Should I be worried about my headaches and shaking episodes? Could it be a variant of sleep paralysis?
Greetings, I’ll get right to it; I’ve been experiencing headaches for about a week now. While I’m no stranger to the occasional headache, these have been notably more intense than what I usually endure. Occasionally, I've felt discomfort behind my right eye, which isn’t uncommon for me. This has been an ongoing issue, and my neurologist is aware of it. My latest MRI, conducted at the end of January, indicated no deterioration or alarming findings. In the last 24 hours, I’ve noticed a change in my hearing. It fluctuates between excessively loud in my left ear and being muffled in both ears. Additionally, I’ve started feeling overwhelmed by noise along with a peculiar sensation in my ears. It’s difficult to pinpoint; it might feel like pressure, some form of vibration, or possibly a blockage—or perhaps it’s a combination of these sensations. I recently recovered from a cold/flu that my three-year-old also had. She mentioned having ear discomfort as well, but the hospital didn’t detect any infections during her evaluation (we went there for her asthma, not the cold/flu). As for the shaking episode, I’m unsure if I was actually asleep, but I was aware enough to recognize what was occurring and have a recollection of it upon waking, which leads me to wonder if this could be sleep paralysis. I was definitely in a sleep state initially, but then I began to see various colors, felt an intense vibrating sensation, and my teeth started grinding in a slow, sawing manner. There was also a peculiar sinking feeling at that moment, and then I abruptly woke up, feeling confused yet otherwise fine. I have an appointment scheduled with my neurologist on Tuesday, where I’ll discuss the headaches, but I’m curious if any of the symptoms I’ve described warrant attention before then. Thank you for your help! I’m a 25-year-old female, residing in England, 5’7”, approximately 200 pounds (though I’m not certain), and the only medication I'm taking is Kesimpta. My main health issues include Multiple Sclerosis and Internuclear Ophthalmoplegia. I vape occasionally, drink infrequently, and do not use drugs.
Answers (1)
3/28/2025, 1:30:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a combination of symptoms that may be concerning, and it's great that you have an appointment scheduled with your neurologist to discuss your headaches. Here’s a breakdown of your symptoms and some steps you can take in the meantime.
Main Points:
- Persistent headaches, especially with changes in hearing and shaking episodes, should be monitored and assessed by a healthcare provider.
- Fluctuating hearing and pressure sensations could be linked to your recent cold/flu, but the shaking episodes might need specific attention.
- Sleep paralysis could be a possibility, but there are other explanations for the shaking, such as muscle spasms or other neurological responses.
Explanation:
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Headaches: The increased intensity and discomfort, particularly behind your right eye, can be notable, especially given your history of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Headaches can also result from tension or changes in intracranial pressure.
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Hearing Changes: Fluctuating hearing and discomfort in your ears might be due to Eustachian tube dysfunction or residual effects from your recent cold. The pressure sensation could be contributing to your headache as well.
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Shaking Episodes: These could be a form of sleep disturbance, possibly related to your MS or a specific sleep disorder. Feeling aware during an episode could suggest it’s different from typical sleep paralysis, which often occurs with immobility.
Next Steps:
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Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of all your symptoms leading up to your appointment. Note the frequency, duration, and intensity of headaches, any changes in hearing, and specifics about the shaking episodes (what you feel, when they occur).
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Manage Pain: Consider using over-the-counter pain relief (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen), if appropriate for you and not contraindicated by your other medications, to manage headaches until your appointment.
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Stay Hydrated and Rest: Ensure you’re drinking enough fluids and getting adequate rest. Fatigue can exacerbate symptoms related to both MS and headaches.
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Monitor Changes: If at any point you experience severe headaches, new neurological symptoms (like vision changes or weakness), or if the shaking episodes worsen or become frequent, seek medical attention immediately.
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Prepare for Your Appointment: Write down all your current symptoms, any triggers you notice, and your history with headaches and shaking episodes to discuss with your neurologist. This can help them better understand your situation.
Your health concerns are valid, and documenting your experiences will help your neurologist provide the best care moving forward. Take care, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any urgent concerns.
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