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Head feels like it will explode daily. Severe cognitive difficulties

Posted by nathansmith7143 @nathansmith7143, Apr 10 8:22pm

I have been dealing with constant head pressure in the back of my head for over a year. It has gradually gotten worse over time, and with this negative development came decreased cognitive function as well. I am not as sharp as I used to be, and my memory is extremely poor. I also cannot seem to feel joy anymore no matter how positive my mindset is. Bear in mind that I am only an 18-year-old male, so I am still young. I often find myself zoning out in my own thoughts as the pressure and pain gets worse. I am hardly present in the current moment; therefore, I really struggle to be mindful and live in the present at all times. As I type this, I find myself struggling to sharply think of how to compose this message. Anyway, the symptoms don't stop with my head. I also feel like I'm out of breath when I talk, and I have on-and-off debilitating anxiety that really gets me down in the dumps. Also, my limbs will just feel restless and achy randomly without any clear explanation. I have seen many doctors and found no relief. Pain killers and supplements are futile. I have only had an MRI laying down, but no chiari malformation was spotted, nor were there any other abnormalities. This chronic pain I deal with in my head makes me deal with a huge mental challenge from day to day. I have gone through the psychiatric route and have found no relief either, despite numerous therapy sessions and numerous (5-6) antidepressant medications. Currently, I struggle mentally from day to day and dread each day. I go to bed as early as I can (8:00 PM) to escape the chronic symptoms. All in all, these symptoms make me feel like I am going insane. I am so desperate for my life back and I know living life is worth so much... that is why I am still here typing this message. However, I cannot live like this forever... this is UNBEARABLE and I need help. Any thoughts?

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dbond4 | @dbond4 | Apr 24 10:57am
In reply to @kimandjoe "My husband has been having very similar symptoms for 2 years now and it’s getting worse...." + (show)
@kimandjoe

My husband has been having very similar symptoms for 2 years now and it’s getting worse. His is on the left side of his head and they see “nothing”. He’s been turned down by Mayo Clinic for help 3-4 times with the latest being the MN facility. We live in Florida and were willing to travel out there 😞 Shands finally told us last week he has (CAA) Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy. At least there’s a name for it. No cure for him. They typically use an auto-immune suppressant but after age 65 they won’t it’s too risky if he gets sick. You’re young fight for your health!! I’m so disappointed, but we move forward and live each day the best we can.

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How were they finally able to diagnose your husband? Maybe the test can help Nathan know what to ask for 🤔

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dbond4 | @dbond4 | Apr 24 11:13am
In reply to @nathansmith7143 "As far as I can remember, I haven't considered a possible thyroid issue. As for seeing..." + (show)
@nathansmith7143

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.

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What has your general doctor say? You said you’re 18?(suffering still from my mysterious episode so cognitive impairment is thete$ do you get your regular annual lab work? I would request a full thyroid panel (depending on your insurance ect) maybe something metabolic I believe was mentioned early
Definitely get the thyroid
Do these symptoms come and go or are they consistent ? Since they started did it progress or did you get all of this in an instant?
Were you sick in any memorable way perhaps 4 months before this started?
So you have any family members even extended with any health problems,passed early? Stuff like that?

I’m asking because those types of questions can narrow things down a bit

I know not feeling right in your body and brain and people think our younger generation are all just dramatic and blah blah But I believe you. Just remember certain things can trigger or make your main health problem create more havoc or intensify everything that is going on
I’m 43 a mom of 5 biological and a few extra o kept along the way. My oldest is 27,24,17,twin14 year olds
We all have genetic conditions auto immune. Hereditary predisposition to cancers,most mental illness
Rare genetic disease that requires transplant (my daughter was 7 bone marrow transplant back in 2007. Children in New Orleans did it. She was the second child that was treated for her condition ever!
Detailed family history is your best friend
Sorry so long. Hopefully all this helps

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dbond4 | @dbond4 | Apr 24 11:21am
In reply to @nathansmith7143 "Hello. The headaches do not go away when I lay down, but I do feel the..." + (show)
@nathansmith7143

Hello. The headaches do not go away when I lay down, but I do feel the need to lay down a lot in order to tolerate the pain and pressure. The headaches are the worst later in the day (typically in the evening). I am out of breath when I exercise and I cannot push through the headaches if the exercise is intense. I do walk from time to time which makes the headache harder to tolerate. I don't have a lot of pressure in my life that would act as stressors. I am primarily concerned with my health as of right now.

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After reading this Have you had a classic neck to toe X-ray?
I really think you need to see a cardiologist. Do you have a smart ring or anything that will track your blood pressure/pulse oxygen? Get one asap. Get familiar and learn what’s healthy and not
They have this condition in kids your age group that has risen since Covid (regardless if your got Covid,the vaccine or got sick )
Please see your regular doctor. Or your parents.. nothing was mentioned so I’m not sure of if you do your health appointments or if your parents still do
O also think an X-ray for the breathing may be very important Your not crazy

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