Aa
What is it
First of all, I'm a pre-medical student, so I'm thinking this may just be another bout of hypochondria.
A few weeks ago, I've had a severe pain in my left ear.
A day after, I started experiencing what feels like a shooting headache through the left half of my head. It keeps recurring a few times a day and usually lasts for about a minute or less.
I've also realised that I can't concentrate as well as I did before, and this is definitely going to affect my grades.
Finally, last night while studying, the headache returned, but there was also a week feeling in my arms and pressure in my chest area.
Help, please.
A few weeks ago, I've had a severe pain in my left ear.
A day after, I started experiencing what feels like a shooting headache through the left half of my head. It keeps recurring a few times a day and usually lasts for about a minute or less.
I've also realised that I can't concentrate as well as I did before, and this is definitely going to affect my grades.
Finally, last night while studying, the headache returned, but there was also a week feeling in my arms and pressure in my chest area.
Help, please.
A connection between chest pressure and headache would seem to point to the cardiovascular system... again, I wonder what your blood pressure is like when this happens? I'm glad you are planning to see a doctor!
Write a list of all your symptoms to take to the doctor with you, so that you do not forget any of them. Not always, but sometimes one problem is connected with another one and it is very easy to forget to mention all the symptoms.
Best wishes
Best wishes
Jemma and livinginhope, thank you both for your input.
The chest pressure is mild, and only happens when I have the headache, sometimes.
Other persons have told me about TMJ and that it's likely that I've been clenching without even realising it.
And as for the caffeine, I take one cup a day. If I miss my daily intake, then I'd have coffee withdrawal headaches which are worse than the ones I have now.
I take multivitamins so B12 isn't an issue.
And you're both right: my sleep pattern is pretty messed up right now.
I'll go see my doctor on Tuesday, provided that I don't have any reason to rush for medical help earlier.
The chest pressure is mild, and only happens when I have the headache, sometimes.
Other persons have told me about TMJ and that it's likely that I've been clenching without even realising it.
And as for the caffeine, I take one cup a day. If I miss my daily intake, then I'd have coffee withdrawal headaches which are worse than the ones I have now.
I take multivitamins so B12 isn't an issue.
And you're both right: my sleep pattern is pretty messed up right now.
I'll go see my doctor on Tuesday, provided that I don't have any reason to rush for medical help earlier.
Hi, Irene. With the chest pressure (if it was crushing or lasted at least a minute) and weakness feelings, I do hope you went ahead and got your heart checked out at the emergency room. What is your blood pressure like?
Re: the chest pressure, if you got the heart checked out, have you been laying putting pressure on your elbows or sitting leaning on one elbow or the other? If so, you might consider whether you might have a touch of costochondritis and if you can pinpoint a painful spot with your fingers, suspect it highly, and if you adjust your posture, as well as use moist heat and give your chest a rest. hopefully the inflammation will calm down. If not, you might ask your doctor about a short stent of anti-inflammatory medication taken cyclically to try to knock down the inflammation.
I've had shooting pains in my own head before and am not really sure what has caused them. I have TMJ dysfunction and a history of chronic migraines, but suspect that they may just be some kind of spasm going on in the my head- possibly an irritated nerve or blood vessel, I'm not sure. But shooting and very strong pains that feel scary is what I've had, though they pass.
Your ear pain might stem from a TMJ issue (do you clench or grind your teeth at all)?
It is important to have a healthy diet, avoid blood pressure raising agents, such as cigarettes and caffeine, which I think can be common to students under pressure, as well as drinking adequate water and allowing for a normal circadian rhythm when it comes to adequate sleep. Not doing too much computer/texting/other distracting tasks when you are under so much pressure as a student is an important balance to strike. All of these might help your concentration. You might also check to find out if your B12 level is fine, which helps with memory, I believe. And as a young female, iron deficiency is a common problem, so you might make sure your iron level (and ferritin) are within normal range.
Re: the chest pressure, if you got the heart checked out, have you been laying putting pressure on your elbows or sitting leaning on one elbow or the other? If so, you might consider whether you might have a touch of costochondritis and if you can pinpoint a painful spot with your fingers, suspect it highly, and if you adjust your posture, as well as use moist heat and give your chest a rest. hopefully the inflammation will calm down. If not, you might ask your doctor about a short stent of anti-inflammatory medication taken cyclically to try to knock down the inflammation.
I've had shooting pains in my own head before and am not really sure what has caused them. I have TMJ dysfunction and a history of chronic migraines, but suspect that they may just be some kind of spasm going on in the my head- possibly an irritated nerve or blood vessel, I'm not sure. But shooting and very strong pains that feel scary is what I've had, though they pass.
Your ear pain might stem from a TMJ issue (do you clench or grind your teeth at all)?
It is important to have a healthy diet, avoid blood pressure raising agents, such as cigarettes and caffeine, which I think can be common to students under pressure, as well as drinking adequate water and allowing for a normal circadian rhythm when it comes to adequate sleep. Not doing too much computer/texting/other distracting tasks when you are under so much pressure as a student is an important balance to strike. All of these might help your concentration. You might also check to find out if your B12 level is fine, which helps with memory, I believe. And as a young female, iron deficiency is a common problem, so you might make sure your iron level (and ferritin) are within normal range.
The painful ear with a shooting headache is likely to be a head cold with an infected ear drum or canal. Pressure from mucus build up possibly affecting the ear and eustation tube. Even blocked ears by ear wax can cause pressure and pain too. Get it checked.
You may have an infection, even a urinary one because of lack of concentration, if you have access to a parameter urine reagent strip you can test you urine for possible signs of infection. Or the symptoms (not the ear pain) may simply be from stress and not getting enough sleep due to worrying about getting good grades.
The lack of concentration can not only stem from a urinary infection, but also from dehydration and lack of sleep. Make sure you drink plenty of water and get adequate sleep and rest breaks from your studies.
As a pre-medical student you may already know that pressure in your chest with weakness in the arms may also be from heart disorders.
To be honest, forget about thinking that you have hypochondria. Go and get checked out by the doctor. A thorough examination by your doctor will determine the diagnosis and the appropriate treatment will then be able to be given.
Hope you do well in your exams.
Best wishes.
You may have an infection, even a urinary one because of lack of concentration, if you have access to a parameter urine reagent strip you can test you urine for possible signs of infection. Or the symptoms (not the ear pain) may simply be from stress and not getting enough sleep due to worrying about getting good grades.
The lack of concentration can not only stem from a urinary infection, but also from dehydration and lack of sleep. Make sure you drink plenty of water and get adequate sleep and rest breaks from your studies.
As a pre-medical student you may already know that pressure in your chest with weakness in the arms may also be from heart disorders.
To be honest, forget about thinking that you have hypochondria. Go and get checked out by the doctor. A thorough examination by your doctor will determine the diagnosis and the appropriate treatment will then be able to be given.
Hope you do well in your exams.
Best wishes.
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