Head pain, possible brain injuries?

[Harlequin_]

This is a little hard to explain but please bear with me. It has been happening as long as I can remember, roughly once a month or so. I'm 17 at the moment if that's important.

Well what happens is sometimes when I turn my head sharply I get massive pain in the back of my head. I can tell you now that it is not a neck/spine problem. It is hard to describe this pain, but it feels like my brain has smashed against the side of my skull or something, it is almost unbearable at the start, and then it fades out after about 10 to 15 seconds.

It feels strange as it fades out, almost as if my brain is bleeding or something. Keep in mind this is not a sharp stabbing pain, it consumes the whole back-left quarter of my head. I have never sought advice for this as it has been happening my whole life, and as a child I thought it was a normal thing.

I had thought it stopped happening for a while, as it hadn't occurred all year, until last night. This was the worst one I have ever had, it took about a minute to completely fade away, and I couldn't do anything but sit down during. Afterwards, it felt like my brain had turned into jelly or something. I could not think straight and I was making a lot of stupid mistakes.

Please help me to diagnose this issue, as it is starting to get me worried. Thankyou for taking the time to read and I greatly appreciate any help you can give.

[doctornee medical]

Hi
Welcome to the forum!
If the pain comes with head movement and you also had it as a child, then in all probability there is some movement between your first and second cervical vertebrae. This can cause compression on the spine as it leaves the brain.
It could also be spinal compression between C2 and C3, even though you do not feel this is the case. At times there is canal stenosis present from birth.
Benign intracranial hypertension is another condition that can be investigated. It happens due to impaired CSF absorption.
Hope this helps. Please consult an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[Harlequin_]

Thanks for giving me some answers, what does it all mean? Is it serious?

[doctornee medical]

Hi
Yes, this can be serious. Of-course I have not examined you. Nor can a confirmed diagnosis be given. However these are possibilities that should be eliminated with your symptoms. Any problem between C1 AND C2 can be very dangerous as the spinal cord runs just behind. However whether this is really so or not, only a neurologist can say. Take care!

[Harlequin_]

I'm hoping someone that experiences the same thing will post here and tell me what it is :( probably won't happen lol.

[mara55]

I know it can be hard to get in to see a neurologist, but I certainly agree that you should be seen. I have been under medical care for several years and have found the best way to get seen is to make an appointment with your regular doctor if you have one and when you describe your symptoms, have information written down so you remember to tell everything. If you are not happy with your treatment, ask if you can see a neurologist and would they kindly refer you.