OpenHealth Q&A

Debating the Diagnosis: A Three-Month Struggle with Head Pain

I’m a 30-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 4 inches and weighing around 60 kilograms. I don’t smoke and only indulge in alcohol on rare occasions. I’m currently not taking any medications and have no significant prior health issues, aside from having experienced labyrinthitis earlier last year (2025). For the past three months, I've been plagued by persistent head pressure and blurred visual clarity, and I'm seeking to understand my symptoms better. Any insights would be greatly appreciated! ### Symptoms Overview: - **Continuous Head Pressure:** I’m experiencing a dull headache around the clock, generally fluctuating between a pain level of 3 or 4 out of 10. On the rare occasion, the pain creeps higher, but it rarely dips below that threshold. - **Blurry Vision:** Although I can discern objects clearly, there's a disconcerting sensation as if I’m viewing everything in a daze. - **Ears Popping:** My left ear can pop at will, especially when I yawn or stretch my jaw. - **Mild Weakness in Arms:** Occasionally, my arms feel slightly weakened and heavy, reminiscent of the sensation during a blood pressure check, though this doesn't hinder my activities. - **Frequent Lightheadedness:** I often feel a sense of near fainting, requiring me to steady myself against objects, though the room itself doesn’t spin. - **Nausea:** Thankfully, I haven’t been sick, but the accumulation of symptoms leaves me feeling constantly queasy. ### Recap of Events: The situation took a turn on November 17, 2025, when I began experiencing headaches without any clear triggers. On November 22, I performed a pole dancing routine, during which I accidentally struck my head against a ceiling pipe. I completed the performance without noticing any immediate issues and enjoyed the festivities. The following day, I felt fatigued and a bit groggy from the late night but attributed it to the lively environment. After a short work shift that afternoon (I’m a laser hair removal therapist), I experienced a migraine with aura for the first time in my life and retreated to a dark room to recover. I visited my doctor the next day, who suggested that I might be dealing with tension headaches. They prescribed sumatriptan and recommended a follow-up in four weeks if symptoms persisted. On December 8, I sought the input of an optometrist, who found no serious vision problems apart from needing minor corrective lenses, which included blue light filtering options. Concerned about the pole incident, I returned to the doctor on December 9, where it was suggested that I might be facing post-concussion symptoms. Although I attempted to ease up a bit during the holiday season, I still maintain an active lifestyle, but I did take a two-week break from pole dancing. By January 6, 2026, I consulted a private neurologist who suggested chronic migraines, noting a family history of migraines with my mother and brother. To alleviate my fears of a brain tumor, he recommended an MRI, resulting from my ongoing distress over uninterrupted symptoms. The MRI took place on January 7, and by January 11, I received my results indicating an incidental finding of an arachnoid cyst on my frontal lobe, marked as likely insignificant. After experiencing another distressing episode on January 17— when I felt nauseous and migraine-like after having just coffee on an empty stomach — I took sumatriptan, but it was too late to provide relief, forcing me to spend the evening in a dark room. By January 30, after discussing my situation again, the doctor noted a pattern of migraines attributed to an underlying headache. I was prescribed a nasal spray and an anti-nausea medication, which provided little relief. On February 3, I expressed my concerns during yet another doctor’s visit and requested further investigations to rule out issues related to my inner ear or sinuses. A blood test was scheduled for February 23 due to unavailability. As I sought various treatments, including acupuncture on February 9 to potentially address tension, progress remained elusive. I also underwent a sports massage to manage muscular tension without decisive improvement. Since my MRI results on January 11, I have been in limbo, awaiting follow-up communication from the neurologist. My attempts to reach out via phone and email have been met with frustrating delays. It’s disheartening to have waited so long for a consultation when I exist in a state of discomfort. ### Final Thoughts: While I recognize my frequent doctor visits and feel guilty about potentially burdening the NHS, my panic, pain, and fear compel me to seek answers. Despite being diagnosed with chronic migraines, I struggle to reconcile my ongoing head pressure and persistent visual disturbances with typical migraine symptoms. Over the last three months, I have only experienced a handful of migraines, leading me to believe that my ongoing symptoms might stem from a separate issue. I want to regain my former self and understand the nature of my condition. Is it indeed migraines? A lingering effect of concussion? Or perhaps something that remains unidentified? I would genuinely appreciate any thoughts or shared experiences on this matter. Thank you for your time and support.

Answers (1)

2/14/2026, 8:50:57 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear about the struggles you've been facing with your head pain and its associated symptoms. Let's break down your situation and discuss some potential insights and next steps that may help you.

Main Points:

1. Your symptoms suggest a potentially complex interplay of migraines, possible post-concussion effects, and other factors affecting your overall well-being.
2. It's understandable to feel distressed given the duration and nature of your symptoms, especially considering the challenges you've faced in getting timely medical support.

Explanation:

You have experienced persistent head pressure, blurry vision, lightheadedness, and nausea alongside a prior incident where you hit your head. The symptoms you describe may relate to various conditions:

• Chronic Migraines: These can cause head pressure, nausea, and visual disturbances, especially with your family history.
• Post-Concussion Syndrome: This can result from head trauma and features ongoing headaches, dizziness, and cognitive changes following the injury.
• Vestibular or Inner Ear Issues: Your symptoms of ear popping and balance changes might point to vestibular problems, which could contribute to head pressure and lightheadedness.

Given that you have been experiencing these symptoms significantly over three months, it’s crucial to address both the physical and emotional aspects the best you can while awaiting further medical input.

Next Steps:

1. Symptom Monitoring: Keep a daily symptom diary noting the intensity, duration, and any potential triggers for your symptoms. This will help identify patterns and is valuable information for your healthcare providers.

2. Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you're drinking enough water and eating balanced meals. Since you've experienced nausea linked to coffee on an empty stomach, it may help to have meals regularly to stabilize your body.

3. Physical Activity and Rest: Continue with light activities that you enjoy, but listen to your body. Avoid anything too strenuous while you have ongoing symptoms.

4. Stress Management Techniques: Consider methods such as mindfulness, yoga, or gentle stretching exercises to alleviate tension and anxiety. These might help with discomfort and improve your overall mood.

5. Follow-Up Communication: If you're still having trouble with communication, document your attempts and continue to reach out to your neurologist's office. You might also consider seeking a second opinion from another neurologist if you continue to feel stuck.

6. Seek Support: Joining a support group for individuals with migraines or chronic pain can provide community and shared experiences, which may lessen your feelings of isolation.

It's hopeful that with persistence and the right care, you'll find clarity and relief. If your symptoms worsen significantly or new concerning symptoms arise, consider reaching out for immediate medical assistance. Your health is important, and seeking help is a sign of strength.