Strange Sensations in My Head After Illness
Hello everyone, this is my first post here, and I'm really hoping to get some insights. I've been unwell for the past two months, and I'm really struggling to understand what's going on with my body. I'm a 19-year-old female, and everything started when I returned home for winter vacation on December 13th. Initially, I enjoyed spending time with friends and felt perfectly fine. But one day, I accidentally made an extremely strong cup of coffee (though I only had about half). I hoped it would give me a little boost to help clean my room since I typically have no issues with caffeine other than occasional mild anxiety. Later that evening, while attending my sibling's middle school band concert, I began to experience heart palpitations. I started to panic, which only amplified the situation. Luckily, my mom, who is a nurse, helped me remain calm. However, the palpitations continued from 7 PM until around 11 PM when I began experiencing chest pain and difficulty breathing, prompting a trip to the emergency room. At the hospital, they performed an EKG that showed I was experiencing premature atrial contractions (PACs), along with some positive orthostatic results. The doctors reassured me that everything seemed okay and suggested wearing a heart monitor as a precaution. I returned home and attempted to rest, but the next day, the palpitations persisted. Subsequently, I began feeling increasingly unwell—sans fever—finding it challenging to rise from bed or eat anything. The only source of comfort became listening to Reddit stories told by Smosh. My awareness of my heartbeat heightened dramatically, accompanied by sharp chest pains and sensations of numbness. This weird pressure developed in the back of my head, transitioning into a burning feeling that alternated with sensations akin to someone blowing on my brain or having water poured over it. At times, I felt as if blood was rushing to the top of my head, creating a sensation of warm fullness that was unnerving. Sleep became a frightening prospect as I feared not waking up. I consulted a physician who prescribed amoxicillin, diagnosing me with an ear and sinus infection; still, after finishing the antibiotics, the pressure in my head hardly subsided. A visit to the eye doctor during my winter break confirmed that my eyes were healthy, with only a slight change in my prescription. During this time, I lost about 15 pounds in just three weeks and was feeling particularly weak. However, I needed to return to college, so I mustered all my energy to pack and drive back. The drive itself was manageable, but I felt significant pressure at the base of my neck. I forced myself to eat more and attend my classes, yet constant headaches lingered, with no pain relievers providing relief. Basic tasks became challenging; I had to take frequent breaks while cooking or walking because I felt I lacked the strength, and my heart would act up intermittently. Soon after, my vision started to change. I would wake up feeling as though everything was distant and dim. When I looked down, my perspective shifted dramatically, making me feel either unusually tall or short—a sensation that hasn't improved. It often feels as though my forehead and eyes are being pushed back into my skull. Amid these issues, I also sustained a minor head injury when a friend accidentally kicked the chair I was sitting on. I went back to the ER, where a CT scan revealed nothing abnormal, much to my relief, but they advised that I see a neurologist for further evaluation. Afterward, I visited another doctor locally for continuity of care. She suggested I consider anxiety medication, which I agree with, since even minor incidents now fill me with intense dread, particularly after experiencing the heart palpitations. Often, I'll recount a simple story to friends, only to feel an inexplicable drop in my heart rate. I still haven't received my heart monitor, and the pressure and sensations in my head have become increasingly overwhelming. I've been experiencing vertigo sensations that make me feel like my body is continuously lurching. I simply don't feel like myself anymore, and I'm at a loss for understanding why this is happening. In brief: I've faced heart palpitations, spiraled into illness resulting in peculiar sensations in my head, and doctors remain perplexed by my condition. My anxiety has skyrocketed, and my vision seems off—I'm yearning for a return to normalcy.
Answers (1)
2/11/2026, 11:40:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing. It sounds like you're experiencing a complex mix of physical symptoms and heightened anxiety following your initial illness. Understanding these sensations can feel overwhelming, especially when paired with anxiety and changes in your vision. Let's break this down step by step.
Main Points
- Physical Symptoms: You have reported heart palpitations, sensations in your head, changes in vision, and overall weakness, often accompanied by anxiety.
- Anxiety: Your anxiety seems to have intensified throughout this experience, which is quite common when dealing with unexplained physical symptoms.
- Next Steps: It’s important to manage both your physical symptoms and anxiety as they are likely interconnected.
Explanation
Many of the sensations you're describing could be related to anxiety or tension that has developed after your initial health scare or as a result of the physical stress you've experienced. The body can react in unusual ways when under stress, leading to symptoms such as palpitations, tightness in the chest, pressure in the head, and changes in perception.
Given your history of PACs (premature atrial contractions), it's essential to continue monitoring your heart's behavior and managing your emotional well-being. The combination of physical and psychological symptoms can form a cycle where anxiety exacerbates physical sensations, making them feel more intense and unmanageable.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure that you're drinking plenty of water and eating balanced meals. Even if your appetite is low, try to engage in small, frequent meals rich in nutrients.
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Anxiety Management: Consider practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques like deep breathing or gentle yoga. These can help reduce anxiety and the physical sensations you're experiencing. Apps like Headspace or Calm may also be beneficial.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal of your symptoms, noting occurrences, intensity, and any triggers you might identify (like stressful events or certain activities). This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider.
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Follow-Up Care: Since you've already consulted with a neurologist, wait for the results from your heart monitor and any recommendations from your doctor. If symptoms worsen or new ones arise, prioritize seeking further medical attention.
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Support System: Don't hesitate to reach out to friends or family when you feel overwhelmed. Sharing your feelings can help lessen the burden and may provide emotional relief.
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Seek Professional Help: If your symptoms persist or you feel your anxiety is unmanageable, think about connecting with a mental health professional who can help tailor coping strategies to your specific situation.
Remember, you're not alone in this, and there are treatments and strategies that can help you navigate through this challenging time. Your resilience in tackling these issues is commendable, and it's perfectly okay to seek support as you work toward feeling more like yourself again.
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