Persistent Intense Headaches Accompanied by Cognitive Difficulties
16 Female Assigned at Birth, Australia I’ve been suffering from extreme headaches for quite some time now, and there are some unusual symptoms I've been experiencing that I need to share. Right now, it feels as if my head is being compressed in a hydraulic press. My left ear feels like it has been scratched mercilessly, I'm experiencing persistent ringing in my ears, and my ability to concentrate or think deeply has significantly diminished. - I'm dealing with severe pain primarily on the left side of my head, particularly around the temple area, which radiates to the back of my head, my left cheekbone, and jaw. Additionally, I feel a buzzing sensation along with muscle spasms situated between my eyebrow and eye, accompanied by twitching of my eyelid – this has lasted for two months. - The pressure in my left temple intensifies when I lie down or bend over. - I've been experiencing bone pain in both ribs, which extends to my back and collarbone, for the last four months—even resting hasn't alleviated the discomfort. This might be costochondritis due to previous chest binding, but I haven’t used binding for three months, and the pain persists. - My back is also in pain. - There’s noticeable joint discomfort and a sense of weakness in my wrists, elbows, and knees, especially on the right side. - I sometimes have difficulty recognizing names, which may feel unfamiliar or disconnected, though occasionally, I have fleeting moments of recognition. - My memory has been declining; it takes me several minutes to retrieve information that I previously had no trouble recalling, leaving my mind completely blank. - I also feel confused at times. - The left side of my scalp experiences occasional tingling or a burning sensation. - I have been feeling fatigued for the past two years. - There have been heightened sensations of pressure in my legs, arms, and ribs. - I’ve missed my period for three months. - Pelvic and hip pain occurs every few days and is not aligned with my menstrual cycle. - It has become more challenging to regulate my body temperature. - My chest and body often feel heavy. - I struggle with maintaining focus and grasping what I read. - I lost 2 kilograms in just three days without any changes to my routine. My primary care physician has referred me for a CT scan, but my parents are quite occupied, so it seems likely that it will occur next week. The headache pressure is becoming intolerable, and my lack of concentration is impacting my studies. I feel like my mental capacity is operating at only 40%. Should I consider going to the emergency room?
Answers (1)
7/23/2025, 2:31:20 PM
OpenHealth AI
Given your description of persistent and intense headaches, cognitive difficulties, and various physical symptoms, it’s important to address these concerns carefully. Your symptoms are complex and may require urgent medical attention.
Key Concerns:
- Severe Headaches: The pressure and pain on one side of your head, combined with cognitive difficulties, could indicate a serious condition.
- Cognitive Symptoms: The trouble with memory and focus, along with feelings of confusion, are significant and warrant further evaluation.
- Physical Discomfort: The bone pain, joint issues, and fatigue could be interconnected with your neurological symptoms and may suggest an underlying condition that needs assessment.
Explanation:
- Headaches that are severe and accompanied by neurological symptoms (like cognitive changes and tingling) can indicate issues such as migraines, tension-type headaches, or more serious conditions like increased intracranial pressure or neurological disorders.
- The other symptoms you’ve described, such as joint pain, fatigue, and missed periods, may also be related to an underlying inflammatory or autoimmune condition that could require thorough investigation.
- Your weight loss and changes in temperature regulation further highlight the need for prompt medical evaluation.
Recommended Next Steps:
-
Consider Emergency Care: Given the severity of your symptoms, especially the escalating headache and cognitive confusion, going to the emergency room is advisable. They can perform urgent tests to rule out serious conditions.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a log of your symptoms—note when they occur, their intensity, and any triggers or relieving factors. This can help medical professionals understand your situation better.
-
Hydration and Nutrition: Focus on staying hydrated and eating balanced meals to support your health while awaiting further medical evaluation. Nutritional support is essential, especially considering your weight loss.
-
Limit Stressors: Try to operate in a low-stress environment while you deal with these symptoms. If possible, reduce cognitive load from complex tasks until you can seek further care.
-
Communicate with Support: Continue to keep your family informed about your symptoms and ask for assistance in getting to medical appointments, especially since the CT scan is coming up.
Please prioritize getting immediate care for any worsening symptoms or new developments, particularly related to neurological concerns. Your health and well-being are paramount, and addressing these symptoms promptly is critical.
Related Questions
Understanding Brain Impact in CADASIL
Subject: 29-year-old female, 5’2”, diagnosed with CADASIL. What effects could a blood clot or hemorrhage have on the brain and body in the area located just in front of the splenium of the corpus callosum, above the pineal gland within the zone of the internal cerebral vein? Additionally, what functions does this specific brain region govern?
Persistent Cough Following Cold – Seeking Insights
At 42 years old, I have no significant health concerns aside from a lack of regular exercise and not maintaining an ideal diet. About three months back, I experienced a common cold, and my recovery was typical. However, since that time, I've been plagued by a persistent urge to cough, which can be quite intense. There's a peculiar sensation near my diaphragm and heart that feels like a flutter, and at times, it feels as if my heart is momentarily skipping a beat during these episodes. This unsettling flutter began right after my cold, and it's a feeling that’s completely unfamiliar to me. During bouts of intense coughing, I occasionally bring up small amounts of clear mucus, but I don't experience any other symptoms. On average, I find myself coughing in short bursts about 10 to 20 times each day. Often, particularly when I’m sitting up in bed late in the evening, this fluttering sensation can feel relentless, leading to a cough approximately every 30 seconds—sometimes even more frequently—for an hour or two. I have consulted my primary care physician on two occasions, and pneumonia has been convincingly ruled out. I’ve experimented with a steroid treatment and took Claritin, along with trying virtually every over-the-counter cough remedy available, but nothing seems to provide any relief. What further steps should I consider taking to either eliminate potential issues or help find a remedy to this ongoing situation?
Cysts on Liver Detected in Chest CT: Should I Be Concerned?
I am a 34-year-old female who does not smoke or consume alcohol, and I don’t take any medications aside from vitamin D supplements. My weight is 145 pounds and I stand 5 feet 3 inches tall. Despite my healthy lifestyle, I find myself feeling anxious. Recently, I have been experiencing pain on the left side of my chest, accompanied by shortness of breath, excessive sweating, and discomfort in my back and joints. My diet has included more dairy products recently, and I am beginning to wonder if I might be allergic or if there could be a more serious underlying issue. Today, I had a sensation of post-nasal drip followed by a cough that produced dark, bloody mucus, which was alarming as I have never encountered anything like this before. Currently, I am at the emergency room, where a very understanding doctor reviewed my CT scan and confirmed that there were no signs of a pulmonary embolism or heart problems. He also stated that my blood tests appeared normal. However, he did mention the presence of some cysts on my liver. How concerned should I be about these findings? Is it advisable for me to discuss this further with my gastroenterologist?
Understanding Laminectomy for Arachnoid Web Removal: What to Expect from Surgery
At 28 years old, I’ve been experiencing episodes of sleep paralysis and involuntary muscle spasms whenever I lie down. Initially, I thought these issues might be related to the epidural I received during childbirth. However, after undergoing a sleep study that yielded no significant findings, I was referred to a neurologist. An MRI scan eventually revealed the presence of an arachnoid web, which has led to a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in my spinal column—likely the source of my troubling symptoms. The neurosurgeon explained that she plans to perform a laminectomy, during which she will remove a portion of the spinal covering. Utilizing specialized tools like tiny scissors and a microscope, the goal is to carefully excise the web. Once the obstruction is removed, the expectation is that the syrinx should begin to drain naturally. When I inquired about the commonality of this procedure, she indicated that while laminectomies are performed frequently, arachnoid webs are relatively rare. Most neurosurgeons do not accumulate extensive experience with such cases, having performed only a handful. I have a good rapport with my surgeon; she comes across as highly skilled and trustworthy. Nonetheless, the thought of someone maneuvering scissors so close to my spinal cord under a microscope is unsettling. How do surgeons execute such delicate movements? What does that process entail?
Seeking Guidance on Complications Post Hip Replacement
I am a 59-year-old female who underwent a left total hip replacement using a Mako robotic approach in December 2024. Initially, post-operative discomfort subsided, but I have been experiencing persistent pain in the back of my left hip that has not improved. Throughout my follow-up appointments, I expressed my concerns to both the surgeon and the physician assistant, but they only suggested that I wait it out without providing further options. During my most recent visit in early May, I was informed that I might have bursitis; however, no specific treatment was recommended, and I was advised to get an MRI of my lower back. Following that, I reached out to my primary care physician for a referral for both back and hip MRIs, which were conducted at the end of June. The hip MRI revealed a defect in the posterior left pseudocapsule, with an organized collection of joint fluid extending along the back of the greater trochanter. The lumbar MRI indicated the presence of disc osteophyte complexes at the L4/5 and L5/S1 levels. I have a follow-up appointment with the orthopedic specialist next week, but I am feeling quite frustrated due to my previous experiences where my pain was not taken seriously, and the reluctance to pursue a hip MRI earlier. Although this doctor comes highly recommended in our medium-sized town, I am uncertain about my next steps and where to seek further assistance. Clearly, it’s essential to address these issues, and I would appreciate hearing from others regarding potential diagnostics or treatment options, as my confidence in the current diagnosis process has waned considerably.