Anyone else experiencing what I call head "awareness?"

Had it now for 9 months...sudden onset 11/10/2021. Fever, chills, brain fog, fatigue, bad nasal drainage...nothing into chest. No loss of smell or taste. Five days after first symptom was finally able to get into clinic for COVID test....negative. Was affected for nearly 3 weeks before nasal issues diminished. Brain fog, concentration, balance issues, fatigue continued along with the newly recognized head 'awareness' or 'sensation.' Many of the symptoms of long haul COVID or chronic fatigue syndrome. I've had numerous blood tests, seen neurologist, had brain MRI. No indications of the cause.

Sensation covers the area of the head roughly outlined by an old fashioned lady's swim cap with a chin strap. It's not a pain, a pressure or a tension; it's just an unending, irritating....sensation. It is aggravated by concentration, physical activity, bright light and alcohol on the rare occasion when I imbibe.

The docs don't seem to have a clue what's causing it. The neurologist put me on the pain med, Gabapentin (600MG 1x/day) for possible nerve pain. Hasn't helped.

Any of you folks experiencing this?? It' about driving me crazy.

Welcome @allicatguy. Your symptoms sound very much like long Covid.
"A negative COVID-19 test means the test did not detect the virus, but this doesn’t rule out that you could have (had) an infection." (Source https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html)

This is a dilemna that other long haulers have faced too like @cathusa @ameed @otter2154 @bbartolotto @otter2154 and others
See this related discussion:
- COVID test negative: How can I be sure my symptoms are long COVID? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/do-covid-long-haulers-test-neg-or-pos/

Did you have the PCR test? Did you retest?

Same - 2 Pfizer shots plus Pfizer booster - booster derailed me and also at 9 months post. I have that weird head stuff - not a pain or headache but a buzzing and burning sensation? It doesn’t go away with Advil/Tylenol. I think it gets worse with extra stimuli. What has helped me is ice packs - on the back of the head/neck and on the face. Put an eye mask on to block out light and movement for a bit while icing or resting. All my basic tests are normal too. Functional med doctor said the vaccines activated dormant viruses and he is working with me to calm down all the activated nerve endings.

Hi...and thanks for responding. I looked back in my medical records and the test I had was a Transcription Medicated Amplification (TMA). According to the paperwork this test, according to the CDC, is equivalent to a PCA test. No, I did not get a second test. Doc was satisfied with first test results.

Hi...and thanks for sharing your experience. At least now I know I'm not alone. You are fortunate to have a doc willing to acknowledge your symptoms and offer a possible explanation for them. I get the impression sometimes from the docs that my symptoms are "all in my head." Like you OTC pain drugs don't have any effect. Haven't thought of/tried the ice pack idea. Will have to give it a try. Best wishes for success in achieving relief from your "torment."

Hang in there. You are def not alone! There are many of us out there. You can look for a functional med doc/naturopath. Ask around. Electrolytes have also helped a ton - keep hydrated. Hugs.

Allicatguy, I thought you might also be interested in this related discussion
- Can Mayo help with undiagnosed fatigue and brain fog? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/can-mayo-help-with-undiagnosed-fatigue-and-brain-fog/

Pfizer booster also did me in. I wish there was more help out there for folx with adverse vaccine reactions. I’m seeing a functional PA and really hoping we can spin the clock back!

I just want to go back to ‘normal’. For me - the ping ponging of my nervous system is frustrating. I think symptoms are decreasing or gone and then they pop up again. But at least I can function and live almost fully again right now - grateful for that. This is a long challenging journey that others cannot comprehend.

I agree with you- forward is so non linear which makes it so mentally challenging. Just when you think it might be lifting some other system flares! I’m with you… we can do this. Spiraling forward …