Shooting Pains, Scared

[NeverDespair879]

Hello,

Right away...let me say thank you for all the help you guys provide everyday, it means a lot. My story is that I am a 23 year old Male, in overall good shape. I used to experiment with all drugs when I was 17-20, but never had any abuse. I do have a history of anxiety (never on any meds) and panic attacks (never thought treatment).

Lately, I have been getting shooting pains in the right side of my head. As I get more worried sometimes, I feel the pain more. It is not consistent, but will attack every hour or so for a few minutes. It feels pulsating almost. I also noticed that part of my head feeling a little heavy and uneasy. Pain is more sharp then dull, but I know it is impossible to describe it well over the internet. Another thing is that I been feeling a "pulling" sensation in the right side of my face when pain is manifesting. I do not have any blurred vision.

My fear is that all my panic attacks (increased heart rate etc) and anxiety, plus past drug use have damaged some blood vessels in my brain. I am terrified of Brain Anuerism. I do not want to fall over and die, but currently can't afford to see a doctor (do have health insurance, but high deductible and need more time to see a specialist). I did see a cardiologist 3 months ago and he told me my heart is very healthy and he thinks I am in great shape.

Please advise, what should I do? Am I in danger?

[NeverDespair879]

Now I am feeling like a FLU onset. The top of my head is pounding. I feel pretty sick.

[deantribe]

I'm sorry you're so scared!  Please read about neuralgia though in case you find yourself in the description.  It will bring you relief to know that it doesn't pose any risk to your life.  The pain you describe sounds nerve related...

Best of luck to you in finding out what's going on!!!

[NeverDespair879]

Dean,

This pain doesn't bother me as much as the worry about it being something very serious. I would ignore it completely, but it keeps coming back and I keep thinking it is aneurysm or oncoming stroke. I am just worried if I will go untreated that I will die.

It feels like someone ran a thread through the right side of my brain and sends short, sharp impulse...once or twice every two hours. It is extremely scary.

I do have health insurance, but I need to see a Neurologist, then get a CT scan. My insurance covers 60% with $50 copay for the specialist. I am unemployed now and do not have any money. I am worried that by the time I will see a specialist and get CT Scan, I will die...:(

[deantribe]

I'm so sorry you're experiencing pain.  Have you explored neuralgia?  It is a chronic pain condition and can cause sharp, shooting pains...some with an electric shock feeling.  It's usually caused by a neurovascular compression of one ore more of the cranial nerves.  I have geniculate neuralgia in my left ear and experience sharp, stabbing pains, electric shock, and even pulling and throbbing.  Sometimes my ear feels itchy, hot, cold, etc...the whole variety of nerve sensations. Since you describe most of your pain as being in your head, you might consider reading about occipital neuralgia.  The most common neuralgia is trigeminal and you'll find many references to it on the web.  Here are a few site you can start with:  

http://www.umanitoba.ca/cranial_nerves/other/index.html

http://facial-neuralgia.org/conditions/conditions.html#face

Unfortunately, neuralgia can't be treated by over-the-counter pain medications.  Most are treated by anti-seizure medications.  Surgery is considered if medications don't work.

I hope this helps!

[NeverDespair879]

ANYONE ELSE CAN HELP?

[crystalhanzelka]

You can also check out www.anxietyzone.com  and search for that symptom there.  It has been really helpful.  

[crystalhanzelka]

I do not know.  But I know that I have symptoms sometimes all day and that is all I can focus on because it is scary.  I would still get checked out.  If you are that concerned go to the ER and they will almost always do a CT scan.  They can not turn you away if you can not pay.  They have to see you.  

[NeverDespair879]

I agree that anxiety could be causing all this. I am just worried it is concentrated in one spot? How come?

[NeverDespair879]

Thanks for your input. But right now, I am completely calm and the right side of my face is pulling and corresponding side of my head is getting a sensation like someone is taking a knife and stuck it inside of my brain (just for a few seconds and it goes away).

[crystalhanzelka]

I get these pains too.  They are a symptom of anxiety... here is a very helpful site...

http://www.anxietycentre.com/anxiety-symptoms.shtml

hope this helps....keep me posted....