Throbbing pressure in head upon standing and walking

[BoosMama]

I am a 38 yr old female.  About a year ago I started to experience a very strange feeling that occurs periodically when I move from a sitting to a standing position and start to walk.  The sensation is as if my head and neck are throbbing with pressure and I have to stop walking or slow down and stop and stand still for a minute or so to make the sensation stop.  Sounds are muffled in rhythm with the pulsations and I sometimes feel as if I will pass out, but never have.  There is no pain.

I have been checked throughly by my GP, a cardiologist, and an electrophysiologist  and none of them could find a cause.  It does seem to happen sometimes when I am hungry and have missed a meal or eaten later than usual.

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you for your time.

[Bastet906]

I have the same thing!!

[Pam411]

I just had an episode yesterday!  I'm very concerned about this.  My BP has been good.

[Atilla]

I am 60 yrs old and I experience just about the same symptoms.  My throbbing I have is in the back of my head nearer the neck area.  Once this pressure starts there is nothing I can take that will stop the throb every time I get up to walk.    I usuall get it in the afternoon and continue for the rest of the day.  I am fine the next day.  My doctor thinks it can be from tension, anxiety,  looking at the computer too long,etc.  

[kidzr1st]

Oh my gosh!  I have been experiencing the EXACT same thing  BoosMama mentioned for the last 5 months!  When it first started, the throbbing happened almost every time I stood up after sitting for awhile (especially sitting in the car) and was very intense, lasting only a minute or two.  Lately, not so intense and so frequently, but still there.  I had a brain MRI that was negative.  All the doctors I've seen have no idea what it could be :(   Good to know (I think) that I'm not alone...  

[zerlam]

I, too, am having great head pressure when going from sitting to stading position.  This has been going on for approx 3 years.  I'll have periods where it happens several times a day for a week or so, then I'm OK for a few months.  Seems to be happening more often as time goes on.  Have been to neurologist which seems to think it's tension headaches.  MRI's and CT scans don't show anything.  This is pretty irritating.   Let me know if any of you have suggestions.

[Angie1960]

Please help us - what is this???  I also have the same problems, have just had 11 lesions found in my brain but no definintive dx (just dx with tmjd but have no pain xcept for the rare headache) - it's this PRESSURE when I stand up or walk - but sometimes even when laying down I get the pulsatile tinnitus.  I have low blood pressure normally - used to feel faint when standing up too fast - now can't get up that fast - but get this pressure instead anyway!!!  HELP US PLEASE!

[mingconnor]

Glad I found this site and know that I am not alone.  I have been experiencing the exact same symptoms.  I have gone thru all of the cardiac tests and also have seen a neurologists.  I am going for an MRI next week.  My neurologist thinks it is a form of a migraine headache.

[cindy274]

I can't believe I found others that are experiencing the same thing as me.  I work on a computer all day.  It happens when I get up and lasts sometimes for as long as I am walking -- which isn't very long.  I slow down to try to stop the pressure.  This may happen for a few days and then not happen again for a few months.

[larry2500]

I have this.  it used to be very bad where almost everytime I got up after stting/driving. It would take a few seconds.  I get up, then I start walking.  After about 15 seconds, the pressure would would rise and fall like a sine-wave curve. I feel "pulse pressure" about the neck/lower head/ears (one even heard "air" synced with pulse).  I feel like my lower head is going to pop, then it goes away as it came.  My pulse might have increased a bit, but not enough where I can say it was significant (8 bpm) (from 81 to 88).

Over the last  few months, I've been dropping sidework, resting more, adding hours to sleep, etc...  The problems has reduced over 50% so far.  But, I do notice that my thoughts can trigger them upon standing.  I did a test.  I sat down and cleared my mind for 10 minutes.  I stood up and kept my mind clear.  No problem.  I sat down then started to think about all the problems, past events, lost oppotinuties, etc...  I stood up and BAM!  The pulsating neck.  For me, it seems stress is the cause.  My Adrenals reserves are too low, so stress cutting is the only way they can recover.

INFO:
http://www.howtodothings.com/health-fitness/how-to-recognize-if-you-have-adrenal-fatigue

TREATMENT:
http://www.howtodothings.com/health-fitness/how-to-treat-adrenal-fatigue

[BABY_63]

I HAVE THE SAME THING. UPON STANDING I FEEL LIKE MY HEAD IS COMING OFF AND I GET SO DIZZY I FEEL LIKE I'M GOING TO FALL. IT DOESN'T LAST VERY LONG BUT IT IS UPSETTING.

[Soupy123]

woo hoo!!!
I'm not crazy after all.  I went to a neurologist a couple years ago, and testing was normal.  He said it could be a form of migraine but I just don't believe that.  I gave up asking the Doc cuz I didn't want to sound like a hypochondriac.  Mine is pretty much the same as described:  comes on fast up to few minutes after getting out of car or sitting for a while.  Pressure in upper torso, spine, head, and ears go "faint sounding" and super strong throbbing sensation.  I walk slowly or stop till it fades away in about 1-3 minutes.  Taken my blood pressure during and its okay.  I keep thinking is it an aneurism, clogged arteries, tumor, WHAT?  You guys are a relief to find.  Thanks!  I think...

[CookieLady]

It's also worth going to a chiropractor to get your spine and neck checked out.  I have been going for treatment as he said some unexplained neurological problems can be caused by the neck. It hasn't helped me but I think we have to keep trying any option to see if it helps.

[CookieLady]

Orthostatic Hypertension can cause these problems.  Greg Page one of the Wiggles has it and had to give his career because of it.  It affects people when they are upright.  I have similar problems to you and everyone else here for 5 years and so far have not found an answer, like you all my head symptoms are worse when upright, walking or standing for a period of time. I also get confusion sometimes. I have had lots of tests which were all ok. I've had numerous neurological symptoms. I do have a lump in my skull in my forehead called a Haemangioma of the Skull which caused severe pain and also spots on my brain MRIs so I am not sure what my problem is.  My best wishes to you and I hope you find out what the problem is, it's very hard to be suffering so much all the time.  keep looking for answers there must be one out there.

[CookieLady]

My apologies, I meant to say Orthostatic Intolerance (OI) not hypertension.

[Sherry33]

This sounds very much like PsuedoTumor Cerebri or Intracranial Hypertension to me. I have it. Had the same symptoms. See a Nuerologist. A spinal tap is the only way to diagnose...and they are not as bad as they sound. If you've had an epidural, you've had one, basically!

[Jane1960]

Check out Chiari  One malformation on internet

[hostdogg]

I am happy to let you know that I KNOW what your problem is!!!! I suffered witht his for years! I have broken my nose 3 time and got a concusion from passing out. I would feel just like you, and then just drop! I was tested for diabetes, all kinds of blood work, mris, cats, nothing! I was basically told I was crazy! After years of this, I  finally saw a octor who tested my blood sugars again, and came back and said that I had hypoglycemia. I coudln't beleive that could be true, but once I learned about it, it made since. I was eatting sooo much sugar daily, that my blood was so hyperglycemic, that when I didn't eat and pump my blood with sugar, my blood sugar would instantly plumit (hypoglycemia) and I would pass out! I tried cutting out my sugars at that time. I switched to diet pop, bought sugarfree candy, but still wasn't as strict as I needed to be! Then i got pregnant for my 3rd child, and developed gestational diabetes. I never had that before! But this time I did. I don't like shots and really didn't want to have to inject insulin daily, so I tried the first option..diet. I had to go to a dietician etc... I was put on a very strict diet. I had to eat 6 times a day, and incorporate a certain amount of fats, carbs, protiens and staches into each meal. I came up with a chart, and wrote down everything I was eatting. I had to cut out my synthetic Sugar completely! I felt like I was dying! I was starving, and craving, but I didn't want the shots! I already had to test my blood and poke my fingers 3 times a day, so I stuck with it. Within a week, I was feeling better, I had learned how to eat, and didn't feel hungry. After cutting out my sugar, I had withdraw like symptoms, but then they went away. Within 2 weeks, my blood sugars were regulated just from my diet! I was able to contoll it, and did not have to take insulin. I have now felt great for 5 years! I saw doctor after doctor, I thought something was really really wrong with me! Then I just thought I was a hypercondiac! But I wasn't, and it was All in my Diet! So, please try to change the foods you are eatting. Eat often, no sugar. I actually sell my diet plan for only $5. If you are interested contact me at ***@****
Good luck to all of you!

[hostdogg]

sales at hostdogg *******

[hostdogg]

wow they are strict. com..

[JohnnyV2009]

I've had the same thing, throbbing pressure up the back of my neck/head while standing up or after driving home from work. During that tension, I also get dizzy, but it only lasts a few min at most. I think the problem is in the Muscles and tendons of the neck. I used to Pop/Crack my own neck, but have STOPPED doing that, i think that caused my problem slowly over time. I had tension and would always turn and twist my neck to relieve it and even hurt myself a few times. My Dr. prescribed 30 days of Anti-Inflammatory with neck excercise before he does further testing. I'm in the first week and have had some relief, but too early to tell. I have been paying CLOSE attention to walking/standing/sleeping posture so that I can strenthen my neck/shoulders again. I also developed vertigo when turning my head left or right at times. Thats what prompted me to see a Dr. I really should have gone months ago. The onset was so gradual, I didnt realize I had this problem, but its the only thing that makes sense. Your input or experience is appreciated. Would like to know if anyone has had similar and gotten past it and HOW they did it. Thanks and Prayers to All !

-JohnnyV

[JohnnyV2009]

Also, I'm 41 yr old , male, and sit at a computer 12 hrs a day, that can't be good for your back, neck etc expecially if I don't sit right!  ...stay tuned....

-JohnnyV

[brilmont]

I have been suffering for 20+ years what you all are describing except that along with the pressure, I experience severe pain.  It's gotten gradually worse over the years to the point it was almost everyday, all day long; everytime I tried to do something.  I keep trying to figure it out, done lots of research, seen many doctors, taken lots of tests and nothing.  I do however keep coming back to my pillow.  I've downsized a few times but that hasn't helped.  I initally go to sleep on my tummy but, always end up on my back with my pillow balled up behind my neck.  The last week and a half I've made an extra effort to wake up when I turn over on my back.  I sit up for about an hour then return to sleep on my tummy or go to sleep on the recliner.  I don't get as much sleep as I used to but, it's been the best week and a half that I've had in about 3 years.  I believe that the pillow balled up under the back of my neck puts pressure on the occipital nerves, causing inflamation, resulting with the pain throughout the day.  Seems too simple but, it has helped me.  If you also sleep on your back and have the habit of balling your pillow up under your neck, please give this a try.  Let us all know if it helps you too.  We might be on to something.  Good luck.

[JohnnyV2009]

Everything that I have read says that you should never sleep on your tummy and that back or side is best with your neck straight or "neutral position". If on back, a flat supportive pillow that comfortably supports your neck and head while keeping it straight. I would suppose that as long as its confortable and doesn't push up on your neck too much or get your spine out of alignment is fine. I feel fine waking up, sitting up, in the mornings, it seems to get aggrevated over the course of the day and by the evening, i get a little throbbing behind the neck again. After this week of correcting my posture, I've noticed that it my throbbing has almost gone away when i get home. Too early to tell, though, I hope it stays that way.

Larry2500, I'm interested in what you said about "Adrenal Fatigue" that you mentioned above. Your symptoms sound exactly like mine. Thanks!

-JohnnyV

[JohnnyV2009]

Update...after I went to my ENT, and going through tests, he tells me that my test confirm Meniere's disease, which is causing my problems. This is a condition of the middle ear and effects hearing, balance and other things. I'm currently trying to change my diet to control the symptoms. I think my neck problems are secondary to this. I'm kind of bummed out about this diagnosis, but I'll try to do what I can to hopefully relieve the symptoms. Hope this information helps someone with similar symptoms. God Bless.

-J

[crazylokita]

Awesome im not alone =D the only difference is that i haven't seen a doctor xD i get tired of having those lil episodes of trobbing pressure that leaves me breathless (its like when standing my heart stops beating and suddenly increases) D: and its been a while im experiencing this can't really remember, though almost all my family suffer from high blood pressure so i dont know if its got to do with that. As for my age im newly 20 i hope i don't got something bad...