OpenHealth Q&A

A Decade of Head Issues and Still Searching for Answers

Approximately a decade ago, when I was 27, I experienced a sudden neurological event while reviewing academic papers. It felt as though an overwhelming wave surged through my entire head, leaving me feeling fatigued and trembling in my legs. Since that initial incident, these episodes have occurred sporadically and unpredictably, sometimes triggered by simple tasks like lifting a water bottle. One alarming episode occurred in October of that year while I was resting in bed; afterward, I was overwhelmed with tears and shaking. It became so severe that emergency services had to be called to rule out a seizure. Initially, doctors attributed my condition to stress, suggesting my body's reactions were a consequence of mental strain, while simultaneously causing me further anxiety. They noted heightened muscle tension in my shoulders, but I felt dismissed when several specialists insisted that my symptoms were psychological. Despite my previous experiences with therapy, they sent me back for more counseling, which proved unhelpful. Eventually, I met with a psychosomatic psychotherapist who challenged the prevailing opinion—she discovered that my issues were not merely psychological. In reality, vital muscles were tense, restricting oxygen flow to my brain, which was a significant relief to learn; I wasn’t fabricating my situation. Treating these issues, however, has been far from straightforward. My treatment began with attempts to release tight muscles, including those in my face, exacerbated by wearing overly heavy glasses. This process made me severely ill: for weeks, I found it nearly impossible to process sounds and light, and I even had difficulty chewing. My mobility deteriorated, confining me to my home for the next two to three years as I gradually worked on increasing my tolerance to various stimuli and relearning basic functions such as walking and standing for extended periods. Over the next couple of years, I slowly regained more abilities, even managing to ride a bike occasionally. Now, I am pleased to report that I can walk for prolonged durations and primarily use earplugs to dull loud sounds. My tolerance to brightness has also improved, although I still find bright screens and direct sunlight challenging. During this time, I also became a parent, which has undoubtedly strengthened my body. Nonetheless, I still experience these head episodes, which have evolved over time. Some attacks feel like a sharp pressure behind my eyes while reading or a sensation in my jaw during conversation or eating. Occasionally, I feel a tingling sensation in my brain that ranges from localized areas to my entire head. I also encounter sharp yet not overwhelming sensations that leave me fatigued and trembling for more than half an hour afterward. Currently, my healthcare providers repeat the same tests—iron levels, vitamin D, and muscle tension—only to conclude that everything appears normal. They advise relaxation, which I would be open to if they could identify the underlying cause of my recurring symptoms. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to possess the answers or viable solutions. This situation has significantly shaken my trust in medical professionals, as their indifference is disheartening. My experiences have greatly impacted my quality of life, and I'm reaching out to see if anyone has insights into what might be causing these recurring issues. For additional context: I was bitten by a tick at age ten and had Lyme disease for several years, but recent tests have not indicated its presence in my system. I’m 37 years old, female, weigh 70 kg, and am 165 cm tall. I had a natural birth two years ago and do not smoke. Thank you for any thoughts you might have on this matter.

Answers (1)

9/13/2025, 11:10:45 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you've been through a challenging journey with your neurological symptoms over the past decade, and it’s understandable to feel frustrated and disheartened by the lack of answers. Your experiences with these episodes—fatigue, shaking, and pressure sensations—warrant careful consideration, especially given the complexity and how they affect your daily life.

Summary of Main Points

1. Your symptoms have evolved over time and include episodes of pressure, tingling, and fatigue.
2. Previous medical consultations have not yielded satisfactory explanations or effective treatments.
3. There is a history of Lyme disease, which may require further exploration despite recent negative tests.

Explanation

The sensations you're experiencing, such as pressure behind the eyes, jaw discomfort, and tingling, can be linked to a variety of causes. Some possibilities include:

• Neurological Conditions: While tests have ruled out some specific conditions, disorders such as migraines or tension-type headaches could lead to similar symptoms. Secondary headaches can occur due to muscle tension, which you have noted.
• Cervical Issues: Tight muscles in the neck or shoulders can lead to increased tension and discomfort in the head; this could be worth reevaluating, especially regarding your previous experiences.
• Sensory Processing Issues: Your increased sensitivity to sound and light and the fatigue that follows certain tasks suggest that your nervous system might still be in a heightened state of sensitivity.

Next Steps

1. Symptom Journal: Keep a detailed diary of your episodes, including triggers, duration, intensity, and any additional symptoms. This might help you identify patterns that could lead to solutions.
2. Physical Therapy or Massage: Since tension in specific muscles has been a recurring issue, working with a physical therapist who understands neural and muscular interactions could provide relief. Focus on gentle, targeted therapies to avoid exacerbation.
3. Neurological Consultation: If you haven't seen a neurologist recently, requesting a referral might be beneficial to explore other diagnostic options. Discuss your past Lyme disease and any neurological tests that may be relevant.
4. Integrative Approaches: Consider exploring integrative health approaches, such as acupuncture or guided relaxation techniques. These might assist with both physical and psychological relief, particularly if stress and tension are contributing factors.

While ongoing episodes can be very unsettling, these steps can help you better understand your symptoms and improve your quality of life. It’s crucial to communicate openly with any healthcare providers you consult about your history and experiences so they can provide the most tailored care possible. Remember, you deserve thorough and compassionate attention to your health concerns.