Seeking Insight on Ongoing Headaches and Memory Issues Despite Normal MRI Results
Hello, Reddit community! I'm a 22-year-old assigned female at birth, currently identifying as male, standing at 188 cm and weighing approximately 90 kg, residing in Australia. Since at least November 2024, I've been dealing with several health challenges. These include severe sweating, frequent icepick headaches (about 3 to 5 occurrences each day), weekly migraines, persistent pressure in my head, ongoing brain fog, debilitating fatigue, and significant memory lapses. Additionally, I often experience phantom scents, particularly food smells that are definitely not in my vicinity. After discussing my symptoms with my doctor, I underwent a blood test, had an ultrasound to check out a lump in my neck (which fortunately was benign), and completed a brain MRI. All the results from these tests came back normal. As a next step, my physician prescribed pizotifen and iptam. While the pizotifen has helped to lessen my migraines, the iptam hasn’t made much difference, and I continue to suffer from the other symptoms. I've been on testosterone for the past seven years and have been taking duloxetine, vyvanse, and catapres for around two years. I also use fexofenadine for allergies. Although I smoke cigarettes, I do not consume alcohol. Upon reviewing my brain MRI images against typical ones I found online, I can't help but feel mine appears abnormal. Do you think it would be wise to seek a second opinion about this? Thank you for any advice you can offer!
Answers (1)
6/24/2025, 9:50:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable that you’re feeling concerned given the combination of symptoms you're experiencing, especially with normal MRI results and ongoing issues. Your symptoms, including headaches, memory lapses, and other cognitive challenges, can be distressing. Here’s a way to approach your situation:
Main Points
- Ongoing Symptoms: Your persistent headaches, fatigue, memory issues, and phantom scents could indicate an underlying condition that hasn’t been diagnosed yet.
- Importance of Follow-Up: Seeking a second opinion could provide fresh insights and help you feel more confident in your care plan.
- Lifestyle Considerations: Managing specific lifestyle factors, including smoking and medication effects, may also contribute to your symptoms.
Explanation
While it's great that your MRI and other tests have returned normal, the presence of ongoing symptoms like severe headaches, cognitive issues, and phantom scents suggests that there could be other explanations. Conditions like chronic migraines, medication side effects, or underlying neurological issues that don't show on standard imaging may be at play. Additionally, certain medications can sometimes contribute to cognitive issues or fatigue.
Next Steps
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Seek a Second Opinion: Given your ongoing and complex symptoms, consider consulting a neurologist or a headache specialist for a second opinion. They can review your case comprehensively, assess your symptoms, and suggest alternative treatments or diagnostic tests.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including when they occur, their intensity, and any potential triggers or changes in your routine. This information can be very helpful for your healthcare provider.
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Evaluate Lifestyle Factors:
- If you smoke, consider reducing or quitting, as smoking can contribute to a range of health issues, including headaches and cognitive problems. Resources for smoking cessation are widely available.
- Discuss your current medications with your doctor to evaluate whether they might be contributing to your symptoms; adjustments may help alleviate side effects.
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Stay Hydrated and Rested: Ensure you’re drinking plenty of water and getting adequate sleep. Fatigue can exacerbate cognitive issues and headaches.
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Consider Stress Relief Techniques: Engaging in stress-reducing practices such as mindfulness, yoga, or gentle exercise can help manage symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
Remember that your health is a priority, and pursuing further insights is essential for effective management. Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself and your needs in your healthcare journey. If you have further questions or need more specific guidance, feel free to ask.
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