Head feels like it will explode daily. Severe cognitive difficulties

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?

Sorry for delay - migraine had knock me out...

Not sure if you have had this - My Neurologist ordered a CT Scan with imaging, to see if blood vessels in brain were blocked. It's an IV fluid something that gets pushed into vein while in the CT machine.

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?

Good Morning Lisa,
It came on as increased food cravings, increased fatigue, nausea, auras (light flashing or prism - color separation), numbness hands and arms (dropped cellphone and tablet a few times), light sensitivity, dizzy, wake up sweating, brain ice pick stabbing and throbbing.
Lasted 10 days.
Relief - stay inside, rest throughout day, triptan, Vyepti Infusion have to wait 3 months for next (had two migraine infusion but they didn't last more than 3 days).

My new normal since 2020, headaches 24x7, poor sleeping (wake up every 1 to 2 hours), fatigue, loss of taste and smell (which is weird when I get the phantom smells - something burning), brain on fire - burning sensation after reading for 30 to 45 minutes or concentrating, throbbing headaches, thirsty, brain fog, tremors internal and hands, depression, dizzy, light headed, motion sensitivity, nausea, eye stutter (and dropped frames when seeing object in motion). I have had tinnitus since 1978 and allergies 1980 - two sinus surgeries 1998 and 2025.

Try to put symptoms in back of mind so I can get anything done, even if it's only one or two things a day.

nathansmith7143

Sorry, this is a late reply, only just came across your post.
But I've been suffering very similar symptoms which started summer last year (started about a week after a fall) and as you described has been horrendous to live with. To cut a long story short, seen many doctors, consultants, ENT, CT scan, MRI nothing abnormal found. Out of desperation I went to see a chiropractor last October and for the first time made some progress with the symptoms. The chiropractor diagnosed as 'occipital neuralgia' - 'sub occipital trigger points' in the neck. Subsequent treatment has substantially reduced symptoms, although not yet totally symptom free. I also found using a neck stretcher brace for 10-15 minutes at a time helped.

Whilst the cause of my symptoms may be different, a chiropractor check is worth a try if you are still suffering. Note: my chiropractor has only used gentle therapy to treat this condition (no neck cracking!).

@aw1 I'm writing this message to ask some questions, as I have many of the same symptoms as well, but I have yet to be diagnosed (plan to be diagnosed in ~3 months).

You mention you had similar symptoms to Nathan. Do your Occipital Neuralgia symptoms include the same depersonalization issues that Nathan had? I'm certain I have those depersonalization issues, and you also having them would make me consider ON as a possibility even more. Also, how would you describe your ON pain? I've been looking into ON forums, and they mainly describe their pain as nervous in nature (zappy, shocking, sudden). Some describe it as only pressure, but that seems rather rare. Do you have the same constant pressure that Nathan described? Or is it more zappy and nerve-like?

Any answer to these questions would be greatly appreciated!

@matthew9324

Hi Matthew, sorry to hear you suffer many of the same symptoms.
Yes, I do suffer the same constant pressure that Nathan described. It does vary intensity but rarely goes completely. Worse when concentrate on an activity for a period of time. I was very sensitive to noise some months ago but at least that symptom has reduced now. I did suffer zappy horrible pains in the first weeks of the constant pressure which was probably why I had an MRI. I also had a CT scan with dye to check blood flow. But nothing abnormal was found. I've also recently seen a vascular consultant who advised my issue isn't vascular and still waiting on neuro referral for nearly a year now.
I think I have some but minimal depersonalisation issues. I'm still seeing the chiropractor and also a massage therapist who has knowledge of treating injuries. Chiropractor is not sure if ON is all or part of the cause. I would say on a scale of 1 to 10. 10 being the worst. When I started seeing the chiropractor and using a neck stretcher last October my symptoms dropped from 10 down to 5 but needs regular use of the neck stretcher. A few weeks ago I then also started weekly with the massage therapist (chiropractor approved) and the symptoms have dropped between 0-3 for 1-2 days after treatment but returns to 4-6.
I do find exercise helps, cardio machines at gym, walking, swimming. I try do include something every day. But the underlying condition is not easy to live with as is invisible to others. With no definite diagnosis and has been going on for over a year now. An ENT specialist mentioned I may also be suffering from Post Concussion Syndrome which is difficult to diagnose. Anyway, hope this is helpful.

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?

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?

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?