Daily Pressure in Head

Eloise · Newbie Joined: 22 Jul 2006 Posts: 3

Someone please help! I have had daily head pressure in sides and back of head, as well as front of face over the past year. I am currently going through dizziness, nausea, black spots in my eyes, and horrible head pressure. Not to mention my enability to concentrate. The doctor completed a CT Scan and it came back OK. I recently was sent to an Ears and Nose specialist which was a terrible experience. He was very cold and to the point that I did not have any ear issues even though I have pressure in my ears as well. I have been off work for three weeks and am emotionally and physically drained. I feel very much alone and would greatly appreciate any help.

Casig · Article Author Joined: 15 Jun 2006 Posts: 154

hi eloise,
there are a number of conditions that could cause symptoms similar to these, i was wondering have you had any problems with your teeth lately, or do you ever get a ringing in your ears when these "attacks" come on? have you noticed your diet having any effect on your symptoms? if you could give a little more info that would be helpful thanks.

Eloise · Newbie Joined: 22 Jul 2006 Posts: 3

Hi casig, I was so surprised to get such a quick response. Thank you. I have not had any problems with my teeth lately. I was told some time ago that I should look at having an apparatus in my mouth due to my jaw alignment. Unfortunately, due to cost I was not able to pursue. Is it possible that this could be causing an issue? I don't seem to have any ringing in my ears. As for diet, I was doing some Internet research and noticed that someone had problems with Aspartame that caused some of the same symptoms as mine. I have been avoiding all drinks and foods with sugar substatues. Unfortunately, I have not noticed a difference as of yet. As you can see, I am up to trying anything at this point. I did want to mentioned that I do have sleep apnea and am scheduled over the next 4 months for surgery on my nose. It seems that my right nostril is nearly closed due to the bone structure of my nose. My confusion with all this is why would the specialist not mention that some of these things could be causing the pressure, dizziness, and nausea. Open to any suggestions.

Casig · Article Author Joined: 15 Jun 2006 Posts: 154

hi eloise, sorry for the delay in getting back to you, thanks for the extra info. from what you have said i feel that your symptoms are more migraine related than anything else. on the bright side your ct was clear which will ease any worrying about anything sinister. the most common cause of this feeling of pressure around the head and face is sinusitis an infection and inflammation of the sinuses, however this tends to be very acute and can be settled with antibiotics, it also tends to be picked up by your docotor easily. for this reason i would advise you to speak to them about the possibility of migraine. migraine can present atypically (unusually) with floaters, pain / pressure in face and head, nausea, fatigue / sleep disturbances, inability to concentrate. in studies recently it has been found that a large percentage of people with this sinus type pain have actually been suffering from atypical migraine. i would suggest that next time you feel poorly try a specific migraine medication (you can get from any pharmacy) and see if this gives any relief. as i said though keep on with your doc to ensure everything is checked out. hope this helps - kate

Eloise · Newbie Joined: 22 Jul 2006 Posts: 3

Hi Kate, Thank you so much for getting back to me. I was so happy to get your response. I have an appointment with my family doctor on Wednesday and I will definitely be asking him about this. Any other info you may have, I would greatly appreciate receiving. I will continue checking the site. Gratefully, Eloise

Guest · Guest

I had the same syptoms for an extended period, had multiple tests and the determination by a neurologist was migraine. Have tried several medications including efexor, cialis and most recently Wellbutrin. The wellbutrin seems to be working with least side affects. Hope this helps.

Thor · Newbie Joined: 04 Aug 2006 Posts: 1

Hey there, I just noticed your postings and I have been dealing with something very similar for the past 1 year and its driving me crazy. I have this head pressure, especially on the left side, close to my left eye. It all started in May last year when I woke up one morning with pressure on both sides of my head and amazing dizziness! I have had MRI on my brain and neck, CT on my face - all OK. I have been prescribed stuff like Effexor and now something else that isn't working either. I feel best when I lay down, especially on the side that has the pressure. Also it goes away when sleeping and the more sleep and rest I get, the little better I feel the day after. I now also have this floater in my right eye that is driving me insane. I am just hoping I can find something that can take this pain away.
-Thor.

Casig · Article Author Joined: 15 Jun 2006 Posts: 154

hi thor, as i explained to eloise, the symptoms you both described could be explained through atypical migraine. drugs such as effexor and wellbutrin are sometimes prescribed, as although they are primarily antidepressants, in lower doses they can sometimes be effective in treating migraine. it can be difficult to find the right treatment path for each individual, however if both you and your doctor persevere there will be something out there that will help. in the meantime you could try seeing if there are any patterns, such as the symptoms being stress related, if they come on following a particular food, being in a particular environment or even wearing a certain perfume or scent. the fact you have already had negative scans is a good sign and rules out anything sinister, so that should be a weight off your mind to start with. any questions just get back to me. hope this helps. kate

mchrist07 · Newbie Joined: 15 Aug 2006 Posts: 1

About 8 weeks ago my Mom had her first episode at work and they actually took her to the E.R. and kept her overnight, but tests have shown no negative results. Yet she keeps feeling this pressure throughout her head and also feelings of dizziness. She often describes it has feeling like she is floating. She also feels this pressure near her eyes as well. Along with these feelings she at times complains of chills.
She's been to her general practitioner, been through a variety of tests including MRI, tabletop and others. She saw a cardiologist as well as one visit to a neurologist - she plans to see him again.
Her family doctor put her on lorazepam and hydrocodone to "numb" her senses, but she continues to feel abnormal. I recently suggested she try ruling out TMJ.
Any ideas would help. It is frustrating that the patient has to come up with ideas because the Doctors don't seem to be intuitive or creative enough.

Guest · Guest

Hi there,

Stumbled across this site while looking for something else and saw your post and just had to respond. I went through these exact same symptoms for YEARS....several doctors, CT scan, MRI scans etc...nothing came of it. I don't want to lead you astray by telling you my story, as this could be one of many things. But how I finally got my diagnosis was a routine eye exam. The optometrist noticed I had swollen optic nerves. Scared the poop out of me as she explained that can be a symptom of a brain tumor. After another CT scan showing nothing they sent me to a neurologist. They proceeded to do a lumbar puncture and my cerebrospinal pressure was through the roof. I was then diagnosed with a condition called pseudotumor cerebri. Also known as benign intercranial hypertension. My symptoms were similar to yours...pressure in the head, headaches, visual disturbances, black spots, vertigo. After going 2 years without a diagnosis I would have episodes of total blindness, numbness in my limbs and I thought my head would explode

There are many conditions that can take into account your symptoms, including migraines as the other posters have said. But your symptoms sound pretty much like the ones I had. What I would do is please, go to see an opthamologist. If you cant do that...then a well respected optometrist. Also request a consult with a neurologist. One of those three should check your optic nerves for swelling. If nothing comes of that, then at least you've tried. I hate posting on these kinds of forums because I dont want people to get worried that they have what I had and panic...but it's a very rare condition and gets often overlooked while the medical professionals test you for everything under the sun.

I hope you are doing well, and also hope its nothing serious Smile

Daily Pressure in Head

LIFEFORM SOCIAL COMMUNITY NETWORK