Aa
pressure feeling on top of head
hi,
for the past 2 weeks ive been having a feeling of pressure on top of my head (i posted previously). it was not really a pain like a headache, just pressure and just on top of the head, not really all over. i had a cat scan done w/o contrast that was interpreted as normal.
My question is,
can a cat scan determine the presence of unruptured anuerysms? because im really worried about that and tumors since this started.
Also, i do have anxiety disorder which i take xanax .5 mg 2x daily. and i notice that sometimes after i take the xanax, the feeling of pressure subsides somewhat. could something like this be psychological or anxiety related? it's not what i usually get as an anxiety symptom so im really worried about something being wrong or the cat scan missing something. please help.
thank u for ur time and for answering my previous post.
Pan
for the past 2 weeks ive been having a feeling of pressure on top of my head (i posted previously). it was not really a pain like a headache, just pressure and just on top of the head, not really all over. i had a cat scan done w/o contrast that was interpreted as normal.
My question is,
can a cat scan determine the presence of unruptured anuerysms? because im really worried about that and tumors since this started.
Also, i do have anxiety disorder which i take xanax .5 mg 2x daily. and i notice that sometimes after i take the xanax, the feeling of pressure subsides somewhat. could something like this be psychological or anxiety related? it's not what i usually get as an anxiety symptom so im really worried about something being wrong or the cat scan missing something. please help.
thank u for ur time and for answering my previous post.
Pan
The CT scan with contrast is good for evaluating medium to large tumors, and large aneursyms may be seen. However, a MRI is better at evaluating these disorders. The low grade pressure sensation is not typical for pain related to these disorders. Anxiety and stress can manifest as various symptoms. So to answer your question anxiety or stress could present with similar symptoms. However, this should be a diagnosis of exclusion (meaning other things should be considered first). I again would recommend that you discuss this with your primary doctor or see a neurologist to have this completely evaluated. Good luck.
I have similar feelings but it feels like I have a hat on my head, when I don't. I also get sharp stabbing pains on the side of my head that come and go. I get migraines if I am exposed to too much light or sunlight. I still don't have a diagnosis
Take care,
The Canadian.
Take care,
The Canadian.
aneuyisms are characterized as sharp headaches - one you've never felt before. Tumors would cause some motor problems, vision, headaches. Your symptom is most likely anxiety.
thanks for commenting:)
pan
pan
Hmmm... I also have been getting that "hat on your head" (almost feels like a cotton ball inside my head) feeling lately, with occasional stabbing pains on the top and sides of my head. I'd be very intersted in the answer to your question. Thanks for posting it.
look up tension headaches....it feels like a vise in your head...muscular tightness........i've had them and stress and worry, head, shoulder and neck position makes them worse....good luck
Wow-I am just stunned to read a common link in all of these postings-anxiety! I am searching for some support on head pressure/ear pain/dizziness and came across this page. I am a 32 year-old female with anxiety problems. I,too,worry about brain tumors more than I care to. Of late I have had ear pain, been dizzy and have some pain behind my eyes and some muscle twitching in my face. I am always amazed to think that this could all be anxiety. In reading some other chatboards, it looks like ear disorders are higher among people with anxiety. It's kind of like what came first the chicken or the egg. Did my anxiety cause a biochemical change that brought on an ear disorder (tinnitus, Meniere's disease) or is my ear pain causing me anxiety? It's a vicious cycle. I have also read that TMJ, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Meniere's Disease,etc. occur more in people with in anxiety. Ehy is this?
i have had tmj disorder since i was about 17. (im 30 now) that started as severe sharp pains on the left side of my head, going down into my ear and jaw. My jaw clicks constantly on that side and i have pain in my jaw more often than not, sometimes worse than others. I also have had headaches since i was a child that only 800 mg motrin will get rid of. My doc says i have anxiety, but my anxiety normally presents as heart palpitations,
This feeling on the top of my head is something new to me, not like my normal headaches and not a usual anxiety symptoms for me. it started rather suddenly, which is why I am concerned. sometimes i just find it hard to believe that its anxiety that causes me to feel this way. I had a cat scan done and im really not reassured of a normal finding because im under the impression that while cat scans can show bleeds in the brain, im not sure they show the presence of an unruptured aneurysm, which is what i fear the most. I just wish it would go away. its not like a pain though, like I said, like a headache, just a feeling as if someone's hand is pressing on top of my head. of course the more i think about it, the worse it is.
as far as getting mri's and stuff, im deathly afraid to get medical tests done, because I would not be able to handle it if they found something wrong.
thank you to the doctor and to everyone who posted a comment
regards,
Pandora.
This feeling on the top of my head is something new to me, not like my normal headaches and not a usual anxiety symptoms for me. it started rather suddenly, which is why I am concerned. sometimes i just find it hard to believe that its anxiety that causes me to feel this way. I had a cat scan done and im really not reassured of a normal finding because im under the impression that while cat scans can show bleeds in the brain, im not sure they show the presence of an unruptured aneurysm, which is what i fear the most. I just wish it would go away. its not like a pain though, like I said, like a headache, just a feeling as if someone's hand is pressing on top of my head. of course the more i think about it, the worse it is.
as far as getting mri's and stuff, im deathly afraid to get medical tests done, because I would not be able to handle it if they found something wrong.
thank you to the doctor and to everyone who posted a comment
regards,
Pandora.
sounds like a tension headache. they can be caused by anxiety, which is treatable.
Hi there,
I developed a pressure inside my head about 6 years ago after having a cold sore (the herpes one virus) transmitted to me from my boyfriend. From that moment on I became hypersensitive to 98 percent of all medications (don't know if this has happened to you or not). I still have it after seeing doctors and they tried to treat the headache/pressure with more medications. Most of the medications they used made it worse. So could it be the nerves in your brain have been irritated by something? I think the Xanax might help because it may do what an antiseizure medication does (one of them ended up helping me a little). It apparently calms down the nerves in the brain. Have you tried an antiseizure med. like Depekane or Topomax?
SM
I developed a pressure inside my head about 6 years ago after having a cold sore (the herpes one virus) transmitted to me from my boyfriend. From that moment on I became hypersensitive to 98 percent of all medications (don't know if this has happened to you or not). I still have it after seeing doctors and they tried to treat the headache/pressure with more medications. Most of the medications they used made it worse. So could it be the nerves in your brain have been irritated by something? I think the Xanax might help because it may do what an antiseizure medication does (one of them ended up helping me a little). It apparently calms down the nerves in the brain. Have you tried an antiseizure med. like Depekane or Topomax?
SM
Hi,
i havent tried seizure medications, this started recently.
Did the HSV do something to the nerves in your brain??
Pan
i havent tried seizure medications, this started recently.
Did the HSV do something to the nerves in your brain??
Pan
Hi,
I havent taken seizure medication...this all started rather recently.
Did the HSV cause the pressure in your head?? Did it do something to your brain? I remember having cold sores as a child, but not at the time this feeling inside my head started, that I was aware of, anyway.
Pan
I havent taken seizure medication...this all started rather recently.
Did the HSV cause the pressure in your head?? Did it do something to your brain? I remember having cold sores as a child, but not at the time this feeling inside my head started, that I was aware of, anyway.
Pan
Here's a site I found where they list & describe 36 types of headache: http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC000/20933/20933/231464.html?d=dmtContent#
I used to have a pressure at the top of my head that didn't hurt, but when I bent over, it felt like it was going to explode.
I also used to have many episodes of those electrical shock-like "zingers" (mostly in my head, but also in my elbows, hips, and knees).
For the headaches, I've been going to a "headache and neck pain center" and getting weekly injections of miacaine (spelling?). It's a type of freezing, similar to Lidocaine or like the kind a dentist gives you, except I have it injected all over my head - in my eyebrows, temples, cheeks, and back of my head. It might sound silly, but I'm given a "pre-freeze" before they give me freezing (I think it may be a milder dose of the same thing, and perhaps just enough to freeze me a tad so that I don't feel the burning sensation of the "real" freeze).
I'm also given injections in my neck and shoulders with a different medication, a sort of muscle relaxant (never asked what it was called).
The headaches (I refuse to call them "my" headaches) have dwindled considerably. The way the doctor explained it to me, it's a "hyper nerve" that causes them, and although the freezing itself only lasts for 10 or 12 hours, having repeated injections on a weekly basis over a period of months "trains" the nerve to calm down, and over the months the nerves "learn" to "behave". The doctor also said that because I am getting relief from the freezing, that it is definately nerve related (anything more serious, like an anurism, would not see relief from the injections).
As for the electrical shock-like "zingers" (which may only last a minute or less and are terribly painful while happening), I'm taking an anti-seizure medication which again, helps calm the nerves. The one that I found which works for me is Epival. Although I'm RX'd 2 tablets a day, 1 does the job and the "zingers" have gone from 30 / day down to only 2 or 3 / day. This particular med can be awfully hard on the body though, so I need to check the levels of it in my blood every 2 or 3 months.
A "rice sock" provides relief for the headaches as well. Here's how to make them...
*Stuff* a sock completely full with some sort of grain (NOT corn!) - a dry, UN-cooked rice does nicely (minute rice will not work). Because heated grain has a bit of an unpleasant odour, if you like you can add a few drops of a nice-smelling pot pourri oil, or even a few sprigs of lavender. Then, either use an elastic band to close the end of the sock, or tie a knot.
Since this heat pack can be used over and over again for years to come, you may want to use an additional sock as a cover so that you can pull it off to wash it.
Heat the "rice sock" in the microwave ONLY for 1 to 3 minutes... even though the rice is totally dry, it lets off steam and can burn, so be VERY CAREFUL not to heat it too long. Apply it to wherever you have pain. It'll stay hot for about 45 minutes to an hour.
I wrap one around the back of my neck and lay another over my eyes when I have a headache (the heat makes my tense muscles relax, which itself eases the pain a bit). My mother lays hers on the small of her back, or puts it across the front of the seat on her computer chair so it rests under the backs of her knees.
I hope somether here was helpful and that you find relief for the pain. Good luck!
I used to have a pressure at the top of my head that didn't hurt, but when I bent over, it felt like it was going to explode.
I also used to have many episodes of those electrical shock-like "zingers" (mostly in my head, but also in my elbows, hips, and knees).
For the headaches, I've been going to a "headache and neck pain center" and getting weekly injections of miacaine (spelling?). It's a type of freezing, similar to Lidocaine or like the kind a dentist gives you, except I have it injected all over my head - in my eyebrows, temples, cheeks, and back of my head. It might sound silly, but I'm given a "pre-freeze" before they give me freezing (I think it may be a milder dose of the same thing, and perhaps just enough to freeze me a tad so that I don't feel the burning sensation of the "real" freeze).
I'm also given injections in my neck and shoulders with a different medication, a sort of muscle relaxant (never asked what it was called).
The headaches (I refuse to call them "my" headaches) have dwindled considerably. The way the doctor explained it to me, it's a "hyper nerve" that causes them, and although the freezing itself only lasts for 10 or 12 hours, having repeated injections on a weekly basis over a period of months "trains" the nerve to calm down, and over the months the nerves "learn" to "behave". The doctor also said that because I am getting relief from the freezing, that it is definately nerve related (anything more serious, like an anurism, would not see relief from the injections).
As for the electrical shock-like "zingers" (which may only last a minute or less and are terribly painful while happening), I'm taking an anti-seizure medication which again, helps calm the nerves. The one that I found which works for me is Epival. Although I'm RX'd 2 tablets a day, 1 does the job and the "zingers" have gone from 30 / day down to only 2 or 3 / day. This particular med can be awfully hard on the body though, so I need to check the levels of it in my blood every 2 or 3 months.
A "rice sock" provides relief for the headaches as well. Here's how to make them...
*Stuff* a sock completely full with some sort of grain (NOT corn!) - a dry, UN-cooked rice does nicely (minute rice will not work). Because heated grain has a bit of an unpleasant odour, if you like you can add a few drops of a nice-smelling pot pourri oil, or even a few sprigs of lavender. Then, either use an elastic band to close the end of the sock, or tie a knot.
Since this heat pack can be used over and over again for years to come, you may want to use an additional sock as a cover so that you can pull it off to wash it.
Heat the "rice sock" in the microwave ONLY for 1 to 3 minutes... even though the rice is totally dry, it lets off steam and can burn, so be VERY CAREFUL not to heat it too long. Apply it to wherever you have pain. It'll stay hot for about 45 minutes to an hour.
I wrap one around the back of my neck and lay another over my eyes when I have a headache (the heat makes my tense muscles relax, which itself eases the pain a bit). My mother lays hers on the small of her back, or puts it across the front of the seat on her computer chair so it rests under the backs of her knees.
I hope somether here was helpful and that you find relief for the pain. Good luck!
Thank you:)
just surfing around looking for answers to my own health problems, + came accross your mail, appart from various symptons, written off by my G.P. as anxiety, I also have suffered from the same pressure sensation at the top of my head, though I don't believe I've yet had an answer to what this is, I have found help with this sympton via my Chiropractor, I am in the U.K. and was lucky to find a good honest practice, there must be some kind of central register where you are, or ask around, though nothing obvious I apparently had a slight problem at the top of my spine, my Chiropractor made some slight adjustments, and the feeling vanished!!, it did return, but after a course of treatment, I now go bi-anually for maintainance, and haven't suffered with this ''clamp round my brain'' for a long time, wishing you luck.
just surfing around looking for answers to my own health problems, + came accross your mail, appart from various symptons, written off by my G.P. as anxiety, I also have suffered from the same pressure sensation at the top of my head, though I don't believe I've yet had an answer to what this is, I have found help with this sympton via my Chiropractor, I am in the U.K. and was lucky to find a good honest practice, there must be some kind of central register where you are, or ask around, though nothing obvious I apparently had a slight problem at the top of my spine, my Chiropractor made some slight adjustments, and the feeling vanished!!, it did return, but after a course of treatment, I now go bi-anually for maintainance, and haven't suffered with this ''clamp round my brain'' for a long time, wishing you luck.
hi all
I have been feeling terrible since november when after a heavy night out I experienced a strange fit where I almost lost consiousness, went extremely hot and pale and basically thought I was going to croak...I also had a panic attack as I was worried at what it might be.I have been to the doctors seven times, out of hours GP and also A&E as I have this awful feeling of pressure in my head, a constant dull throbbing sensations of pressure behind my eyes and in my temples...very strange. Today is the worst and I have strange sesations in my cheeks.
A&E said I have a 'brain disease' which would go of its own accord and said it was vesticular...doctors said the same. I have been pescribed Serc, Maxalat, neurofen and today I called up my docs and they are going to try me on beta blockers. Can anyone tell me why Docs are so reluctant to send me for a CAT or MRI scan? Its really getting me down and I am worried sick that I have a brain tumor. My symptons worsen after alcohol, I have had blood tests which were normal and eye test (they said I was slightly short sighted but not serious).When I feel at my worst, I simply cannot think straight and become really narky and impatient..help! Ali x
I have been feeling terrible since november when after a heavy night out I experienced a strange fit where I almost lost consiousness, went extremely hot and pale and basically thought I was going to croak...I also had a panic attack as I was worried at what it might be.I have been to the doctors seven times, out of hours GP and also A&E as I have this awful feeling of pressure in my head, a constant dull throbbing sensations of pressure behind my eyes and in my temples...very strange. Today is the worst and I have strange sesations in my cheeks.
A&E said I have a 'brain disease' which would go of its own accord and said it was vesticular...doctors said the same. I have been pescribed Serc, Maxalat, neurofen and today I called up my docs and they are going to try me on beta blockers. Can anyone tell me why Docs are so reluctant to send me for a CAT or MRI scan? Its really getting me down and I am worried sick that I have a brain tumor. My symptons worsen after alcohol, I have had blood tests which were normal and eye test (they said I was slightly short sighted but not serious).When I feel at my worst, I simply cannot think straight and become really narky and impatient..help! Ali x
I just read all your symptoms and comments and am much relieved. I had migraines some years ago but lost them (gratefully) when I was pregnant with my 2nd child and they have never returned. I, too, have had a strange feeling on top of my head for about 2 weeks. Thinking, as all of you did, that it might be an aneurysm, I was getting a little upset that it wouldn't go away.
Last night I was driving in a rainstorm on dark roads and when I returned home my head was really aching for the first time. It is better this morning but I still feel something (not really pain) on the top of my head. Thanks to all of you for posting you symptoms and comments. If nothing else, I feel relieved that it's nothing major.
Also, thanks to the person who posted the "rice sock" treatment. Sounds interesting.
Last night I was driving in a rainstorm on dark roads and when I returned home my head was really aching for the first time. It is better this morning but I still feel something (not really pain) on the top of my head. Thanks to all of you for posting you symptoms and comments. If nothing else, I feel relieved that it's nothing major.
Also, thanks to the person who posted the "rice sock" treatment. Sounds interesting.
hey everyone,
i also have been feeling that pressure in my temples and the feeling of a heavy book sitting on my head and i also suffer from anxiety. i'm a hypochondriac and often worry about diseases and tumors. has anyone ever had an MRI done with these symptoms? do you think that it may be a tumor or just something minor? i too do not want to get an MRI done, too afraid of what the outcome might be. I've also been told though that if it were a brain tumor i would probably be suffering from Gran Mal seizures and my motor skills would be off. I just need some re-assurance here. i also suffer from headaches, my mom had migraines that eventually just went away. please help!
i also have been feeling that pressure in my temples and the feeling of a heavy book sitting on my head and i also suffer from anxiety. i'm a hypochondriac and often worry about diseases and tumors. has anyone ever had an MRI done with these symptoms? do you think that it may be a tumor or just something minor? i too do not want to get an MRI done, too afraid of what the outcome might be. I've also been told though that if it were a brain tumor i would probably be suffering from Gran Mal seizures and my motor skills would be off. I just need some re-assurance here. i also suffer from headaches, my mom had migraines that eventually just went away. please help!
hey everyone,
i also have been feeling that pressure in my temples and the feeling of a heavy book sitting on my head and i also suffer from anxiety. i'm a hypochondriac and often worry about diseases and tumors. has anyone ever had an MRI done with these symptoms? do you think that it may be a tumor or just something minor? i too do not want to get an MRI done, too afraid of what the outcome might be. I've also been told though that if it were a brain tumor i would probably be suffering from Gran Mal seizures and my motor skills would be off. I just need some re-assurance here. i also suffer from headaches, my mom had migraines that eventually just went away. please help!
i also have been feeling that pressure in my temples and the feeling of a heavy book sitting on my head and i also suffer from anxiety. i'm a hypochondriac and often worry about diseases and tumors. has anyone ever had an MRI done with these symptoms? do you think that it may be a tumor or just something minor? i too do not want to get an MRI done, too afraid of what the outcome might be. I've also been told though that if it were a brain tumor i would probably be suffering from Gran Mal seizures and my motor skills would be off. I just need some re-assurance here. i also suffer from headaches, my mom had migraines that eventually just went away. please help!
Hello.I have been reading everyones posts. I am relieved at knowing I am not crazy at some of the symptoms I am having since most of you have them as well... But maybe someone out there can help me . This is what I am feeling....
3 weeks ago I just felt out of balance. The room wasn't spinning but it felt like head sensations and dizzy. I had a bit of eye pressure and my ears felt like they do on a airplane. I was popping them like crazy trying to relieve this.
Since than my eyes feel normal and some days are much better than others but I still have these symptoms. It feels like a heavy head tingling , a little dizzy, and my ears still pop. Also my front forehead is tight a bit. Its definately not a headache. I went to the dr's and he gave me a heavy decongestant saying that the tube in my ear might be swollen which is resulting in these symptoms. The decongestant is not working.
Is anyone out here experiencing this? I am scared something might be wrong. ButI am between careers (laid off airline worker) and currently I am not insured so I am afraid they will want to send me in for very expensive mri's etc..
Nancy
3 weeks ago I just felt out of balance. The room wasn't spinning but it felt like head sensations and dizzy. I had a bit of eye pressure and my ears felt like they do on a airplane. I was popping them like crazy trying to relieve this.
Since than my eyes feel normal and some days are much better than others but I still have these symptoms. It feels like a heavy head tingling , a little dizzy, and my ears still pop. Also my front forehead is tight a bit. Its definately not a headache. I went to the dr's and he gave me a heavy decongestant saying that the tube in my ear might be swollen which is resulting in these symptoms. The decongestant is not working.
Is anyone out here experiencing this? I am scared something might be wrong. ButI am between careers (laid off airline worker) and currently I am not insured so I am afraid they will want to send me in for very expensive mri's etc..
Nancy
I'm 40 year old female and I'm also experiencing these
weird sensations on the top of my head like someone is
rubbing my head, and I feel a slight pinching sensation around my
left ear. No pain or headaches however. I also
feel these sensations in my neck and shoulder, my side
and leg. These sensations around my shoulders feels like slight pressure like I'm wearing a heavy jacket or coat on my shoulders. I was recently diagnosed with Anixety and was put on prescription of 20gm of Lexapro. It has not really helped me.
weird sensations on the top of my head like someone is
rubbing my head, and I feel a slight pinching sensation around my
left ear. No pain or headaches however. I also
feel these sensations in my neck and shoulder, my side
and leg. These sensations around my shoulders feels like slight pressure like I'm wearing a heavy jacket or coat on my shoulders. I was recently diagnosed with Anixety and was put on prescription of 20gm of Lexapro. It has not really helped me.
WOW! Reading through these postings, I have many of the same symptoms. The pressure on top of head thing,feeling like wearing a hat, the ear thing, lightheadedness, nausea, etc. ( even a drop of alcohol intensifies all of this 10 fold!)
Of course, they tell me that mine is a CSF leak caused from a sinus surgery, they cannot confirm it. I have also been told that it was migraine, possible demyelinating disease, seizures etc and none of those have been proven either nor the treatments have any effect.
I am scared too because it just will not go away and is disrupting my entire life. I feel as if I am starting to go crazy now just dealing with it.
Good luck to everyone. Hopefully one day we can all find relief, closure and the help we desperately need!
Of course, they tell me that mine is a CSF leak caused from a sinus surgery, they cannot confirm it. I have also been told that it was migraine, possible demyelinating disease, seizures etc and none of those have been proven either nor the treatments have any effect.
I am scared too because it just will not go away and is disrupting my entire life. I feel as if I am starting to go crazy now just dealing with it.
Good luck to everyone. Hopefully one day we can all find relief, closure and the help we desperately need!
After reading these posts, I feel like I'm not the only one to experience this pressure on the top of my head. My problem has been attributed to anxiety and stress after the death of several people close to me, my father being the closest. I started experiencing this pressure 2 months after his death. There are days that I dont have it all and other days it stays with me all day. I am currently taking 10mg of Lexapro and it does alleviate it, but it doesnt go completely away. It seems to hinge on what I have going on in my life at a particular time. I'd appreciate any responce if anyone experiences the same.
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