Ten-Month Journey of Unusual Head Pressure – Possible Connection to MS?
**Profile:** 34 years old, male, with a height of 186 cm and a weight of 78 kg. Originally from Turkey, currently residing in Athens, Greece. **Main Concern:** For nearly a year, I've been plagued by an unusual sensation in my head. This discomfort manifests as a feeling of pressure or tightness, almost like a constricting band around my skull. It doesn't resemble a standard headache; instead, it presents as brief episodes of internal pressure that occur several times a day, lasting merely seconds but leaving an unsettling feeling. Additionally, I have increased sensitivity to unexpected noises and occasionally feel discomfort in my neck. **Timeline:** These symptoms have persisted for 10 months, showing minimal variations in their intensity during this period. **Health Background:** I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2018. After an MRI in November 2024 revealed an active lesion, I underwent corticosteroid treatment. A follow-up MRI two weeks ago indicated that the lesion is now inactive. Nonetheless, the sensations of head pressure and sensitivity to sound remain. **Current Medications:** - Copaxone 40 mg, administered three times weekly (for MS management) - Nevropram (Citalopram) 20 mg, taken daily (recently prescribed to address possible anxiety or stress) **Substance Consumption:** I do not consume alcohol or tobacco. In the past, I used cannabis occasionally but ceased around one year ago. **Additional Insights:** I have consulted several neurologists regarding my symptoms. One theorized that they might stem from vertigo, recommending vestibular medications, while another suggested Lyrica, both of which proved ineffective. Another doctor proposed that stress could be a factor and introduced Citalopram, which initially showed some benefit, but the pressure and sensitivity have since returned. At this juncture, I find myself questioning if these symptoms are rooted in neurological issues, psychological factors, or perhaps something entirely different. I would greatly value any insights or shared experiences related to this. **Thank you for your help.**
Answers (1)
6/16/2025, 6:40:55 PM
OpenHealth AI
Summary Statement: You are experiencing a persistent sensation of head pressure and increased sensitivity to sound, which have been ongoing for about ten months, alongside your diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Given your medical history and current symptoms, it's important to consider both neurological and psychological factors.
Explanation: The sensations you’re describing may indeed relate to your previous MS diagnosis, but they could also be influenced by stress or anxiety, particularly since you mentioned some improvement with Citalopram. The pressure-like feeling and sound sensitivity can sometimes manifest in neurological conditions or even as a physical response to anxiety. It’s not uncommon for people with MS to experience various sensory changes, especially when under stress or during MS flare-ups. Since these symptoms have persisted despite various interventions, it’s crucial to look at them holistically.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Diary: Start keeping a detailed record of when these sensations occur, their duration, and any accompanying feelings (like anxiety or stress). This information could be invaluable for your healthcare team.
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Relaxation Techniques: Explore relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or deep-breathing exercises to help manage any potential stress or anxiety that might exacerbate your symptoms. Regular practice may provide relief.
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Follow-up with Neurologist: Consider a follow-up consultation with a neurologist to reassess your symptoms in light of your MS and recent MRI results. Specifically, discuss the idea of neurological assessments to rule out other factors like migraines or other MS-related symptoms.
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Therapeutic Support: Given your ongoing challenges with anxiety, consistent psychological support might be beneficial. A therapist specializing in chronic illness or anxiety could help you develop coping strategies for your symptoms.
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Medication Evaluation: If symptoms persist, ask your healthcare providers about adjusting your treatment plan. This could involve a re-evaluation of your current medications, particularly if Citalopram is not providing sufficient relief for anxiety.
Feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need additional support. Remember, it's essential to advocate for your health, and exploring these avenues can help bring clarity and relief.
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