Hi,
I am a 24 year old male. I am having severe headaches daily -- they are tingling, and pressure like, primarily focused on the left side. My head almost feels "empty" at times. However, the headaches is not what bothers me -- In the past year or so, I have been getting progressively "duller". Recently, it has reached a point at which I am having a very hard time performing daily tasks. In general I am experiencing:
1. memory problems: both long-term, and short term. forgetfulness, inability to concentrate, trouble reading, focusing hard on trying to understand people and not getting it [this is one of the worst symptoms, I am somewhat “befuddled”], having to ask people to repeat themselves.
2. general confusion: I have a hard time understanding people.
3. social confusion: I am having a hard time being creative, getting jokes, being socially appropriate in general. I sit and rack my brain for things to discuss, and just draw blanks.
4. speech: I say the wrong words than what I am thinking.I am also having a very hard time expressing myself, and summarizing things. cant seem to make myself clear to others.
5. muscle stiffness -- in my hands, neck and back. My lower back is constantly hurting, and the back of my neck just recently started. Every now and then I realize that I am pushing my neck far forward unknowingly for no reason.
6. urinary issues: I urinate VERY small amounts. I can urinate fully and to relief in 4 to five seconds. I experience severe urgency and frequency.
7. numbness in my face and jaw stiffness.
8. back of my head is sensitive to touch, and I think I have new bumps back there, but am unsure.
9. coordination / awareness – constantly walking into things, dropping things, walking into other people.
10. changes in sensation – Sense of taste, hearing, vision seem weaker. Food tastes bland. Unable to tell if I am full or hungry.
Truthfully, I feel completely different. I think it is worth noting that I was a former student government leader, speech writer, entreprenuer, and am currently a law student. I received top marks, and am known as a VERY outgoing guy. These issues are completely non-characteristic of my personality.
That said, I have been to the ER for this recently. I had an MRI, CT Scan, and a spinal tap, along with various blood work. Everything came up negative, which is a relief, but my symptoms are so severe and real that I am not receiving any treatment or relief.
What should I do? Help! Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated. What could it be? Possible MS or some sort of neuro degenerative disease? I have nothing like that in my family, and can't imagine I could be so sick @ 24.