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Constant head pressure and headaches
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?
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You really need to have more test done. Blood work, thyroid checked. Many people have issues that don't make any sense,but your body is trying to tell you something. Please go have more test done! Don't give up
Keep a daily log with time of day of your symptoms at that time, the time and what medications you take, the time and what you eat and drink during the day. Also write Down time you wake up and time you go to sleep. Include time of exercise. Take this to your appointment with your neurologist and give your list to the receptionist to give to the dr. Basically a daily log. When you take medication make short note of pain and where pain is and how you feel. Hope you get some help. Include in log at the time of taking medication how you felt before and how you feel after taking medication after about 30 min, one hour, and two hours.
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1 Reaction@nathansmith7143
If I were you or if you were my son, this is what I would do:
1. Get a MRI of my cervical spine by an orthopedic spine specialist to check for compression/flattening of spinal cord/nerve roots/nerves and blood vessels.
2. Get updated MRI of my brain (new neurologist) to check brain matter changes and vascular structures. It may be good to do a functional MRI and EEG.
3. See cardiologist for bloodwork/EKG/ultrasound of carotid arteries/vasculature in neck. They may be able to do a tilt table test and ankle brachial index test.
4. See a psychologist for an assessment to check memory function and emotions for a baseline for where you are now.
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2 Reactions@nathansmith7143
Have you seen an ophthalmologist to check your eyes?
My heart aches for you and what you're going through. I would suggest you keep calling the neurologist... be persistent.
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1 ReactionI have, last year. Everything ended up seeming normal.
Suggest Upright MRI and cervical / spine.
Symptoms sounds similar to :
Cranio-cervical instability (CCI) is a medical condition where the ligaments that support the connection between the skull and the upper spine become weakened, leading to excessive movement and potential neurological issues. Symptoms can include chronic headaches, neck pain, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties ( also vision signs and symptoms)..
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3 ReactionsHave you had imaging down on your neck? Thinking about how my cervical problems give me a dull headache almost constantly. But I also get migraines which I am using Aimovig injection, it has been life changing. One more thing, i sincerely hope you find answers, chronic pain even if not severe is really tough to cope with.
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3 ReactionsI understand getting an MRI of the spine, but what would an upright MRI achieve?
Do you know what kind of specialist I would need to see for CCI?
I have not had imaging of my neck, but multiple people on this forum have suggested that to me. What might imaging of the neck rule out? A spinal leak? CCI?