your diet? I have to be super careful about what I eat, which allows me to live my life. Are you eating a healthy, balanced diet? Have you tried keeping a food journal to see if there's a correlation between food and your headaches and other symptoms? If not, something else to consider.

I hope you're able to locate someone to help guide you towards health and healing, and that you're able to find relief.

-SA

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension in males
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5946368/
Transverse Sinus Stenosis as an Underdiagnosed Cause of Chronic Headache: A Case Report
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11410061/
Chronic Stress and Headaches: The Role of the HPA Axis and Autonomic Nervous System
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11852498/
Brave New Medicine
https://www.amazon.com/Brave-New-Medicine-Unconventional-Autoimmune-ebook/dp/B07MQXR5DC/ref=sr_1_1
The Nervous System Reset
https://www.amazon.com/Nervous-System-Reset-Regulate-Emotions-ebook/dp/B0CK8D3YCR

Hello again,

I also wanted to recommend you read about mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and see if any of the symptoms fit. You can do a web search for "mast cell activation syndrome" AND "headache" (and all of your other symptoms) and see what you find. Another one to check off your list if it doesn't sound relevant to your situation. I've included a couple of links below to get started.

Please keep us posted on your progress. We are wishing you success in your journey towards restored health.

-SA

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (Cleveland Clinic)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/mast-cell-activation-syndrome
Neuropsychiatric Manifestations of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Response to Mast-Cell-Directed Treatment: A Case Series
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10672129/

Dear,
Nathan, I'm praying for you, that Lord God will bring you the help and healing you need. Barbara

Everything you’re going through minus the MRIs for the brain. I’m going through right now.
And it’s been gradual ever since I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, 10 years ago,(I really think it’s MS, but have never seen a neurologist)
I can tell you at least possibly hypothyroidism?
Or a similar Thyroid type issue
Or may I suggest seeing if you can get a lung x-ray or a chest x-ray?
Due to the breathing.
I also may suggest investing in a smart ring or something like that
(knockoff smart rings sell for 20 bucks on Temu)
I’m 43, so I’ve been having a lot of issues for at least 10 years now
But I’m waiting to find out if I had a heart attack or a stroke next week by my first appointment with the neurologist
I am mentioning the CT for clots or anything in your lungs
Also due to certain symptoms with the cognitive impairment that I’m extremely forgetful memories two seconds long-term is good that I’m suffering cognitively with memory and understanding conversation
I’m 43 like I said and this just happened so you might want to speak with your doctor and talk about thyroid levels any odd vitamin disorder perhaps and a CT

I have not heard of a dysregulated nervous system before. Recently, my father has been considering POTS as a potential diagnosis. The symptoms of POTS are plausible, and my heart rate does increase by about 30 BPM just by standing up.

My diet and appetite are good. I don't tend to eat junky foods or sweets very often whatsoever. Water is my main beverage too.

As far as I can remember, I haven't considered a possible thyroid issue. As for seeing neurologists, I saw one today who proclaimed that this was solely a mental problem and that I needed to get on with life. No matter how hard I push through my symptoms, I never feel any better, so I really don't believe what the neurologist told me. I've already seen 2 different therapists multiple times with no success and have been on multiple antidepressants. I just don't understand how this can solely be a mind thing. Doctors tell me to try and push through these symptoms and achieve goals like other humans do but it is such a strain that it's not worth it. I don't feel any self-satisfaction from achieving anything... all I feel is my head feeling like it will explode.

I mentioned mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) in my second post above and included a few references. MCAS and POTS are two conditions but they often occur together.

Also, do you have hypermobility of the joints? If so, there's a third condition that is often associated with both MCAS and POTS: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). You can watch a short video (3:47) of a doctor who specializes in these three conditions being interviewed about MCAS on a local news channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch. Be aware this condition is more common in females; however, it is not entirely uncommon in men and children. I highly recommend you look into this, if for nothing else than to rule it out. It could explain a lot of your symptoms.

One last thing: It's not always junky foods that cause problems. Sometimes, we can be allergic or sensitive to healthy foods. I highly recommend keeping a food journal for a couple of weeks to see if you discover a correlation between any food consumed (particularly gluten) and your symptoms.

I've included a few additional references below. I also included references in my earlier posts.

Take care,

-SA

Mast Cell Activation Disorder and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: A Clinical Association
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34398691/
A Tale of Two Syndromes – POTS and MCAS
https://dysautonomiainternational.org/blog/wordpress/a-tale-of-two-syndromes-pots-and-mcas/
The relationship between mast cell activation syndrome, postural tachycardia syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33980338/
The Trifecta: EDS, MCAS, & POTS
https://www.jimharrismd.com/doctor-for-mcas-eds-pots