OpenHealth Q&A

Understanding the Symptoms: Insights and Concerns

Approximately a month ago, I began experiencing a sensation of pressure centered in my forehead. It wasn’t exactly painful, but felt like a series of tightening bands, fluctuating in intensity. This discomfort, which felt as though an object was resting on my forehead, would persist for just a few minutes but recurred several times during the day. After a fortnight, the sensation seemed to diminish, yet a similar feeling resurfaced, this time encompassing the area around my eyes—particularly the outer edges and the area just above my nose. I would have likely dismissed these minor discomforts, as they were bearable, if it hadn’t been for the incident when I bumped my head last Sunday. I struck my head on the car door by my right ear, and just two days prior, I had noticed a small lump in that area, which I was certain hadn’t been there before. The night before the bump, I was jolted awake by pain behind that ear; the bump was beneath it, yet I felt discomfort on the opposite side of my forehead, despite not having struck it there. This pain was brief, lasting mere minutes following the impact. Additionally, I felt nauseous at that moment, but thankfully, I did not vomit. Since that incident, I’ve noticed pressure around my eyes—next to, beneath, and sometimes directly above them, almost as if the sensation was squeezing into my eyes. There was also a searing pain in my forehead on the same side as the impact, especially when bending forward or turning my head; these episodes were sharp yet fleeting, recurring several times throughout the day. Thankfully, while the sharp pains have subsided, lingering pressure remains, at times accompanied by a similar stabbing pain within my head, often provoked by movement. This discomfort predominantly occurs on the right side, where I sustained the hit, though occasionally I feel similar sensations on the left. I'm starting to worry about the possibility of delayed brain hemorrhaging, as these stabbing pains were absent prior to the injury. Two days ago, I experienced tingling in the left side of my face and hand—a sensation I occasionally feel, but this instance was prolonged, lasting around four to five minutes before gradually fading. The following day, I felt milder tingling in my right hand. In the evening, I suffered severe pain in my lower back, particularly in the lumbar region, which had initially presented as sharp, intense spikes throughout the day, culminating in an overwhelming pain lasting about ten minutes, bringing me to tears. Simultaneously, my left leg experienced tingling sensations. Last Friday, I discovered a red spot on my foot, which gradually increased in size, and then another appeared higher up on my leg on Tuesday. I consulted a physician about this, and she prescribed Doxyhexal, leading to visible improvement in the spots. I've also speculated whether my headaches could be related to Lyme disease, but the timelines don’t align—if it were connected, the symptoms would likely appear weeks after the spots emerged, suggesting they are probably unrelated. Furthermore, my right knee has been in considerable pain for about a month, with occasional discomfort in the left knee as well, but predominantly the right one. After a hot shower, I experience intense pulling sensations that linger for some time, often accompanied by brief but sharp discomfort in my shoulder joint. Additionally, I frequently wake up with excessive sweating around my neck and collarbone. Reflecting on these symptoms, I can’t help but notice some overlap with Lyme disease, but again, the timing is inconsistent—could any of this signify delayed brain bleeding? My father thinks I’m overly concerned about my health, but this doesn’t feel typical to me. I plan to see my doctor for a follow-up once I complete the prescribed 14-day antibiotic course. Should I bring up these symptoms? Should I seek medical attention sooner, or could they all potentially be unrelated concerns? I realize a proper diagnosis requires an in-person evaluation, but I’d appreciate any input regarding what might be going on.

Answers (1)

8/18/2025, 1:21:35 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are experiencing a range of concerning and persistent symptoms that have been quite distressing for you. Based on your description, the pressure in your forehead and around your eyes, tingling, and pain after your head injury have understandably raised concerns about potential serious issues, such as delayed brain bleeding or other neurological conditions.

Explanation

Your symptoms, especially following a head impact, should be taken seriously. Head injuries can sometimes lead to complications, and the additional signs of facial tingling and back pain may suggest a broader neurological issue. The pressure you feel could be attributed to tension headaches, sinus issues, or even something more serious like increased intracranial pressure, particularly given your recent head trauma. The tingling in your limbs, combined with the history of headaches and other discomforts, should not be overlooked—it emphasizes the need for careful assessment.

Next Steps

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given the combination of your recent head injury and neurological symptoms (like tingling in your face and hands), it's important to consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible. This could involve an emergency evaluation to rule out serious conditions, such as bleeding or swelling in the brain.

2. Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including any changes in their intensity, duration, and associated activities (e.g., movements or events). Note when the symptoms began, how they progress, and any new ones that appear.

3. Discuss All Symptoms with Your Healthcare Provider: When you see your doctor (whether it's during your follow-up or sooner), bring up every symptom you’ve experienced, including the headaches, facial tingling, lower back pain, and knee discomfort. Comprehensive communication helps your provider to make a more accurate assessment.

4. Monitoring and Follow-Up: After your evaluation, closely monitor how your symptoms evolve. If you notice a worsening of any symptoms or new developments (like increased intensity of pain, changes in vision, or balance issues), seek medical care promptly.

5. Practice Self-Care: In the meantime, consider taking care of your physical health. Stay hydrated, manage stress through relaxation techniques (like deep breathing or meditation), and avoid any strenuous activities that could worsen your symptoms.

It's entirely valid to be concerned about your health, especially when experiencing these complex symptoms. You're doing the right thing by seeking input, and taking proactive steps towards understanding your health will help guide your next actions.