Attention: head pressure, pressure in head, headache people!

[Citizen T]

Hello everyone, after suffering for nearly 2 years with a mysterious neurological-like condition, I have almost given up all hope of living a normal life again. After a whole lot of research on the net, I have run into several postings with people describing my condition almost down to the exact letter. However, many of these posts are on some obscure website with the postings being months or years old. The purpose of my post here is to *hopefully* unite those of us who suffer from this unexplained condition.

The one symptom that seems to bond us all together is a constant "pressure" sensation behind the forehead and beneath the front top of the head. The way people describe this varies according to personal expression, but it is usually best described as an expanding sensation behind the forehead as if the brain is growing larger with nowhere to go. The headache is dull, non-throbbing, and does not get worse with exercise. The patient will also describe a sort of "perpetual dizziness" that may be constant or may come and go again. Usually, but not allways the patient will describe the sensation of having a constantly blocked nose even in the absence of any type of discharge or sinus infection. Most but not all patients will describe a feeling of tension or stiffness in the cranial muscles, especially in the forehead.

[Citizen T]

Also, a lot of sufferers may describe the sensation that a heavy weight is sitting on top of their head all the time. A few sufferers describe visual hallucinations such as black streaks out of the corner of their eyes especially early on in the course of the illness.

Every one of us have been to multiple doctors, neurologists, ENT, even chiro's with no answers. We have been mocked by doctors, brushed aside, referred to psychiatrists, and have lost our ability to live a normal life. We have all have the usual brain scans and bloodwork which all appears normal. When we first started feeling bad, we all thought we were dying, but we're still alive and kicking but we are in serious discomfort all the time. We have thought of all the possibilities such as environmental factors in our homes.

Please reply and describe what is going on with you if this describes you. I would like to actually accomplish something here rather than just swap stories. I'm really sick of feeling like this. I don't know what I want to do yet, maybe start a petition describing our problem and one of us take it to the Mayo Clinic or something. I am actually convinced that we have an illness that is yet to be discovered.

[Citizen T]

I forgot to add that almost all of us also feel like we are living in a perpetual dream-like state, a very frightening state of mind.

[kitlyn]

HI I had to respond to the, "head pressure" post. I has never ever had this until August 2006. It began suddenly. I thought i was literally dying i felt so badly. The pressure sometimes crawl up my neck into my head..but i awoke most mornings w this. I can take a lot..and i did for Aug and finally in late August sawa neurologist. It felt for me like i was going a million miles an hour on a roller coaster..it would also cause me to feel like weakness going into my arm. The Neurologist said that this was most likly emotional I knew it was something. However , my MRI was NOt normal, and i have two spots . I came online to see what others had head pressure. Even in one ER thye were baffled w it , and said they had no idea what it was  and said it wa snerves. I thought maybe a pinched nerve in neck could also cause , but anyway.. what other symptoms do you have . Mine is most likly diff than yours. I am getting a lumbar puncture .Take care and your not alone. Kit

[KIENOW]

Wow...it sounds like me..here are my symptoms:  dull/pressure headaches,dizziness,concentration issues,fatigued,ear plugged,   I am a 32 year old male who before this played hoops every night lifted weights, ect.  Fun loving person who had/has everything...great family/ ect.  So I have had all the blood tests and MRIs..everything checked out fine.  Had two spinal taps where my opening pressure was 40cc and 28cc..also a flo study of my spinal fluid.  The doc diagnosed me with a pseudotumor but have had second/third opinions that say I have a brain virus..It has made me into a person I don't even know...I sometimes feel better at night and first thing in the morning....also have severe anxiety over this..Have thought about going to Mayo..The last seven months have been awful...The best way to explain how I am feeling is severly hung over...
Take Care You're not alone
Scott

[mineandours]

Hi everyone...Neurological Lyme disease can cause these problems. Once that bacteria penetrates the pristine environment of the central nervous system, all sorts of bizarre things happen. Doctors don't know about it or its co-infections---even at the best hospitals.  If you want to be properly tested and diagnosed and treated, your only recourse is to find a Lyme specialist.  (www.LymeNet.org)  I'm not saying this is for certain what is wrong, but it certainly warrants investigation.
Been there, done that for two years and saw 14 doctors. Was ridiculed, brushed aside, shouted out and condescended to. Lyme can evade detection in BOTH blood and spinal fluid so it is ultimately a clinical diagnosis. You don't have to recall a bite or have gotten the rash to get it. I sure didn't.

Musculoskeletal System
Joint pain or swelling or tenderness
Stiffness of joints, back, neck
Muscle pain or cramps
Bone pain

Neurological System
Tremors or unexplained shaking (especially at night)
Burning or stabbing sensations in the body
Weakness or partial paralysis/stroke-like symptoms
Pressure in the head
Numbness in body, tingling, pinpricks
Poor balance, dizziness, difficulty walking
Increased motion sickness
Lightheadedness, wooziness
Sudden jerking of fingers or entire limbs
Pain in spinal column

General Well-being
Unexplained weight gain, loss
Extreme fatigue
Swollen glands
Unexplained fevers (high or low grade)
Continual infections (sinus, kidney, eye, etc.)
Symptoms seem to change, come and go
Pain migrates (moves) to different body parts
Early on, experienced a "flu-like" illness, after which you have not since felt well.  (If it was mild, you may not even recall this.)

Eyes/Vision
Double, blurry or dim vision
Increased floating spots
Pain in/behind eyes, or swelling around eyes
Over sensitivity to light
Flashing lights
Optic neuritis

Ears/Hearing
Decreased hearing in one or both ears
Buzzing or clicking noises in ears
Pain in ears or sound sensitivity
Ringing in one or both ears
Pressure or feeling of fullness in ears

Digestive and Excretory Systems
Diarrhea, irritable bowel
Constipation
Irritable bladder (trouble starting, stopping)
Frequent urination that is not normal
Upset stomach (nausea or pain)

Respiratory and Circulatory Systems
Shortness of breath, cough
Chest pain or rib soreness
Night sweats or unexplained chills
Heart palpitations or extra beats
Heart blockage

Psychological well-being
Mood swings, irritability, rage
Unusual depression
Disorientation (getting or feeling lost)
Feeling as if you are losing your mind
Overemotional reactions, crying easily
Too much sleep, or insomnia
Difficulty falling or staying asleep

Mental Capability
Memory loss (short or long term)
Confusion, difficulty in thinking, brain fog
Difficulty with concentration or reading
Going to the wrong place
Speech difficulty (slurred or slow)
Stammering speech
Forgetting how to perform simple tasks

Head, Face, Neck
Unexplained hair loss
Headaches, mild or severe
Twitching of facial or other muscles
Facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy)
Tingling of nose, cheek or face
Stiff or painful neck or creaking
Jaw pain or stiffness
TMJ – sudden onset, jaw spasms
Sore throat, hoarseness
Loss of sense of taste
Difficulty swallowing, throat spasms

Females only:
Unexplained menstrual pain, irregularity
Unexplained breast pain, discharge

Males only:
Testicular or pelvic pain

LYME FACTS
1. You do not have to recall a bite or have gotten the target rash to have Lyme disease. Less than 50% of people with Lyme do.
2. The tick that carries Lyme is as small as the period at the end of this sentence and their nymphs are nearly microscopic.  Ticks are on the move at 35º and above. It’s a year-round problem.
3. You do not have to experience ALL of these symptoms to have Lyme disease.  It is also typical for many of these symptoms to come and go or occur once and never occur again.
4. It is possible to have Lyme disease and have a negative test result.  After Lyme bacteria enters your system, it tricks your immune system into no longer producing antibodies to fight it, hence, a negative test result. There are also other numerous factors that can affect the results.
5. Lyme bacteria hide in the spinal fluid, bone, tendons, muscle and nerve fibers and tissues and in many cases are not “floating” around in the bloodstream where they can be picked up on a test. It is a cousin to the syphilis bacteria and very difficult to eradicate.
6. It takes a LYME SPECIALIST to diagnose, test for and treat Lyme disease and any of its associated co-infections. To find one go to www.LymeNet.org.
or www.ilads.org.  Lyme specialists do not require a referral.  

NOTE: Everyone may have symptoms that appear on this list; however, it does not mean he/she has Lyme disease.  If one has numerous symptoms on this list and no other explanation for them, consider Lyme.

[Citizen T]

Lyme disease usually manifests with body/joint pains. This is not a symptom of the condition I'm describing. Although a Lyme titer isn't 100% accurate, a negative result makes Lyme even less likely.

[mineandours]

I've been heavily involved in Lyme for several years now, attending conferences, etc., and I've been on antibiotics for nearly three years.  Neurological Lyme disease does not necessarily manifest itself with joint pains.  I didn't have them.  My first symptom was a non-stop headache for months on end.

One can have a flaming, raging case of Lyme disease and test negative on ANY test in both blood and spinal fluid.  Please read the following and if your symptoms continue, you may want to revisit the issue.

Nine Reasons for False Negative Lyme Disease Blood Test Results
From the Lyme Disease Foundation brochure, Frequently Asked Questions About Lyme Disease

1. Antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) are present, but the laboratory is unable to detect them.

2. Antibodies against Bb may not be present in detectable levels in a patient with Lyme disease because the patient is currently on, or has recently taken, antibiotics. The antibacterial effect of antibiotics can reduce the body's production of antibodies.

3. Antibodies against Bb may not be present in detectable levels in a patient with Lyme disease because the patient is currently on or has previously taken anti-inflammatory steroidal drugs These can suppress a person's immune system, thus reducing or preventing an antibody response.

4. Antibodies against Bb may not be present in detectable levels in a patient with Lyme disease because the patient's antibodies may be bound with the bacteria with not enough free antibodies available for testing.  

For this reason, some of the worst cases of Lyme disease test negative -- too much bacteria for the immune system to handle.

5. Antibodies against Bb may not be present in detectable levels in a patient with Lyme disease because the patient could be immunosuppressed for a number of other reasons, and the immune system is not reacting to the bacteria.

6. Antibodies against Bb may not be present in detectable levels in a patient with Lyme disease because the bacteria has changed its makeup (antigenic shift) limiting recognition by the patient's immune system.

7. Antibodies against Bb may not be present in detectable levels in a patient with Lyme disease because the patient's immune response has not been stimulated to produce antibodies, i.e., the blood test is taken too soon after the tick-bite (8-6 weeks).

Please do not interpret this statement as implying that you should wait for a positive test to begin treatment.

8. Antibodies against Bb may not be present in detectable levels in a patient with Lyme disease because the laboratory has raised its cutoff too high.

9. Antibodies against Bb may not be present in detectable levels in a patient with Lyme disease because the patient is reacting to the Lyme bacteria, but is not producing the "right" bands to be considered positive.

[KIENOW]

Great comment on Lyme disease...the lady that owned my house had lyme disease and I talked to the doctor about this and he gave me a blood test that showed negative for Lyme disease...could I still have this???the blood test showed negative...
Scott

[zzzzzzzzzz]

Hi - I had head pressure and dizziness along with constant headaches and other obscure symptoms  - Neuro is still unsure about the cause - had 2 normal MRIs, but no other tests as yet. Put me on Neurontin - was supposed to be for nerve pain - didn't help that, but did take away head pressure and dizziness at a dose of 900mg /day.

[cat457]

Hello Mineandyours,
I have been having weird symptoms for 3 months... it started with heavy legs, dizzyness, sore muscles and quick shooting pains coming and going it various parts of body.  
My GP gave me blood tests and neuro exam and I was fine.  He then referred me to a Neurologist, who gave me a neuro test and I passed all sensory, balance, reflex, etc. test.  I had a Brain MRI and that was also clear... no MS, no tumor, no nothing.
I am beginning to wonder if I have Lyme disease... now I have this strange soreness that comes and goes in hip joints, and leg muscles... is there a special Lyme test that most GPs don't do? If so, is this a special blood test over and beyond the basic blood panel tests that the GPs order?
Thanks in advance for your response.

[ihatepvc's]

I tested positive for Lyme over the summer but continue to have this sinus type pressure in my head. I was put on antibiotics for sinusitis, which i was sure I didn't have but while I was on the antibiotics, I felt the best I had felt in a long time. I'm thinking I still have Lyme and the antibiotics were helping with that. Now I'm off the antibiotics and the head pressure is back!

[cat457]

What test do they perform to test for Lyme Disease??
Hope u continue to feel better.

[Chow Chow]

Hi Mineandours,
Wow I have alot of those symptoms including head pressure, memory loss, difficulty falling and staying asleep, mood swings, irritability, depression that starts very suddenly, an unexplained tingling sensation in my feet and hands, feeling of fullness in both ears and many others. I have four questions for you...
(1)Should I get tested for Lyme disease?
(2)Where do I go to get tested for Lyme disease?
(3)Is Lyme disease a bad thing?
(4)How can it be cured?
    Thank you soooooo much, I never would have thought about Lyme disease being a diagnosis for my problem. You have opened up an entirley new soloution. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

[tomjames88]

I have the same pressure behind my right side forehead!! it started about a year and half ago, and i started getting night terrors, and the pressure would not go away!! and i had a tingling sensation in my left hand down my neck and my elbow on left hand!  so frusterating and scarey!  the doctor gave me antibiotic amoxicillin and it caused my skin to burn a bit, and then he referred me to a shrink saying it might be depression or something!!!  well, its back again!! it went away over the summer but i suffered through with it during spring time and winter last year!!!  any advice??  

THANKS~!

--- Tom

[OSSup]

I developed my horrible problems after getting braces.  I have gone to all types of Drs. and learned that braces can cause cranial problems.  I tried an appliance called ALF to level my bite but I it didn't help either.  It all started with pressure in my forehead and developed into slight pain that went away when I laid down.  After a year, I developed mental fog and pain that lasts all day long now.  My head is tender and touching my head affects the pain.

[rmeg]

I've had headaches, pressure, hands and feet tingle, now for about one month. I stopped eating fish in case it's mercury poisoning. I doubt it's Lyme's disease because I live in the desert. I also doubt that it's just tension. This is how I often felt when exposed to smog, except once I left the city the symptoms would disappear and at this point they are constant. Very annoying.

[joseph_k]

Hey everyone.  I have had symptoms that sound a lot like what the original poster (citizen t) describes, for about 3.5 months now.  It sucks, in a big way.

Here's a run-down of my symptoms:

- Constant feeling of pressure  surrounding eyes, including lower forehead -- basically where the sinus cavities are
- When at worst, pressure focuses behind my right eye, and feels like a warm thumb twisting into my brain
- More or less constant dizziness
- In last two months, pressure has moved out to ears, which I now force to pop almost constantly to try to relieve pressure.  Feels like it helps while I'm doing it, but no lasting relief from pressure.
- All symptoms subside more or less entirely when I lie down.  I sleep fine, but once I get up in the morning, the pressure gradually returns and builds, and remains throughout the day.
- Pressure tends to be worst in afternoon.
- No drainage or anything like that.

Attempted treatments:

- I've been on antibiotics on and off for several months.  One round of Augmentin seemed to help dramatically, but not 100%, and then symptoms gradually got worse again.
- Several rounds of steroids.  Seem to help while I'm on them, but useless long-term.
- Zyrtec (allergy med): no effect.

My best guess right now:

I think there's a fair chance that what I have is a very stubborn sinus infection.  Almost all of my symptoms are concentrated in the sinus areas, except for the ear pressure, which I'm told can easily be caused by inflamed sinus tissue pushing pressure outwards.  I'm thinking that I have an infection that was partially killed with my first round of Augmentin, but is now resistant to all the antibiotics we're trying, so it is basically a hold-out that is festering in my sinus tissue.  I had a CT scan that showed a small amount of inflammation in the area from where most of my discomfort seems to originate, but which my doctor thought (maybe wrongly) wasn't significant enough to explain the symptoms I describe.

My next steps:

I'm going to try something called colloidal silver (ordered some from a company called "Peaceful Mountain," but there are many), which apparently was in widespread use before antibiotics became the dominant treatment for infections.  It sounds hippie-ish to me, but apparently it was actually used with substantial success in the old days, and bacteria don't develop resistance to it like they do to antibiotics.  Plan to begin treatment with that this afternoon, and see what happens -- it's supposed to attack both fungus and bacteria, so if the problem is bacteria growing in a fungus layer, it should wipe it out with an aggressive enough treatment.  Many people claim this stuff works wonders, so I'm giving it a shot.

If that doesn't work, I'm hoping to talk my doctor into doing sinus surgery, just to see what happens.   I'll pretty much try anything at this point.

One thing I'm curious about from other people -- how many people find that their symptoms go away completely when they lie down at night, and then come back when they get up and move around for a bit and then build throughout the day, as long as you're upright?

Thanks for listening.  Good luck to everyone.

[rmeg]

I've started with colloidal silver from MesoSilver a few days ago. Make sure it's a true colloidal silver. Some cause agyria. Here is a link to a lab that tested some of the products. They don't have info on PeacefulMountain but you could always send them a sample.
http://www.silver-colloids.com/Reports/reports.html
I used MesoSilver last year for a few months for other reasons and I felt an overall improvement.
I use a nebulizer since it seems to be more effective this way.
I strongly believe in the healing powers of healthy foods and herbs. I've eliminated everything from my diet that's not healthy. And I'm considering Milk Thistle for cleansing the body. Walking and yoga neck exercises feel good.
I'm not as tired anymore perhaps it's improving. But I do still have the other symptoms citizen t describes.

[cres]

Hi, Something similar happening to me. Started 2 weeks ago with back/neck pain and I thought I may be from lifting my child and some digging/lifting I was doing in our yard. Also had dull, short term pain in left arm/leg and left ear. Now the problem is mainly my head, which I had thought may have been from the neck/back problem. I feel constant pressure at various places in my head, which basically gives me a constant light headed feeling. Past couple days mainly in nose/eyes/forehead area. But have also felt this in my temples, top of head and back of head. Have also felt nauxious on 2 seperate occassions. All of this is constant, too. Pain/Pressure is never really bad, maybe a 2 or 3 on scale of 1-10, but does not go away and I do not feel up to exercising, leaving house, etc. Saw doctor and he felt is stemmed from neck problem and wasn't a big deal...But I'm not totally convinced. Also had something similar (but milder) happen about 3 years ago, but just went away after a couple of weeks. Was living in Rochester, MN, so went to Mayo, but they didn't see need to run any extensive tests, etc.

[cres]

citizen t - have you made any progress since your first post in finding out about your condition?

[Helpsarah]

hi

thanks

I just dont know if the pressure is to do with the panic attacks and fact that i am completely stressed out and having the sinus problem on top of that.  anyone know if this could possibly be the case?

Am 22 and scared that it is more serious , ie brain tumor!?? it is not like a head ache just pressure as if someone is pushing on head.

am in uk and nurse did say it would be to do with sinus problem but actually petrified.!

Any more advice would be really helpful

thank u so much x

[rmeg]

For anxiety do deep relaxation, deep breathing, yoga, meditation, walking, things you enjoy. The pressure in your head could be related to the antibiotics or anxiety. Usually when we have anxiety attacks there is an underlying cause. Relationship issues, problems at work, unresolved childhood issues etc. Try to relax and trust your Self, your soul/spirit/body is a lot smarter and resourceful then you think. But it is often fear that keeps us from really looking what's going on.

I read another thread called The Allergy and Immunology Forum
Someone mentioned the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the neck.  I am taking the tension theory more seriously. For the past few days I've been doing specific exercises and heat packs for these muscles and my symptoms (pressure, headache, fog) are definitely changing for the better. I never thought that a stiff muscle could cause so much discomfort. I'm making a constant effort to relaxe my jaw, neck and shoulders. When I massage specific areas of this muscle in the back of my head I can produce the same headaches (on top of the head) that have been bothering me for over a month. I've also stopped drinking coffee since I felt this adds to the tension. And I'm taking colloidal silver in case there's an infection.

[Helpsarah]

Thank u so much

Think i just need reassurance, the thought of going thru scans and stuff is making it worse, doctor said considering am 22 with no serious head aches or sickness cant see it being anything serious but when your mind is already in a mess its hard to believe that

Just gotta try relax and think happy thoughts :)
Even worries me to tempt fate but got my whole life ahead of me

Thanks for yours comments x

[cres]

Not sure what exactly is causing it, but probably not a tumor. Those are rare and typically are pretty intense and painful. Probably related to the other things you have going on

[Helpsarah]

cheers not got much pain, not severe or sickness and only started since i started worrying so much

cheers so much for ur input sometimes just writing it down actually helps a bit x

[Helpsarah]

Hi

I would really like some advice urgently

I am 22, just been diagniosed with stress and anixety disorder and acute panic attacks, which i can deal with,

BUT i have started having pressure feeling like someone is pressing down on my head, it mainly happens when i fall asleep as soon as i sit up it tend to go away? doesnt hurt like a head ache at all just pressure

Does anyone have this ? I know the more i think about the more it comes on! does anyone honestly think that this is in my head? Maybe because of the panic attacks this is in my head? Honesty is appreciated here

Also i am on anti biotics for sinus infection? do u think this couldbe the case?
Any help asap wouldbe great,tempted to go back to docs but feel like am never away.

Thanks in advance
x

[Karak]

After several months of mysterious occurrences with my health last year, it wasn't until after I got the malar rash that I figured out I had lyme disease.  I went to a non-specialist doctor who said he had recently seen a couple of other cases.  He gave me doxycycline and I have been on it now for several months.  The symptoms aren't as bad but they're not gone either.  Some days are worse than others, and I am afraid the bacteria in my system is building up an immunity or something.  Right now the worst symptom is the terrible pressure in my head and the dizziness I feel when the antibiotic starts to wear down.  
  I'm beginning to wonder if I will ever be cured, but I haven't given up yet.  I'm searching for answers and would like to talk (write) with others in a similar situation.

[kylah]

I just turn 21 and in pretty good health so I thought, however since I was about 17 I have had:

     1. 4-5 headaches a week -  only in my forehead area (on a scale of 1-10 they
        are mostly a 7 or higher).  They start around 9-10 am and last till I fall
        asleep.  Nothing stops them.

     2. Excessive amounts of hair loss while shampooing or conditioning my
        hair...my hand is covered in hair as I wash it out.

     3. Drainage down the back of my throat...really bad every morning and
        sometimes throughout the day.

     4. Blurred/Double Vision

     5. Locked Jaw

I recently had brain wave tests, blood tests and a MRI done and they came back fine.  The specialist that I went to also said that it wasn't sinuses.  I also went to the eye doctor and he said that I did need glasses but wasn't convienced that my eyes were causeing the headaches.

I am currently taking Topamax and Imitrex.  Today was the first day for the Imitrex and I think it made me feel worse.  

Is there anyone that has any of these symptoms or am I just a hypochondriac?  I really do feel absolutly horrible most of the time.  Between my head killing me and my hacking up stuff every morning...I'm not sure how much longer I can take this mess!

[rmeg]

have you checked out Lyme disease and mercury poisoning from eating fish? Both can cause the symptoms you describe including hair loss. Are you exposed to any chemicals, new carpet, paint, particle board, air pollution etc. If you're vegetarian you should also consider iodine deficiency. A lack of iodine affects the thyroids and can cause all kinds of problems.

[kylah]

The only thing is that the symptoms have been occurring for years....wouldn't I be in some sort of serious pain or something if it were Lyme disease?  A friend of mine's grandfather was hospitalized and almost died of Lyme disease a few months back.  I am reading up on mercury poisoning now.  Thanks for the input though.

I also had glucose tests done to check for diabetes and those came back fine.  I'm don't necessarily think that all the symptoms are related...but I didn't want to leave anything that was happening out, incase they were!

Thanks again!

[rmeg]

my symptoms started only about 2 months ago. The headaches/pressure/fog were  severe and I too had some hair loss.
I don't know either if all of our symptoms are related but I have been able to improve by about 50% in the last couple of weeks. The fog was so extreme that I was unable to concentrate and at this point that's  not an issue any longer. I noticed that I often woke up at night with clenched teeth and so the first thing for me was to try and work on my neck muscles.  Then I read about problems from tense jaw muscles.
Here is what I'm doing at this point.
Every two hours I exercise my neck muscles. Stretching left, right, up down.
Acupressure for neck pain and TMJ (jaw) problems, 3x a day. I have a book by Michael Reed Gach, A Guide to Self-Care for Common Ailments but I am sure you can get info on the internet. Easy to do.
For the neck I only use only B2 at this point and for TMJ I use ST6, TW21, SI19, GB2,
I switched to a vegan diet with lots of fresh raw veggies and fruits. For the iodine I use kelp/seaweed.
Colloidal silver from MesaSilver inhale with nebulizer in case there is an infection.
I try to walk every day for about an hour.
My neck and jaw muscles are still somewhat pain full which tells me there really is a problem. In the beginning the exercises caused some of the headaches! So don't be discouraged. I live as healthy as possible to give my body a chance to heal. I am confident that I can beat this. As a young woman I was exposed to large quantities of formaldehyde and became severely ill with environmental illness and chronic fatigue and I had a two year old to take care of. In the process and since I've learned a lot about healing naturally. It took me four long years to get over it but I did it. Don't give up!!! By the way stress can cause hair loss. Also consider hormonal imbalance.

[kylah]

You are causing me to be more of a hypochondriac than I was before.  Everything you suggest...I check into and seem to have all the symptoms.  LOL

The first doctor I went to said it could be stress also, however I am so far from stressed at this time in my life it is ridiculous.

Thanks again for all your help. When I go back to my headache specialist I will ask what all the test he ran covered.

[rmeg]

I am sure there is a reason for the symptoms and that we're not all hypochondriacs. All I can say is, it has always helped me to be open and to do everything that makes sense to me. There are limitations to western medicine and to alternative medicine. If I have a fracture I go to the hospital but if it's a mystery illness or the medications are to toxic I may also look elsewhere. The way I see it, I try EVERYTHING I can think of and that makes sense to me, that can include, meditation, herbs, diet, etc and make a 100% commitment to the healing process.

I remember that my symptoms started slowly with mild headaches. I wonder if there are things we have in common.
I've been under a lot of stress
I've had 5 mercury dental fillings replaced with porcelain in spring.
I know that pollution is not an issue
I eat mostly organic foods
I did have a few insect bites a couple of weeks before this started and found a bed bug. But I could not find any illnesses caused by bed bugs that causes these symptoms. But who knows?
That's all I can think of for now.

[brett88]

For seven years, I've had lightheadedness, clicking and pressure in my ears, a constant slight sense of headache (not migraines), and brain fog.  Very little emotion either.  I am trying acupuncture, but so far, not good.  Been to neurologists, allergists, ENT's, sleep apnea doctors..so far, no luck.  ANY IDEAS?

[Medrese]

So no one's posted in this forum for a few months, but I just found it today. My symptoms sound almost exactly like Citizen T's original post. I have only had it for eight days so far, but it hasn't let up at all. Today my jaw has stiffened, and I keep trying to stretch the muscles, but to no avail. When I first felt the pressure, it came on suddenly. Since that point, I have had it constantly, except for a half-hour to an hour period after I first wake up. After that, it stays until I go to sleep. If I take naps, the pressure is there the instant I wake up. I have been more tired since the pressure started, sleeping an average of one to two hours a night more than I was before. I have started dreaming again, after a long, long lapse of dreamless sleep (which probably has nothing at all to do with the pressure). My nose feels like it can't intake as much air, and today I caught myself trying to pop my ears, in an attempt to alleviate the pressure. I had a CT scan yesterday, but I have to wait until July 2 to see my doctor. Help?

[Rachelinpain]

did not read everyones comments in total so do not know if someone has suggested this or not yet but constant presssure and headaches could be a pseudotumor which is where your brain basically thinks it has a brain tumor but there is no tumor so mris and cts would be normal.  a spinal tap is the way to diagnos it along with a good eye exam., for an unknown reason the brain prodeces too much fluid and causes pressure to build up.  a spinal tap with an opening pressure will basically give the diagnosis if everything else is ruled out, you may also have papilladema on your eye exam.  there is treatmet and usually it goes away eventually.  it can also cause visual problems and ringining in the ears.  good luck to all

[Topher7]

I know everyone here is trying to find a complex answer or a diagnosis but did anyone ever think that all of the ANXIETY of the thing has just bred other symptoms?As much as it is a catch-all these days, anxiety is real and it can cause many of the things you are talking about here. Let me give you a rund down. I actually had a fluke heart virus almost kill me in 2000. I fully recovered and have only needed a couple of heart meds. I have gotten A-fib 3 times but it is easily corrected. Anyways, this caused some panic attacks in me over time about it happening.

About 3 months ago my doc declared me so healthy he wanted to take me off one of my meds. This scared me because they were basics of my life and I didn't want to mess with the program. Right away my head felt like a vice was on it and was pressure and tingling on the sides and top and back of my head. My wife is due in August also. My bp had gone up a little because of my stress so I got back on the meds...wala..headache gone. A few months later I got one again when I stressed, this time I had some lightheadedness and my eyes were a little sensitive. I went to the eye doctor and a full exams showed healthy eyes besides my glasses prescription. An MRI showed no tumors or aneurysms but had a couple of random spots and some other lingo. All of a sudden I didn't have headaches anymore. BUT I looked up MS and started having tingling hands and face and feet. 3 Family type doctors said I was fine and my report was normal. I freaked and lost my appetite, felt shooting pains in my body, electric shock, my hands burned, my upper arms and shoulders tingles and burned. I was so convinced my legs were numb that I pinched them black and blue. I went to the neurologist and she laughed and said my report looked great and was normal. Boom, there goes those symptoms.

I made another mistake and read where the MRI dye mixed with a person with renal failure could cause a rare disease. I became obsessed with that. Plus I had a strange smell I had for years in my nose and saw some things on kidneys. The tingles came back but in my feet and I became convinced my feet were swollen and having troubles. I have had blood tests...waiting..from my heart doc..my yearly thing anyways. I have no family history in diabetes or kidney problems and haven't had anything to make me think that. In 2004 a report showed my blood levels normal

I guess my point is that when you obsess over symptoms, it heightens them and can cause more. Alof of what I read above is simple tension headaches caused by stress or TMJ type things. Try to find the underlying stress.

[sstrick29]

I have had many symptoms you are describing from feeling detached, head pressure to shooting pains in my bones. I could not even list them all here. They were all caused by artificial sweeteners. This happened to me twice. First with aspertame and then i stopped. The symptoms went away within 2.5 weeks. The next year I switched to Splenda. It took me 4 months to get better from that one. Shot my BP so high I got perscribed BP meds. Now it is normal. Believe it or not...but if you take anything with artificial sweeteners try the 60 day test.

Shelby

[ashleigh1000]

Hi all

I wonder please if anyone can help me? I am a 24 year old female and I am feeling very depressed right now. I have had really bad sinus and catarrh problems for years now, this causes all sorts of weird feelings in my ears and noises as well etc, but I kinda get used to that as I have had them for so long. However, they seem to be getting worse. Its not that I have many noises in my ears, it is just the weird sensations, like numbness around my ear, and my head funny like ive got a head cold. i use my jaws to clear my ears if that makes sense- it opens up the eustachian tube so my doctor tells me, i need to do this regularly, i sometimes feel like ive a head cold when I dont! Another symptom is like if you are driving fast along a motorway with the window slightly down and you hear a weird vibrating sensation in your ears, and you have to put window up? as it is the wind hitting against it?? well i get that feeling now and again just sitting in the house. Im  just trying to explain it.  I also have constant mucus going down the back of my throat, and my nose bunged up- this is much worse in morning, but it happens all day

However my main reason for posting this is cos as I say, these sensations that doctor puts down to sinus and catarrh problems, have been getting worse and anyone else with sinus probs that ive spoken to doesnt match my symptoms. Also my main worry at the minute is about 2 months ago, I got a strange pressure like feeling on top of my head, it came on when i was out driving, and it was like someone just pushing something through and on top of my head. My ears felt affected too. It went away pretty quick, but then I had a really bad day, and since then it has come and gone. It is not an aching headache, I sometimes wish I just had that instead, but a pressure on top of my head, and in forehead, and also on top of my nose there was awful pressure. No matter what i did it didnt help. I thought sinus was just forehead and nose, but doc said it can spread to other parts of the head, but i dont believe this. It gets worse sometimes when im walking about. I also would get like wee tingling or pins and needles in parts of my face and even my arm, or at least thats what it feels like.
I also have quite a lot of black floaters in front of my eyes, no problems with vision or flashing lights, and no sickness or anything, but I worry myself sick that I have a brain related illness or somethin serious- does anyone else understand these things? could it be sinus or anxiety? as this is all doc seems to say and I have been numerous times. Should i demand a brain scan? my family think im mad, as I do worry loads and loads about things and esp my health. I have had a miserable two years since my granny died two years ago from stroke and I cant get it out of my mind that I will take same thing. I am not on any medication at the minute.

Someone please help and advise!
thank you
Ashleigh

[gismatrix]

So how about an update about you Citizen_t?  How are you doing?  I am at my wits end with my problems and was hoping that perhaps you made some progress.

[Curmudgeon76]

Hey all,

I've experienced some the the symptoms you've been describing, and they seem to be getting progressively worse.  I had some kind of virus (or infection) after mono and have been sick since march.  I've been getting fasiculations which scares the hell out of me but I had an EMG of multiple limbs and no wasting.  I've had a lot of these lyme symptoms.  I've had a spinal and multiple lyme tests which were negative/normal but my MRI was suggestive of a possible chronic inflammatory condition.  Can fasiculations occur with lyme?

[patsy10]

Absolutely!!!

[Lorielle]

After reading through these, I'm thinking the aspartame thing sounds the most relevant to me.  I seldom drink diet drinks, but this last week I had one and then two days later, i had the wierd pressure thing in my head.  Mine has only lasted seconds in the past, but the one last night lasted about 15-30 minutes.  It was scary and wierd.  I feel bad for all of you that have it constantly.  Do you drink diet drinks?   The Lyme thing could be possible, but seems more remote to me than the aspartame.  

[JenP]

I don't know where to start, so I will start with my symptoms.At first I thought it was sinus headaches, so I would take the sinus meds. Then I thought maybe allergies since my mother suffers from them, but it is not. I wake up every morning with the left side of my head ( near the temple ) throbing, like my brain is going to explode. It works it's way down to the back of my left ear where the ear canals are. My brain on the top of my head feels like it's going to pop out and up, if they helps any to describe it. My jaws hurt. The bones in my face hurt near my nose.
  A few weeks ago I was in so much pain, my sister had to call the ambulance to come get me. I thought maybe a migraine. The doctor told me no it wasn't a migraine and my CT Scan was normal. All I know is I am in constant pain and no one can tell me why. I take so much headache medicine to try and alieviate the pain but it does not work half the time. All I want to do is sleep to end the pain.
It feels like a massive hangover every morning if that helps to describe it more. I don't drink. Also it hurts to blow my nose. Feels like constant pressure. It hurts to sneeze. When I try to blow my nose I almost double over in pain from the pain in my head. I had one doctor tell me tha t I had absolutely nothing wrong and I was just imagining this. I am sitting here right now and it has taken me almost 20 minutes to type this up because of the pain I am in.If I press my thumb right in the middle of my eyes above my nose, some of the pressure dies down. Same as if I press my thumb on my temples. My left eye  is killing me. I pop my jaw and it opens my ears for a few minutes almost like if your in a plane and pressure builds up.
I really can't take much more of this pain.

[ema25]

hi peeps i just wanna tell u all i had the exact same symptoms and was told it was an inner ear thing, constant dizzyness brain fog ect also thought i was dieing of a brain tumour ........
there is hope, i was doin alot of research and thought hmmm when did all this start and it was when i drank a pint of v strong vimto ...also remeberd i was drinking alot of diet coke and chewing gum ect ect ect so my point is PLEASE and cannot stress this enough please try cut all aspartame products out of your diet and drink plenty of bottled water a day and see how u feel! ,i had these symptoms for 3 months on the trot ,cut out aspartame and am feeling gr8!!!!!!!!!!!! not 100 per cent but god! at least 90 and iam only on my 4th day but so far so good.also think positive\that u can get better please try this and tell me the out come,if aspartame products does this to people something needs to be done xxxxx
ps google aspartame and see for your self god bless u all and i will update on how i am going,try this ,what have u got to loose

[rattpack]

Hi gang, I read these posting and found them very interesting, paericularly Scotts posting. I also have had pains in varios parts of my head - with mostly around the back section and lately around my right eye. Feels like a band is wrapped around my head at all time. I feel this constant dizziness, almost like if I stand in like somewherem, I feel that I need to hold on to something in fear of falling down.

My feeling is like I have a bad hang over every day, you know the feeling, groggy, headpain (not a headache), tired, unable to concentrate like I should be able to. I have seen a couple of doctors, eye, ENT, chest xrays, CT scan, blood test, but still all negatative. Very frustrating not know ehat this is and having to live like this.


anyone else feel this way?
Rattpack

[GabrielV]

Hi, all

sometimes I have this pressure on the head,
and when I have it I can not concentrate or solve math problems.(easy problems).
sometimes I feel depress,  and sometimes I have body pain like arm pain.
I suffer for memory lost ( I forget how to do things that I use to do it)  
I don't know if a have Lyme.

I drink a lot of of died soda and some coffee.
like yesterday I drink 4 cups of coffee, and today I have this terrible head pressure.
because I read a lot that may be that cause is the dead soda, coffee or tuna. I am going to quit all this today and I am going to see if I still having all this problems.

I let you know.




  

[KimSb]

See my post about cervical Facet Syndrome. I have the same forehead tightness & pressure.

Lyme & Co-Infections can cause this so seeing a Lyme Literate MD is not a bad idea.

[heather_r]

I was just on here for the first time and was wondering about you headaches caused from braces? I had horrible migraines daily for 10 months until I finally got them off 2 months ago. Now I am better but still some issues with visual disturbances, headaches (not as bad), body aches, fatigue. Just curious hoe you are?
Heather_r

[post viral kid]

[post viral kid]

Let's try this again.  I contracted viral meningitis in July 0f 2000, and it has left me with so many of the symptoms you all describe.  I just had my 7th lumbar puncture - note to the doctor to take both opening and closing pressure.  It is very indicative of high or low CSF pressure.  I have been fortunate to have found a neurologist that did his fellowship at the Cleveland Headache clinic.  In two weeks we have been able to reduce my pain, and though it may be some months ahead while the meds get adjusted, I feel we are on a good start - finally!  He is located in Burbank, CA - Dr. Cheong-hao Zhao and you can check out his website at www.chpci.com for more complete information.  I will post an update in a few months to let you know my progress.  Best of luck to all who are seeking relief.

[yossi613]

Hey my names Joe i got into a fight saterday and ever since then i been feeling alot of pressure in my head i cant fall asleep normall at night i went to the hospital the docter said i had a concussion and he didnt want to give me a ct scan i am very worried about my health being that i lost 2 of my good friends to head injuries i feel scared and it put even more amount of presure of my head if anybody can help me out throu this its would make me feel better cause i feel alone and scared rite now

Joe

[HealG]

Migraine headache also occurs in other forms, such as:


Hemiplegic migraine: This is marked by temporary paralysis on one side of the body (hemiplegia), impaired vision and vertigo.
Ophthalmologic migraine: The pain of this rare type of headache is localized around the eye; the headache may be accompanied by a droopy eyelid and vision problems. It is now thought that this may not actually be migraine, but another neurologic condition entirely.
Basilar artery migraine: This type of migraine occurs mostly in adolescent and young women. It results from a spasm to the basilar artery, a major blood vessel at the base of the brain. Symptoms can include vertigo (dizziness), impaired vision, poor motor coordination, difficulty speaking or hearing, and altered consciousness.
Benign exertional headache: This is a type of vascular headache triggered by physical exertion, such as running, bending and lifting, or even coughing, sneezing. This headache rarely lasts more than several minutes.
Status migrainosus: This is a rare, sustained and extremely severe type of migraine with pain and nausea so intense that the sufferer may be hospitalized.
Headache-free migraine: This is a condition characterized by migraine symptoms, such as visual impairment, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, but no headache.
Other kinds of headaches
Not all headaches are migraine headaches. Other common headache types include:

Tension headache: A type of chronic headache that is associated with stress or fatigue; physical ailments such as arthritis; or psychological distress or depression. Tension headaches may be precipitated by poor posture, eyestrain, abnormalities of muscles or bones in the neck, misaligned teeth or jawbones, or unusual noise or light conditions.
A pattern of chronic tension headaches may set in between the ages of 20 and 40; women have a greater incidence of tension headache than men. Symptoms include muscle tightness in the head and neck, especially in the temple and forehead areas; pressure sometimes described as feeling like a band or vise around the head; and continuous but not throbbing pain.

Cluster headache: A type of vascular headache that sometimes occurs in a cluster of up to four separate attacks a day and has been associated with an increased level of histamine in the blood.

Cluster headaches, which usually come on quite suddenly on one side of the head, are thought be the most severe and intense headaches. Patients describe excruciating, stabbing pain, often around one eye, as well as tearing from that eye and a runny nose on the affected side. These headaches can last less than an hour or for several hours or more, and they often stop as quickly as they started.

The onset of cluster headaches is usually between the ages of 20 and 45 and may be linked to smoking and alcohol use; more men than women suffer from cluster headache.

[HealG]

Try two excedrin when these symptoms starts and see if it helps.

http://www.healthtalk.com/migraine/diseasebasics.cfm

I never thought that Migraine causes, mood changes, fatigue and body pain......but it can and does!!

[Trayci]

OK great I have finally found a number of people dealing with similiar symptoms.  I am 32 yr old female and have been deling with what I like to call my brain swelling for the past 2 years.  It started around Sept. with a dull pain under my left shoulder blade, then I started having this woozy - "dizzy" feeling.  I went to my family doctor two years ago & he suggested a sudden onset of vertigo, he wrote me a script for motion sickness pills I took one & feel 1000 times worse so back I went.  We did an EKG, MRI, blood work all normal.  The symptoms started to fade I still had the feeling of my head swelling but it got less & less  thru winter into summer well again into fall the feelings started again.  Here we are on Autumn time #3 and things seem to be so much worse this time.  I am scared to death that I am just going to pass out any moment or just fall over dead.  I have this head pressure swelling thing all day long, just a week ago I was laying on my couch watching TV, kids were in bed I was totally stress free when it felt like my head had just fallen right off my neck.  A sharp feeling not really pain inside my neck, a brief 2 second deal that I felt unconscious, I jumped up to a sitting position with a gasp & tried to hide what I just felt from my husband.  This feeling has woken me up from a sound sleep at night a time or two.  I always feel the most pressure when I am sitting or standing still, it's less noticable when I'm on the go.  If I lay down it's worse on my right side then when I lay on my left..... SO here we are today 10-5-07.  I say my family doctor again he gave me a script for nasal spray & decongestant, which I have not taken, I had a sinus CT done today & I have my films to take to my appointment with my ENT on Monday.  Any thought?  I know how this all feels when people act like your crazy when you just know that something feels wrong.  PLease anyone share info with me - do you have similiar symptoms?  Thanks!

[Trayci]

The last two days now I am starting to get intense headaches that last for hours.  My pressure is in my forehead & top of my skull.  Sometimes the bridge of my nose, I feel the pressure behind my eyes too, but sinus trouble???  I had no idea that your sinus cavities ran along the top of your skull.  I think I am wasting time with the sinus CT & ENT doctor.  

[Trayci]

OK I am looking for similiarites in our life styles now.... I am a smoker and I drink atleast 4 times a week usually 1-6 beers.  I recently found this info on another website  - Smoking and drinking are those ways that can slowly damage the nervous system. Malfunctioning of nervous system can result in many serious diseases with a common symptom, rigorous head pain. We know what we need to do to avoid such situation, cut down drinking and smoking. It will save cash and provide a longer and relaxed life.  So I am now wondering if the smoking & beer has any part in this - how many of you do this too if you don't mind me asking.

[nars]

Hi guys, not sure if my last post came through so i will make it shorter this time.  I have been getting joint pain for about 3 and a half weeks now. Which i put down to maybe fighting of the flu and as i am a boxing fitness instructer thought that that might take something into it.  Then about a week and a half ago i started experiencing head preasure with preasure around the shoulders and neck.  I left i for 4 days but i know my body so i went to the docs and got some blood tests.  Blood test showed that i have high white cells showing that i had a bacterial infection that i was fighting.  Fair enough. Cool.  She then without checking ears or glands prescribed antibiotics for sinusitis. the funny thing is i have a clear nose no extra pain around my nose ect than i normally have.  I try to say its a fluid like preasure on the brain she says its not menengitis so it must be sinusitis.  I have been on the antibiotics for a few days now and it does not seem to be getting any better.  Worse usually in the morning.  My car sickness seems to have got worse.  i am considering lyme disease as i live in a country area and did pull a couple of ticks of me recenlty but am not sure.  Think i will be back to the docs on monday to find out again what she thinks.  Do any readers have any ideas.???

[post viral kid]

It helps so much to know that I am not alone in this.  I have been working with a headache specialist who thinks that I may have high CSF pressure.  MRI's with contrast were normal.  I even did 8 intravenous fusion therapies into which high doses of anit-inflammatories and other drugs were given.  I have a relief program of hydrocodone with acetaminophen, dilantin, valium, compazine, and ambien  to help me sleep at night.  Then about two weeks ago I got a fever of 103.5, and was sent to an infectious disease doctor who did a lot of blood work and cultures.  The headaches with the relief program have helped my headaches over the past 5 days, and I see the Infectious doc this week.  But I continue to have many of the same symptoms as described.  I will update once I see the the doc on Thursday, and will share the results.  I had my 8th lumbar puncture with an opening pressure of 22 and a closing of 15, so it is now in the normal range.  All points to another viral infection since I have a low grade fever of 99.5 to 101 every day.  Any thoughts or comments appreciated.  I will update on Thursday.  Hope and prayers to all fellow sufferers.

[RNRita]

Do you know what bothers me?  When people post their symptoms and say they are dedicated to finding an answer, then never come back to post.  I always wonder...did they get better?  Did they get worse?

Anyway, I am a 50 y/o female RN with almost the same symptoms as the original poster.  About 12 weeks ago, I started having woozy headedness, brain fog, dizziness, pressure on top of my head, forehead, behind eyes and nose.  I also have a lot of neck pain and stiffness.  I had had feelings like this before and always attributed them to sinus.  They never lasted long.  Unfortunately, I now have them 24/7 for 3 months, at least.  My doctor told me she thinks it is anxiety.  I wanted to put a nice medical instrument in her eye.  I have had anxiety for at least 30 years and am WELL aware of the symptoms and what they can do to you.  I am sure I am anxious now because I feel my life, as I knew it, is over, but it sure as heck is NOT what started this.  

I have been to an ENT, who did allergy testing and I do have many allergies, but no antihistamine helps.  I don't have a runny nose, nor any other normal allergy symptoms.  I had a CT scan of my sinuses (normal), blood work (normal), and was told it might be hormonal.  I am on a menopause group where they complain of these symptoms all the time.   BUT, I realize that no hormones have ever helped any of these women and maybe it really has nothing to do with hormones anyway.  I've been on and of hormones and it changes NOTHING in the way I feel.  

I am depressed, no longer have the desire to go anywhere nor do anything.  I just landed my dream job and am scared to death that I won't be able to handle it.  It feels like I have a cold all the time without actually having one.  Without nasal symptoms, you know.  

My hubby is starting to think I'm crazy.  I'm not, although I feel like I am going there.  I think Lyme might be something to look into.  As for the sweeteners, I don't drink diet sodas, and use only saccharine.  I have never heard that one being responsible for anything strange, but who knows?  I'd donate a kidney to get rid of this and live a normal life again.  

I hope everyone here keeps updating.  I am glad I found this thread.

[rjsdad]

I woke up a few months ago with slight pressure in my forehead.Days later woke up with slight ringing in both ears.Started at my G.P. who advised I was stressed out. (I was) At his suggestion I began running and excercising. That seemd to helped with the pressure but then I developed moderate headache and neck pain.Off to the ENT....he diagnosed Tinnitus,,,with small hearing loss not inconsistent with my age. (51) He also recommended seeing a Neurologist if the symtoms didn't go away in two weeks. They didn't. off to the neuroligist.
He gave me a few tests.....coodination,pin pricks....things like that.
he gave me a long interview on my medical history....which until a few months ago was clean.he thought possible they were migranes induced from cold turkey caffiene withdrawal. I averaged 4 cups of coffee and one or two Coke's per day for 20 years. I'm not sold on that theory but otehrs have told me caffeine withdrawal can be very intense.To be safe the neuro sent me for an MRI.....he did not think was a necessity feeling my symptoms were benign.I scheduled it anyway after the headaches changed a bit in location.I must say I have let the stress get the better of me and I have imagined all kinds of things only to have tests rule them out.Looking forward to feeling better.i pray the MRI is fine and then I move on to a more positive attitude.
I'll have to deal with the unpleasant Tinnnitus but I'll do that.

[PainedPJ]

...and anyone else suffering the same horrid symptoms!
Mine started 3 months ago witht a persistent headache and is now the 24/7 head pressure plus lightheadedness which has got worse. After unsuccessfully resolving it with my doc (antibiotics, then beta blockers for anxiety and anti inflammatory painkillers) she referred me to a neurologist. He did all the usual response checks and I'm now on 4-6 weeks waiting list for an MRI scan. It's hard to stay positive and I just want to feel "normal" again as I think I took it for granted so much before. I've never had anything like this before and what makes it worse is not knowing the cause / treatment.
Have any of you had any success?

[mtjed]

I have had the head pressure problem since 2003. When it hits...and that could be anytime...strong pressure pushes at the forehead.  It pushes down at the eyes. For the most  part  the only reflief has been
to take a nap. Occasionally Ibunprofen 2@200 mg seem to  help.
Yes I have been to Mayo, taken several MRI's., CT scans. Tried various migraine prescriptions. Also several feedback sessions with Drs. The consultant re  this at Mayo  (Jax)  commented, that he thought he could  provide relief if  he could work with me using feedback. Unfortunately, I am in  Orlando area 3 hrs away. The scans on his computer and the other's computers would show a base line (pressure)...When deep breathing and/or thinking  good thoughts the line would break down indicating relief.  Hope this helps. apkworld

[PainedPJ]

Thanks for the response. I went for an MRI scan and the results were normal. However the neurologist sent me for another as he wanted to check something that wasn't detailed in the results... whatever that means.

However something strange has happened with my vision! I use extended wear contact lenses which means I wear them for a month (and sleep in them) then throw them away and insert another pair. A few weeks ago I noticed that my left eye kept going in and out of focus. I could hardly see when reading or using the computer at work and thought this was another terrible symptom of this mysterious disease! When I removed the lenses last weekend I discovered I could see better out of my left eye - which was supposed to be the weaker one! So I immediately booked an eye test even though I was not yet due for one. My optician was suprised by the fact that my left eye has somehow gone from a -7.00 to a -5.50 whilst my right eye remained the same (-6.50. Although a year ago that was a -7.00. Apparently myopia vision can improve with age!) She said this could explain my symptoms, which I am hoping is true. Perhaps the inital headache was due to the changes in my vision, and wearing too-strong lenses 24/7 caused all these other anxiety symptoms, as I have been so stressed out and worried for most of 2008!

I am interested to know if any other sufferers wear contact lenses as this could affect you without realising it?

By the way I haven't got my new lenses yet (coming this week) and I am still suffering the head pressure. It is at its worse in the morning so I take painkillers and try to get through the day. I also cannot tell if the lightheadedness has eased, or if I have just got used to it!

Take care everyone xx

[Carol761]

It sounds like many of you may have electromagnetic sensitivity like I have.  I react with all these symtoms (ringing ears, tingling headaches, facial bone pain, nausea, sleep problems some facial skin reddening).

Its from radiation -- all head/ear stuff is from our cell phones, facial pain can also be from the computer (or TV) screens.   Body pain and nausea can be from wifi systems, cordless phones, baby monitors, gaming systems...

I can't use any electrical device anymore without some tingling or reaction

Share anything you learn -- I haven't found a solution yet -- just to be careful and stay away from the biggest offenders (cell phones..etc.

Carol.

[alwaysacurious1]

Well, it doesn't seem like a lot of people come back to tell their findings, but summary looks like apertame, Neuro Lyme, or some kind of chronic inflamation (inflammation).

I just started having these pressure symptoms over the last several months, often going away for long periods and then coming back.  Very recently, the head fogginess has gotten stronger.  Makes it strange having conversation when I'm not sure if I'm going to faint.  Just played tennis this weekend and had to lie back after to make sure I didn't faint.  I'm in decent shape and had eaten and drank water.  

I also have a feeling of being hot..sweaty palms a little.  pressure in head, near sinus area, ears, even a strange sensation in the upper teeth, and roof of mouth.

I haven't been to any doctors specifically for this yet, and its why I'm researching.  I thought it had some odd relationship to back pains I've had for a year.  When I massage my lower back, I feel some of the odd feelings in my mouth; how is that possible!!?

Is there any other sites/links people have found where it is more consistently up to date?

[JWRusher]

Well at least we know we're in good company.  I was searching the net for a solution to my head pressure and dizziness and came across this posting.  I was jogging when I suddenly had pressure on my left temple.  A month later I'm still having headaches, pressure, and most all the other symptoms you all mention.  I thought I had a stroke.  My Dr. thought it was blood pressure, but it's not.  I really can't stand this much longer.  Will continue looking for relief.  Good luck to us all.

[Kerrylee72]

It could be dysautonomia, google it and have a look, I've had similar symptoms for over 5 years and just discovered this condition , will be speaking to my ENt or
neurologist about it soon.

[myooshka]

I have had this chronic head and somtimes ear pressure. I even went through sinus surgery even though my ct was clear because they thought it may be the cause. Did not help one bit. A year after the headaches started I started to have muscle problems and sensory issues. Mi mri is clean doctors are stumped. I have read of people with ms or muscle diseases that describe this pressure headache. Also my girlfriend has lymes and she has the head and ear pressure as well. I'm sure there are many causes of this but meanwhile it makes everyday life tough when you have a constant pressure that never goes away.

[ingrid1968]

Does the pain measurably increase when you turn your head?

[jenna79h]

May seem strange, but alot of you may actually be allergic to something you're eating or drinking....
Doctors don't look for this, for some reason(possibly because there is no prescription involved and they loose a patient).
Over a long period of time, ingesting allergens can lead to many of these symptoms... especially the sinus pressure. It triggers the same immune response as inhaled ellergens. But what is scary about ingested allergens is that they actually burn the intestines and leave them scarred and unable to absorb vital nutrients. Other signs of this include high level of white blood cells and enemia... People often get diagnosed with rare diseases or mysterious viruses...

There is a ton of info on the net, though. Look it up. It's worth a try!

[dsfii]

Yeah, I wish Citizen T would come back and report.  I too have the EXACT same symptoms he listed.  3yrs now I have dealt with this hell.  Just had an MRI last week so we'll see.  It's unfortunate but when you've dealt this long with an irritating problem such as this, you really wish that they DO find something wrong. :(

Interesting info on the Lyme, I'll have to look into that next if this brain stuff comes out clean.

[red256]

I have alot of the same symptoms you talk about except one thing, my head isn't dizzy it vibrates.  It feels as if theres a small electrical current going through my head I get this feeling generally about every 3 months each time I would get this doctors would tell me its a sinus infection give me antibiotics and in a couple days it would go away.  But each time I had to take a different antibiotic the same one would never work twice.  Problem is I keep getting these its been going on for 3 years now.  I wake up in the morning and my head feels like its vibrating then when I put my make up on or just touch my face or neck in general it sends these waves up in my head and makes the vibration even worse.  I have since began getting neck pain associated with this.  I went to an ent and he told me I had sinus problems, then I went to a medical doctor and he says I dont.  In fact he told me its migraines but I'm 100% sure its not.  I don't have headaches to that extent.  Could anyone help me out here I cant stand it any longer

[butterfly66]

I have had headaches and nausea for years but it was never too bad I would get headaches a few times a month and was nauseas most of the time.
Then around 7 or 8 months ago I started to get dizzy more and more and my head would get horrible pains that could last a few minutes or be a throbbing pain and last all day.

well in the last four or five weeks I have been so dizzy have had such bad headaches and now have head pressure (feels like my head will pop)that I have not worked driven I can barley walk around my house to long and every thing gets worse.

I have been to doctors and have had blood work, urine test both twice. been tested for ms during blood work because my aunt has it just to be shore, had a few ct scans and found 7 months ago I have sinus disease had surgery they had hoped that would fix my problems but no luck. I have had an MRI with an iv dye or something to see if I had a clot everything looked normal so they said its may be migraines so I was on 2 migraine meds because they thought it was 2 odd types even though my symptoms fallow nothing like migraines they are constant last five week I have been none stop dizzy I don’t remember what its like for things not to spin I am now on a new migraine med even though this doc does not think its migraines either and I was drinking diet coke so she thought that may have had something to do with it so I have not had any diet coke in weeks anyone who went threw similar or anything I cant work no school and if I don’t go this coming semester I have no insurance help me


sorry i also forgot to add my memory has also been getting worse and worse at this point I'm lucky if i can finish a small conversation with someone without half way threw forgetting what we were talking about or remembering things i know they happened but i cant remember about it or feelings about it its hard to explain im having trouble thinking and remembering

it is not Lyme disease it moved to fast doctors already looked into it

[PainedPJ]

Thought I'd give you an update. Had a lumbar puncture done in May (which i reacted very badly to and couldn't stand upright for over a week!) anyway results were normal. Doc decided to treat me for tension headaches. I asked for a blood test to check for Lyme's disease and I don't have that. Am now taking Amitriptylene 75gm per night (the dosage has been increased over the last few months) but to be honest I feel exactly the same as I did nearly a year ago. I remember over the summer I felt great for a few weeks when I was taking time off work with my daughter and generally having fun, and I stupidly stopped taking the tablets, then it came back with vengeance. As Amitriptylene is an anti depressant I guess that helps in some way and some days are better than others. Today is bad day hence the post! My head has been pounding and my ears feel really blocked but doc says they're fine. Looking at my earlier postI had hoped it was connected to my vision but it seems not! The only time I ever feel better is if I go out with friends and have a few drinks. Does anyone else find alcohol helps?! Oh well you never know, we may all one day wake up and the pain has disappeared. Yeah right! xx

[haibanegatsu]

24 y/o male here going through the same symptoms. I've read A LOT about this subject online. For years I have had these symptoms, but they have only been worse as of late. From what I have seen on this thread it seems like everyone gets worse during sleep.

Have you considered that it might be an allergic reaction to dust mites? For me, I get all these symptoms during the morning but it slowly alleviates during the day. I haven't been to the doctor yet (just schedules an appointment for an allergy test) but it makes sense, no? You sleep and breathe in all the dust mites on your mattress/pillow and you wake up with the symptoms... quick survey... how many of you notice the symptoms are more tolerable when you're leaving work at, say 5pm?

Anyways, I'll try to come back and post the outcome of the allergy test. I'm almost positive that it's going to show the dust mite allergy as positive.

[xl_dean_lx]

I've been suffereing with the same symptoms for 9 months now. I constantly feel hungover while being completely sober. I have constant pressure in my head even when a "headache" isnt present. I also have visual floaters that started along with the pressure, slight nausea, brain fog, neck stiffness, etc....

My symptoms started after having had a cold for 3-4 weeks and taking a 30 day herbal detox. Within a month of the detox the symptoms began and Ive experienced the pressure everyday since.

Ive had countless blood work, tested for diabetes, tested for lymes, seen an ENT, saw two Internists, two Neurologists, an Opthalmologist, had a brain and cervical spine mri, brain and neck mra, cervical spine ct scan, visited a few chiropractors, etc... and nothing.

The cervical spine mri did show bone spurs but the neurosurgeon didnt think it was causing any kind of nerve impingement resulting in my symptoms.

The only thing I havent had done was a LP. The neurosurgeon that did the brain mra said there were no lesions and everything looked completely normal.  

[haibanegatsu]

So, I thought these symptoms were from dust mites because I would feel worse when I woke up in the morning. However, after a visit to the ER, the doctor told me that this happens when you sleep because gravity blocks your ears from draining into the sinuses.

I have the exact same symptoms as the original poster. The ER doc put me on Augmentin (amox-clav). It's the first day and already I feel some relief.  I've read up on Augmentin and it seems like it's done the trick for lots of people (I haven't read one failure story yet), so I am very hopeful.

I will post again regardless of the outcome of this antibiotic (i hope). This information in this thread is valuable... I know how you feel.

[haibanegatsu]

Root Cause (for me):

Sleep apnea + TMJ + Bruxism

Unlike many people in this thread, I have come back to post my root cause.

It seems that I did actually have a sinus infection (that the augmentin cured), but the infection was only a "symptom" of the real problem. What I really have is obstructive sleep apnea.

Here is what happened: I put on 20 pounds in the past year. Apparently that weight made me hit my threshold for sleep apnea. The sleep deprivation from the apnea caused my immune system to decrease over time and make me susceptible to the sinus infection (sleep apnea causes sleep deprivation over time). Not only that, but because of the apnea I was really stressed during the day, so I also clench my jaw at night and grind my teeth. This is called TMJ and bruxism. It gave me severe headaches that added to the sinus infection.

(sorry, bear with my poor writing ability at the moment)

Here are the symptoms for obstructive sleep apnea and sleep deprivation:

- tiredness
- irritability, edginess
- inability to tolerate stress
- problems with concentration and memory
- behavioral, learning or social problems
- frequent infections
- blurred vision
- vague discomfort
- alterations in appetite
- activity intolerance
- waking up with a very sore and/or dry throat
- occasionally waking up with a choking or gasping sensation
- insomnia

So there you go... do you feel really tired? yawning all day? black rings under your eyes? do you wake up in the middle of the night 1 or more times?

Note: Being overweight or obese is the biggest factor in developing obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea + TMJ + Bruxism was what was wrong for me... it may not be what has caused your symptoms... at least this is something to work with... now go find out what is wrong with you!

[catelynnw3]

I didn't thoroughly read all the posts here, but after skimming through I see some that sound very familiar. Basically, I have been to many doctors over the past several years: allergist, endocrinologists, cardiologists, cardiac electrophysiologist, chiropractors, etc... I even went the route of trying several anxiety medications despite knowing that wasn't my problem. I have been diagnosed/misdiagnosed many times and prescribed a multitude of medications that I don't take - thank God! I was told by the cardiac electrophysiologist that he thought I had an autonomic disorder. My symptoms at this point include chronic pressure in my head, ear fullness, often also throbbing in my head, sometimes tinnitus, a rapid-fire sound in my ears, sometimes my brain feels like it is vibrating, my brain often feels like it's "fried" ('I can't think straight'), I get palpitations with shortness of breath and fatigue. My symptoms increase with moving my head and over the years have gone from more sporadic to basically all the time. Without getting into the whole story, I had an MRI of my neck last year after reading about a syndrome that can cause these symptoms. To my surprise, I had herniations, bone spurs, and spinal cord compression. Although my neck bothered me, I considered it secondary to my other "worse" symptoms. I guess I thought it was so tight and achy from the stress of the other problems. I went to a neurologist with this new information who believes my problems are the result of the blockage of cerebrospinal fluid on both sides of my spinal cord. The csf is supposed to bathe the brain and spinal cord as it flows around them. The palpitations can be attributed to issues in the neck as well. I found information showing that some autonomic disorders may be caused by issues with the upper cervical cord. One says, "The relationship of the upper spinal cord and brainstem to cardiovascular symptoms is clear cut." There are other problems that can also block the flow of csf such as a chiari malformation which has several of the same symptoms. If anyone's symptoms sound similar to mine, I would suggest going to a chiropractor complaining of chronic headaches/pressure and neck pain (aside from some deep muscle stimulation and light adjusting - I advise against any neck cracking, as does my neurologist). One adjustment caused the pressure in my head to be horrible for days and there is also a risk of stroke. Anyway, I would express that you are at your wit's end and beg for an MRI of your neck. I truly hope this helps someone!

To the poster who said that their symptoms subside when they lay down, they should check into a possible cerebrospinal fluid leak.

[catelynnw3]

I just wanted to add a few more things.  Csf plays a role in providing shock absorption for the CNS, nutrition for the CNS cells, disposal of waste produced by the metabolism of cells in the CNS, and it acts as a messaging medium because it contains a lot of active biochemicals (cytokines, hormones, neurotransmitters, metabolites, etc.).  Its function is very important. If it isn't flowing properly, or if there is too much or not enough, it can cause a lot of symptoms.

To xl_dean_lx, nerve impingement wasn't noted in my MRIs either.  If you have your films, look yourself to see if the csf appears to be blocked or impeded around your spinal cord. (possibly by the bone spurs)  I hope you find answers!

[catelynnw3]

I just wanted to add a few more things.  Csf plays a role in providing shock absorption for the CNS, nutrition for the CNS cells, disposal of waste produced by the metabolism of cells in the CNS, and it acts as a messaging medium because it contains a lot of active biochemicals (cytokines, hormones, neurotransmitters, metabolites, etc.).  Its function is very important. If it isn't flowing properly, or if there is too much or not enough, it can cause a lot of symptoms.

To xl_dean_lx, nerve impingement wasn't noted in my MRIs either.  If you have your films, look yourself to see if the csf appears to be blocked or impeded around your spinal cord. (possibly by the bone spurs)  I hope you find answers!

[catelynnw3]

I just wanted to add a few more things.  Csf plays a role in providing shock absorption for the CNS, nutrition for the CNS cells, disposal of waste produced by the metabolism of cells in the CNS, and it acts as a messaging medium because it contains a lot of active biochemicals (cytokines, hormones, neurotransmitters, metabolites, etc.).  Its function is very important. If it isn't flowing properly, or if there is too much or not enough, it can cause a lot of symptoms.

To xl_dean_lx, nerve impingement wasn't noted in my MRIs either.  If you have your films, look yourself to see if the csf appears to be blocked or impeded around your spinal cord. (possibly by the bone spurs)  I hope you find answers!

[catelynnw3]

I just wanted to add a few more things.  Csf plays a role in providing shock absorption for the CNS, nutrition for the CNS cells, disposal of waste produced by the metabolism of cells in the CNS, and it acts as a messaging medium because it contains a lot of active biochemicals (cytokines, hormones, neurotransmitters, metabolites, etc.).  Its function is very important. If it isn't flowing properly, or if there is too much or not enough, it can cause a lot of symptoms.

To xl_dean_lx, nerve impingement wasn't noted in my MRIs either.  If you have your films, look yourself to see if the csf appears to be blocked or impeded around your spinal cord. (possibly by the bone spurs)  I hope you find answers!

[catelynnw3]

I just wanted to add a few more things.  Csf plays a role in providing shock absorption for the CNS, nutrition for the CNS cells, disposal of waste produced by the metabolism of cells in the CNS, and it acts as a messaging medium because it contains a lot of active biochemicals (cytokines, hormones, neurotransmitters, metabolites, etc.).  Its function is very important. If it isn't flowing properly, or if there is too much or not enough, it can cause a lot of symptoms.

To xl_dean_lx, nerve impingement wasn't noted in my MRIs either.  If you have your films, look yourself to see if the csf appears to be blocked or impeded around your spinal cord. (possibly by the bone spurs)  I hope you find answers!

[catelynnw3]

I just wanted to add a few more things.  Csf plays a role in providing shock absorption for the CNS, nutrition for the CNS cells, disposal of waste produced by the metabolism of cells in the CNS, and it acts as a messaging medium because it contains a lot of active biochemicals (cytokines, hormones, neurotransmitters, metabolites, etc.).  Its function is very important. If it isn't flowing properly, or if there is too much or not enough, it can cause a lot of symptoms.

To xl_dean_lx, nerve impingement wasn't noted in my MRIs either.  If you have your films, look yourself to see if the csf appears to be blocked or impeded around your spinal cord. (possibly by the bone spurs)  I hope you find answers!

[catelynnw3]

I just wanted to add a few more things.  Csf plays a role in providing shock absorption for the CNS, nutrition for the CNS cells, disposal of waste produced by the metabolism of cells in the CNS, and it acts as a messaging medium because it contains a lot of active biochemicals (cytokines, hormones, neurotransmitters, metabolites, etc.).  Its function is very important. If it isn't flowing properly, or if there is too much or not enough, it can cause a lot of symptoms.

To xl_dean_lx, nerve impingement wasn't noted in my MRIs either.  If you have your films, look yourself to see if the csf appears to be blocked or impeded around your spinal cord. (possibly by the bone spurs)  I hope you find answers!

[catelynnw3]

I just wanted to add a few more things.  Csf plays a role in providing shock absorption for the CNS, nutrition for the CNS cells, disposal of waste produced by the metabolism of cells in the CNS, and it acts as a messaging medium because it contains a lot of active biochemicals (cytokines, hormones, neurotransmitters, metabolites, etc.).  Its function is very important. If it isn't flowing properly, or if there is too much or not enough, it can cause a lot of symptoms.

To xl_dean_lx, nerve impingement wasn't noted in my MRIs either.  If you have your films, look yourself to see if the csf appears to be blocked or impeded around your spinal cord. (possibly by the bone spurs)  I hope you find answers!

[catelynnw3]

I just wanted to add a few more things.  Csf plays a role in providing shock absorption for the CNS, nutrition for the CNS cells, disposal of waste produced by the metabolism of cells in the CNS, and it acts as a messaging medium because it contains a lot of active biochemicals (cytokines, hormones, neurotransmitters, metabolites, etc.).  Its function is very important. If it isn't flowing properly, or if there is too much or not enough, it can cause a lot of symptoms.

To xl_dean_lx, nerve impingement wasn't noted in my MRIs either.  If you have your films, look yourself to see if the csf appears to be blocked or impeded around your spinal cord. (possibly by the bone spurs)  I hope you find answers!

[catelynnw3]

I just wanted to add a few more things.  Csf plays a role in providing shock absorption for the CNS, nutrition for the CNS cells, disposal of waste produced by the metabolism of cells in the CNS, and it acts as a messaging medium because it contains a lot of active biochemicals (cytokines, hormones, neurotransmitters, metabolites, etc.).  Its function is very important. If it isn't flowing properly, or if there is too much or not enough, it can cause a lot of symptoms.

To xl_dean_lx, nerve impingement wasn't noted in my MRIs either.  If you have your films, look yourself to see if the csf appears to be blocked or impeded around your spinal cord. (possibly by the bone spurs)  I hope you find answers!

[catelynnw3]

I just wanted to add a few more things.  Csf plays a role in providing shock absorption for the CNS, nutrition for the CNS cells, disposal of waste produced by the metabolism of cells in the CNS, and it acts as a messaging medium because it contains a lot of active biochemicals (cytokines, hormones, neurotransmitters, metabolites, etc.).  Its function is very important. If it isn't flowing properly, or if there is too much or not enough, it can cause a lot of symptoms.

To xl_dean_lx, nerve impingement wasn't noted in my MRIs either.  If you have your films, look yourself to see if the csf appears to be blocked or impeded around your spinal cord. (possibly by the bone spurs)  I hope you find answers!

[catelynnw3]

I have no idea why that comment kept repeating itself - any idea how to remove them?

[catelynnw3]

I just wanted to add a few more things.  Csf plays a role in providing shock absorption for the CNS, nutrition for the CNS cells, disposal of waste produced by the metabolism of cells in the CNS, and it acts as a messaging medium because it contains a lot of active biochemicals (cytokines, hormones, neurotransmitters, metabolites, etc.).  Its function is very important. If it isn't flowing properly, or if there is too much or not enough, it can cause a lot of symptoms.

To xl_dean_lx, nerve impingement wasn't noted in my MRIs either.  If you have your films, look yourself to see if the csf appears to be blocked or impeded around your spinal cord. (possibly by the bone spurs)  I hope you find answers!

[naomi188]

I cant believe this! so much of this is exaclty what i'm experiencing. a lot of it doesnt ring true, but some people, especially citizen t, have perfectly described the condition i am in. i experience

* constant head pressure, not really headache
* pain on the front of my face around the nose and roof of mouth
* can feel it in all my top teeth, but evenly spread pain.
* sometimes neck pain
* dizzyness, disorientation. the feeling you have when you have been on a rollercoaster or boat, where you can still sort of feel the motion. or when you step off a treadmill and the ground sort of feels further away than it is (really hard to explain that bit!)
* feeling that something is weighing my head down, sometimes it feels like the weight of a bowling ball or something, really heavy.
* gets better when i lie down, so i wake up in the morning feeling ok and it gets worse throughout the day
* sometimes the feeling of being under water, like the fullness in the ears some people have described.
* headache very similar to hangover.
* condition gets so much better when i consume alcohol (noticed someone else wrote that)
* been on and off antibiotics for 4 months now. first lot of amoxicillan totally cured me and i was fine for a few weeks before it recurred. second and third lots definitely made an impact too. then i tried another clorethromycin (??) which didnt make a difference at all.

just been referred to a specialist who's had a look at my sinuses and says theres no evidence of infection so has sent me for an mri. have a feeling nothing will show up on it. but i will be back here until we find a cure!

[mrrisn27]

I like many of you, can't believe that I'm not alone. I feel as if I am dying every day..Some days are a little better than others but I'm to the point where I just want to sleep, it's hard to function. I have a dull achy headache all the time, neck and shoulder aches. my eyes feel heavy, sometimes a bit blurred, basically, I feel as if I have the flu all the time! I have had all the blood work done and everything is normal. Been to a neurologist, regular doctor, optometrist, hearing test, Ear, Nose and Throat..no sinus infection; which I was for sure it was...where do I go from here..I only had a limited CT scan..should I ask my Dr. for a full MRI? Someone please help!    

[Chelsea101]

Ahh. I'm so glad people have revisited this post. I saw how old this whole post was, and was afraid nobody would ever look at it again. But I'm sixteen years old, female, and have almost the exact same symptoms that Citizen T describes.

Constant, dull pressure on forehead/ top of front part of my head. Some days I can barely feel it. I'll wake up in the morning, almost perfectly fine in the head, and an hour or two after waking up, the pressure gets worse and worse as the day goes on. And mentally, I just don't feel like my old self. I was perfectly fine two months ago. Then randomly, one day at the end of June, the pressure came on and I felt like i was a zombie, kind of an "out-of-body" feeling. I'd get it for about a week, then it seemed to almost vanish for a couple of days, then return, then go away.. etc. I even get nauseous sometimes, and one time i vomited. (I was also at a carnival that day, and just rode the "Gravitron" ride.. which probably was a terrible idea.. but i vomited two hours after riding that.

Aanyway... on top of it all, i'm a bit of a hypochondriac, so i'm so worried for the worst.. brain tumor, aneurysm.. but i know i'm only sixteen and the chances of those are probably really slim.. but it seems like my worries and anxieties overwhelm my sense of reasoning. :( This just really *****. Why can't i be a normal 16 year old? I've never had any health problems in my life (knock on wood), and I just really am hoping this isn't anything serious. I haven't had any tests done yet.. because i have a feeling scans such as MRI's and CT scans will come back with nothing.. and i'll just go through test after test and no one will know whats wrong..  I just have this irrational fear that i'm going to die. I just wish I was feeling like my old self again. :(

[catelynnw3]

Look up cervicogenic headache

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi.,
The cause of your symptoms could be Sinusitis , Sinus thrombosis , Hydrocephalus or a pathology in the brain . Please go for X ray paranasal sinuses and MRI brain and spine with contrast . Please consult a neurologist for the diagnosis and treatment . Hope this helps you . Take care and regards !

[Chelsea101]

Does anyone have any temporary treatment for this pressure in the front of your head? I have found that popping my ears occasionally does temporarily reduce it... which may perhaps mean this is some form of ear infection? But does anyone have any other suggestions? I've tried medicines such as Exedrin Migraine, Aleve, and plain Ibuprofen. They don't seem to work with it at all.

[crazycow]

Oh my gosh, i think this is exactly what I have!!

Dizzyness , pain in jaw, headache, painful blocked nose but never any mucous.

What is this????

[Citizen T]

Hey everyone,  I was diagnosed with a benign bone tumor in the front of my skull.   That's what is causing my symptoms.   This was previously overlooked (if you can believe that), but was found when I saw new doctors.

[Citizen T]

And yes, I still have the symptoms exactly as 3 years ago.   However, now the "dream like state feeling"  which I have learned is called Derealization,  is the only thing that is worse.   There is not much in the way of treatment for this.

[Citizen T]

By the way, no one with these symptoms has Lyme disease!  These aren't the symptoms of Lyme.. Don't listen to that hysteria

[Dream818]

What the heck, I have NEVER had these symptoms until yesterday (and it still has not gone away). Constant head pressure, not really headache though, my throat is swelling, and I feel like I am getting an ear ache. I keep trying to make myself yawn to 'pop my ears' which makes it feel slightly better but only for seconds at a time.  This *****.  
Seriously pressure behind my eyes and my eyes are actually getting red in spots. Its like that feeling when you swim too far down in the deep end of the pool except you cant swim back up to the top of the pool to release the pressure It does kind of feel similar to hangover.
I do not takey any antibiotics or ANY meds or pills regularly except Aviane birth control (which I have taken now over 2 years without any issues). I dont drink caffeine often and I don't drink often.  I just don't understand what is going on.  I have never has a sinus infection so maybe this is how it feels? Ughghgh!!!

[Citizen T]

You've had these symptoms since yesterday?  Relax already.  You probably have a sinus infection,  start worrying if it doesn't go away.

[Citizen T]

I just re-read my post and realized I may have sounded a bit abrasive.  If so, I apologize.    Dream818, are you having any sinus draining/runny nose?   How are you feeling today?

[head_hurts]

Thank you to everyone for sharing!

I too have all the symptoms you described above.  Had a CT done last Thursday, getting results today.  I've only seen a ENT - do you recommend I see a neurologist?  These new symptoms (cranial pressure, light headed, nauseous, painful headaches, back and  neck pain, lethargic, trouble concentrating, low grade fever) have lasted off and on for about a year, but have gotten worse in the last 3 months.  For the last 10 years I've had chronic sinus infections, but this is something different.  It feels like it's swelling from the center of my skull.

I'm sorry to hear about your condition and what sounds like a lack of treatment to relieve your symptoms.  How did the new docs find the tumor? MRI? CT?

Thanks again!  Hope we all feel better soon!

[Citizen T]

Yes, they found it with CT and MRI.   I would think you should probably start with a good internal medicine doctor.  Emphasis on "good".    Try to be seen at a teaching hospital, such as a University.

[head_hurts]

Thx for the quick response

[head_hurts]

CT showed I need sinus surgery.  Having it done next week.
Hopefully that will take care of it.
I'll keep you posted...

[Citizen T]

I have new symptoms and posted a new thread about it.   Does anyone else have these symptoms too?

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Neurology/Help----muscle-weakness-all-over/show/1024131

[Citizen T]

Just be careful with sinus surgery, especially if you're being seen in a private practice.  

[eyebaws]

After a year of searching on the net for someone that shares my problems this post has really put my mind at ease.  Mostly because i was starting to worry i was alone!!!
Here is a brief description of my symtoms.

. Constant pressure at the back of my head where the neck joins.
. Stuff ears.. As if they are filled with  water and unable to be popped.
. What i can only describe as night terrors.. happen about 3 times a month. Hundreds of thoughts run through my head at a million miles an hour when trying to sleep.
Also very spaced out all the time.. as if my body isnt my boidy (very hard to describe) just as if everything isnt quite real.

Now you can imagine what doctors think when i describe this to them! most of them instantly ask me if a take drugs! ( I dont )

I have also noticed a lot of the spaced out feelings get a in the morning lot worse after a night drinking.

All these problems really get me down and its something that is on my mind about 80% of the time i am awake.. Really gets me down thinking i am going to be like this forever. Trying to constantly pop my ears is a habit i now permanently have and its really really frustrating..

Do these sound familiar to anyone?

[Citizen T]

eyebaws, I think you're describing derealization.  

[Chelsea101]

Hello! I have been following this forum for quite some time now. Thanks for responding! A benign tumor in the skull, you say? Hmm.. That gets me a little worried. I'm just curious.. how old are you? I'm only 16 years old and I have some of these symptoms (refer to my above post where i describe them), and so. Do you think I could have a tumor at this age?

[seanaway]

Wow! What a site! I thought I was losing it until I came across these posts. I have been having a lot of these symptoms for a few weeks and my nerves are on edge. Initial doctor consultation said fluid in the ears. Gave me Sudafed for congestion. It helps the ears for a while but I had a really bad feeling yesterday when I turned suddenly to speak and felt like my brain had hit my skull at 100mph. Left me dazed and confused. I'm off to see another doctor today and I'm going to demand some serious testing be done. I can't believe others are experiencing these symptoms. I have no idea what I have but thank you everyone for sharing. It has made me feel someways normal to know I'm not alone. Citizen T WELL DONE! You've been a bedrock on his posting.

[CD3031]

Hi,

New here but read some of the posts, I also have been getting soem of your sympotms along with other problems. Pressure in teh head feels like it will explode, eye twitching, headaches, feeling of not being me, spaced out feelings, night terrors,  Headaches, numbness in face and hand, not being able to see properly, etc etc.

Like most of you been told it is Anxiety and yes I can agree with some of this, but haven't people always been worried about things much worse years ago and never experienced these symptoms. Mine are put down to different things, presure from the spine have spondilosis, also nuropatic pain which is basicaly when damage is done the brain still things there is damage and has pain, sinus, infection in the ears, alergies (allergies).

They really don't know think we are all mad and because they can't tell what it is you are told to go away and stop bothering them. We all know our own bodies and know when something is wrong so we have to listen to our bodies, conventional medicine isn't always right.
WOW DID ALL THIS COME FROM MY HEAD think I should stop now one more thing maybe we are intolerent to the enviorment around us and what is in the air etc we can't see some of the polution and our heads are more open to this.

SORRY ALL I AM NOT ONE OF THE RADICALS JUST THINKING TO MUCH TODAY NOT GOOD FOR MY SPACED OUT HEAD

Regards
CD

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
The cause of symptoms of pressure behind the forehead and stuffy nose could be sinus headache or increased intracranial pressure.  The causes of increased intracranial pressure are- Brain tumours; Generalised brain swelling (due to acute liver failure, hypertensive encephalopathy, pseudotumor cerebri, hypercarbia, and Reye hepatocerebral syndrome); increased venous pressure (due to venous sinus thrombosis, heart failure, or obstruction of superior mediastinal or jugular veins); obstruction to CSF flow and/or absorption- can occur in hydrocephalus, Arnold-Chiari malformation, extensive meningeal disease (e.g., infectious, carcinomatous, granulomatous, or hemorrhagic); increased CSF production- can occur in meningitis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or choroid plexus tumor. Please go for an MRI of the brain and spine and consult the neurologist for diagnosis and treatment. Hope this helps you. Take care and regards!

[mrsmandycorish]

i really need help i live in a small town with no insurance and i to have had alot of problems it started with severve migrans and then moved to numbness in limbs my vision started blurring out when i would have pressure on my head. i thought it would just go away but it didnt and then after about a month of this going on it got worse for 3 weeks i couldnt even get out of bed everytime i sat up i thought i would faint. I finally went to the E.R and when i got there they noticed my blood pressure was high so they put me on an ekg well as i sat up in bed the machine started going off and a nurse ran in to find my blood pressure had gone up to 198/110 see made me lay back down and waited for it to return to a normal state. i layed there for three hours finally it was back to 138/98 so they sent me home saying i was just dehydrated. the next day i made sure i drank plenty of water and it still started happening so i return to the E.R where they do a x-ray of my lungs which came back normal. so they again send me home saying there is nothing they can do. I returned everynight for the next week and just get sent home as soon as my blood pressure was normal. One day it was soo bad i felt like i was really going to die so i return to the E.R and the doctor wouldnt even listen to me he just asked me what i wanted him to do about it. i began to cry and tell him that i didnt know i just wanted to feel normal agian. He then told me that i needed to see a phycologiest that it was all in my head and that i was causing this to happed. i cryed all the way home feeling helpless and even starting to think that i was going crazy.. the next day is worse so i return once agian just hoping for some answers finally a doctor took me serious and said that one of the problems was that i had ulcers in my throat. he told me about a clinic to go to since none of the doctors would see me with no insurance i went and they found a lump in my throat and told me i just needed to take anxiety medication and heart medication along with nexium for the acid reflux they did an mri on the lump and didnt find it to be cancerous. i went home and after a week of being on the meds i still felt sick so i asked my doctor if it could be lyme and she said it was possible but that they didnt want to have to do the test to determine so she would give me a course of the medication to get rid of it well after finishing it i felt better but still not complete they told me to just keep taking the anxiety medication but it doesnt help with all the problems im lost and confussed and would really like someone to share what they think i should do i have two kids and all i want is to be able to care for them the way i use to im 22yrs old and feel as though im 80 please someone help

[helpfulreader]

This sounds like PTC OR IIH. please ask your neurologist about pseudo tumor cerebri.

Anyone else having symptoms like those, please, look it up, talk to your doctor about it!

[catelynnw3]

I totally understand that you may not be able to afford it, but you NEED health insurance. It is NOT an option. Do you qualify for Medicaid? I realize that right now you may feel in no position to even go to their offices to deal with this, but you have to so you can find a good doctor and get every test necessary until they find out what it is! Look up the phone number and call to see if you qualify. PLEASE don't allow any doctor to dismiss you as having anxiety! I had this happen to me for years although I knew something was wrong. I was also told that my symptoms were probably because I was stressed out because I have kids, etc... There are many things that could be causing your symptoms, but one that comes to mind is a possible pheochromocytoma (adrenal tumor). "Often, these episodes of high blood pressure are started by activities that press on the tumor, such as changes in position, exercise, lifting, defecation, or emotional distress or anxiety." http://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/patient_education/pepubs/pheo.pdf  - Insist that the doctor check you for this. Another thing could be issues with your spine because of the pressure in your head, migraines, blurred vision, and numbness in your limbs. An MRI of your head and neck would be a good idea, but without insurance it will be tough to get a doctor to do this. On another note, if you don't feel the anxiety medication is helping you, don't take it. I struggled with withdrawal trying to get off them after I was told my symptoms were all in my head. I pray this somehow helps you - keep me updated - and hang in there!

[davyseal]

My headaches had gotten steadily worse were I finally went to the doctor and she sent me for a CT scan and they found an Arachnid Cyst.  It explained a lot of symptoms by not all the headaches. I was off to the Neurologist who told me that I was experiencing a type of migraine that 6% of the population had.  I had these when I was a kid but with an Aura but I cut out Carbonated drinks etc and I thought I was done with them.  So I am now on a daily regiment of Topomax (topamax) and then Toradol for when the attack happens but I still have this constant pressure everyday that does not go away it increases to the point of insanity sometimes, and always witha dull spike behind my eye. There are days where my eye feels like it is stiff or bruised.   I have the dizziness especially getting up to fast or turning my head to quickly.  It I miss a step or trip I get a burnt toast smell in my nose.  I take Tylenol, ibuprofen like candy with no relief.  My Neurologist wants to get the migraines under control first and then move onto the next problem, I have an appointment coming up I am going to try and force the issue that the drugs have worked instead of putting me down for 3days I am out for 1 and instead of 1 or 2 a week its 1 or 2 every couple of weeks.  I also saw this thing called the Quantum Stylus which I am trying to get the local TV station to do a "Health Matters" on to see if it is for real or not.  Or Homiopath everyone and their dog is telling me of there remedies.  i sure hope it has nothing to do with Lyme Disease, I am a little freaked I want something simple like a reset switch because I tell you the cordless drill is looking very good.

[Rodg33]

I too have the exact symptoms you posted long ago. I also found out that I have Lyme since then. I am not saying that everyone who has these symptoms has Lyme...it could be unrelated...but the bacteria manifests itself in so many different ways and does not affect anyone completely the same. Some people have extremely prevalent neurological symptoms along with it. My head symptoms could be from a different cause...I've dealt with it off and on for over 2 years now...sometimes it's lasted 3 months then just disappeared only to come back when it pleases. I too have the blocked nose with absolutely no drainage and the out of body feeling when the head issues hit. Even when the pressure is gone...i always have trouble breathing out of my nose. I guess my point is that there ARE a lot of people out there who could have Lyme Disease. It is quickly becoming known as one of the most undiagnosed and most easily missed diagnoses in the U.S. A simple ELISA is not an effective screening tool for Lyme. I tested negative TWICE on ELISA, but then saw a specialist and had Western Blot IGg and IGm done at a special tick-born illness lab called Igenex (www.igenex.com). I was confirmed positive for the lyme bacteria as they found 6 different antibodies for it, several specific only to lyme. IF you have exhausted ALL other options and have gotten no answers. Dig in deeper to Lyme disease. Seek out a Lyme Literate MD and even if you dont find one easily, which you won't...demand a Western Blot test to be done and remember, not all labs are equal. Igenex is a well-known lab for testing tick-born illnesses. There are others that are good too if you do research. I am 29, being treated for Lyme, and trying to get my life back. On top of the head pressure, I get neuropathy and frequent muscle aches and pains. I too, have experience a drastic change in my lifestyle and only want to get my life back. Another indicator of Lyme that many people don't know is that they often suffer an intolerance for alcohol. Sometimes I can have a few drinks and am not bothered. Other times, it gives me a hangover of all hangovers and I feel lousy for days or even a week. I've since stopped drinking completely. This forum is great. I am keeping tabs on it and hoping that someone, someday finally gets a great doctor to give us some really good answers. There are too many people experiencing this for it to be a fluke. Again, I'm not saying it's Lyme. I'm saying...until you've had the right tests done...don't completely count it out. ELISA is NOT a reliable test and was never meant to be the sole indicator of whether you have the bacteria. Lyme bacteria is notorious for hiding from your immune system which in turn, does not then create antibodies to fight it, which in turn means that an ELISA will not show antibodies for Lyme. Also, if you want to learn more about this WAY underreported illness...check out www.underourskin.com and www.ilads.org for starters. I am here too people...I want my life back and I seriously want to stop feeling like i'm carrying a 20lb dumbbell on my head.

[Rodg33]

I think it's also important to note that i've gone a solid 4 months with hardly any head symptoms other than that blocked nose...until the past few days where suddenly the dreaded pressure had magically just reappeared. I'm terrified of going through another long spell of this and just pray for some answers. I have a question for all of you out there...how many of you have any known neck issues...any herniated disks or previous neck injuries that you've never had an MRI done on? I know I have a minor herniated disk around C-6 area but i've been told it's likely not the issue here. Even so, I've been getting chiro treatments and trying to learn more about how to encourage this to heal.

[devynejewel_1]

I have been reading your posts and I have been battling symptoms for the page 8 years. My condition started with clogged ears which the doctor stated I had an ear infection and tubes were placed in my ears. I then started to suffer from severe pains in my face (forehead, sinus areas) and this unheard of pressur in the top of my head. The pressure and pain in the top of my head was so intense, I was unable to stard for days at a time. I started to have tingling in my hands and eventually my fingers started to lock up and I have literally had to have someone to pry my hands open. The tingling has gone to my hands, feet, up my arms, etc.. I have been to internists, neurologists and such and have had a total of 13 MRI's and CT scans with everyone telling me I either have a sinus infection or everything is clear. However they have seen that my mylin sheeth is "not intact" as one of the doctor said. They said that they see where it could possibly be MS but will not treat.

I have been dealing with a constant headache daily for the past 3 years, I take a pain pill daily to help me to function at work and care for my kids and the pressure in my head is a constant thing... What can a woman do when a doctor is not willing to do what it takes to get a patient healthy again...