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Legs Cramps and head pressure
I have searched the internet and haven't been able to find anything that shows the exact symptoms I'm having. Let me begin by saying I have a degenerated disc at L5. Recently my back went out, with spasms and pain. I began having some pain down my right leg. My chiropractor has gotten me back to normal but I am left with leg cramps. They only occur after I stand up after sitting for a while. It takes about 5-10 seconds but then the cramps start in the backs of my legs, top to bottom, almost like charley horses. At the same exact time, I get a feeling like blood rushing to my head. My head and ears feel full and I can even hear my heart beat in my head. It feels like a pressure, centering more around my ears and sides of my throat. Then after about a minute the cramps subside and the head fullness goes away at the same time. I really hope someone else has experienced this. My chiropractor says the lower back issue will cause the leg "cramps" that are really the nerves. But, it can't cause what is happening in my head. I do know that if it were really charley horses in my legs, my muscles would be sore. I've had charley horses before. But, my legs muscles are not sore, so I'm tending to believe that it is nerves running down my legs. I also wonder if it's a vascular thing.
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You need to see a neurologist I have heard of this but I can't remember the name.
Hi Newbie –
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I had terrible leg and feet cramps until a year ago, I am 64 yrs. old/look about 50/55 due to taking care of myself- I never had children, Iget enough sleep, no cigarettes, no liquor, except maybe now I take a glass of wine -when I think of it in the evening,sweet wine-not to sweet, and exercise alot.
I found that I had iron deficiency anemia- I could feel pain in my legs because when I pinch the calves of my legs they hurt alot so I got on a megadose of iron pills-Spring Valley from Walmart- I take 5 - 65 mgs, daily-when I think about it-, along with 3 pills each of 400 mg x3magnesium- Spring Valley- from Walmart on a full stomach///It has been almost a year now of self therapy and the leg cramps are ceasing/except for there is still some pain in my calves but no where as painful as it use to be. The magnesium pills, I think work perfect together with the iron pills-so that is why I keep taking both.. A Rabbi's wife @ our synogogue told me she takes Magnesium everyday that is why I started on them. I found she was right. I mean her therapy was right for me.//////// My blood test results had always come back anemic but doctors never told me that it was related to leg cramps and never suggested iron therapy for iron deficiency anemia. Finally after all my life suffering from it, I was desperate to try something! I praise G-d my legs are stronger and much less painful. Plus, I couldn't work jobs where I had to stand on my feet all my life because my legs were weak and so painful.
I don't believe this therapy is for everybody; maybe a few-only if you have iron deficency anemia. I am not a doctor, or even a Registered Nurse. I hope and pray I have helped somebody.
I have been searching the internet and came across this, as they are the exact same symptoms I’m having. Spasming nerves in my calves and then pressure in my head for a minute or so then it passes. Did you find an answer? I’m desperate. Chances are probably low that you’ll see this since it’s been 11 years.
Hi @lgarrington I sure hope @newbie64 is still in our forum and can give you some suggestions. But it does look as though they haven’t been active since they posted the comment in 2011.
Your symptoms must be really frustrating and unsettling. I’ve had leg cramps in the past, but they weren’t associated with any pressure in my head. Mine were from low magnesium from a medication I was taking. How long has this been going on for you? Any suggestions from your doctor? Have you had blood work done?
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1 ReactionI know I’m hoping so too… I’ve had ALL the tests. Only thing left is an MRI. I get head rushes while sitting down, in conjunction with leg spasms. I have a ton more symptoms that all point to MS. I’m 33.
Good morning, @lgarrington, This has to be weighing heavily on your mind, for sure. A diagnosis involving the nervous system can take time, especially with MS. It’s more often a diagnosis by exclusion of ‘what it’s not’ because there are a number of other conditions which can mimic MS. So try not to let your mind drift into a negative area.
Did you have a lumbar puncture? It will show abnormalities in antibodies that are associated with MS. A spinal tap can also help rule out infections and other conditions with symptoms similar to MS.
Have you had an MRI previously? Your doctors will want to do a thorough exam, so I’m suspecting your MRI will be of the brain and spinal cord. I’ve had four of these over the past 2 years. From my experience, this scan may take 2.5 - 3 hours. It’s painless but trying to lie still for that length of time is a little challenging…plus I’m claustrophobic. Wiggling and fidgeting is not an option during the MRI.
My doctor was a sweetie and ordered Lorazepam for me. It worked like magic. I take .5mg starting 1.5 hour before, then another 1.0 mg a half hour later. So, 1.5mg in total, with the last dose about 1/2 hour before the MRI. Keeps me relaxed, no claustrophobia at all, but still awake for the entire process. Depending where you have this done, some units have music you can select. I would suggest asking for a mild relaxant before the MRI just to give you an easier time.
I hope you find some answers soon because, I know, the waiting and wondering just sap your strength. Will you please let me know what you find out?