A Confounding Sensation: Was My Mind Expanding or Bursting?
I’m a 14-year-old assigned female at birth and I’m currently on a regimen that includes 60mg of JORNAY, 325mg of ferrous sulfate, 150mg of sertraline, and a mystery period blocker whose name escapes me. Additionally, I take two women’s multivitamins and a daily dose of vitamin D3 at 2000 units. I want to clarify from the outset that I don’t believe this is an instance of exploding head syndrome. There wasn’t a loud noise, and articulating my experiences, especially when they are so unusual, can be quite challenging. Apologies if my description becomes a bit unclear. I have a history of chronic migraines; it’s just part of my life, and, believe it or not, I had one earlier today that eventually subsided. After about eight hours, I found myself lying in bed browsing on my phone. All was well; I was alert, and there was no discomfort. Suddenly, an unusual sensation washed over me—it felt as though my brain had rapidly inflated or detonated. It wasn’t painful, but the brief sharpness reminded me of the stinging I’ve felt when I accidentally inhale chlorinated pool water. The experience resembled that disorienting moment just before drifting off when your mind deceives you into feeling as though you're plummeting. Instead of that falling sensation, I experienced a peculiar outward rush, like my brain was whooshing inside my skull. Now, about an hour later, I do have a bit of discomfort, but thankfully, there’s no migraine in sight.
Answers (1)
2/15/2026, 2:30:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a very unique and concerning sensation that is triggering worries given your health history, particularly with chronic migraines. Let’s break this down and provide some clarity and guidance.
Key Points:
- The sensation you described could be related to various factors, particularly your migraine history and the medications you are taking.
- It's crucial to monitor these experiences, especially since they seem unusual for you.
Explanation:
You mentioned feeling a rush or expansion in your head, which can be disorienting and unsettling. People with a history of migraines sometimes experience variations in sensations, and certain triggers or changes in the body can lead to different types of feelings. Sometimes these sensations might be associated with the aura or prodrome phase of migraines, which can occur before a migraine begins or during a moment of neurological stress.
Your medications (like sertraline or your period blocker) can also contribute to different neurological sensations as potential side effects. It’s crucial to consider how these medications may interact with your body, especially as you go through significant changes and development as a teenager.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of when these sensations occur and what you were doing beforehand, as this might help identify any potential triggers (like fatigue, stress, certain foods, or medication timing).
-
Hydration and Rest: Ensure you stay well-hydrated and rested. Sometimes, fatigue or dehydration can contribute to unusual sensations.
-
Avoid Stimulants: Limit caffeine and other stimulants, especially if you notice a correlation with your symptoms, as these can sometimes exacerbate migraine activity.
-
Communicate: Since you have a healthcare team managing your medication, I recommend discussing this experience with them. It’s important to share these unusual sensations so they can help assess whether any adjustments in your treatment are needed.
-
Seek Help if Needed: If the sensations worsen or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms (like severe headaches, visual disturbances, or prolonged discomfort), don't hesitate to seek medical advice sooner.
Remember, it's normal to have concerns when experiencing new sensations, and talking about it is a strong first step in addressing them. You're not alone in this. Keep your healthcare providers in the loop, and take care of yourself.
Related Questions
Pulsating Swelling on the Neck
Recently, I became aware of a peculiar tightness in the left side of my neck one evening. After a few days of discomfort, I began to investigate further and discovered a noticeable swelling. This lump has a pulsating quality that is visibly apparent. Shortly after, I started experiencing an unusual sensation in my nose and extending into my cheeks. It feels akin to being upside down, with a sense of pressure across my facial area. Over the past few weeks, the lump has enlarged, now reaching toward my ear, contributing to a feeling of significant pressure there as well. About two to three weeks ago, I visited the emergency room, where the physician claimed he could scarcely detect the lump. They performed a CT scan without contrast due to my previous mild reaction to it, and nothing abnormal was noted. The doctor was somewhat brusque and condescending, stating that I wasn’t in imminent danger and advised me to follow up with a primary care physician. For several years, I have been on a downward spiral with weight loss and declining health. Initially, I attributed it to depression stemming from my divorce and life circumstances, but I’m beginning to wonder if there might be a deeper connection. In recent weeks, I’ve felt increasingly unwell; my appearance has changed drastically - my eyes appear sunken with dark circles, and my complexion is pale. I was prescribed a course of antibiotics, which I completed, based on the suspicion of a swollen lymph node. At present, I lack health insurance, which makes it challenging to consult a primary care doctor. I would appreciate your insights on this matter. Although it's difficult to capture a clear image demonstrating the size of the lump, I’ll share a picture for context. What are your thoughts on this situation?
Understanding Superficial Second-Degree Burns
Age: 35 years Gender: Female I experienced a superficial partial thickness burn on the dorsal side of my hand, which showed signs of healing within approximately 8 to 9 days. Initially, the wound appeared pink and did not necessitate any skin grafts. Now, on day 23 of the healing process, I’ve noticed that my skin exhibits a pitted, crater-like texture resembling the surface of the moon. Fortunately, I do not feel any pain, itching, or discharge. Could this be a typical aspect of the early remodeling phase, or should I be concerned about the potential for permanent scarring?
Is It All Just Psychological?
**Height:** 5 feet 5 inches **Weight:** 193 pounds **Age:** 17 (turning 18 in a month) **Sex Assigned at Birth:** Female **Overview of Symptoms:** Exhaustion, cognitive fog/memory issues, dizziness, gastrointestinal discomfort, chronic pain, heightened sensitivity to pain **Symptoms and Background:** Approximately three weeks ago, I experienced a significant illness, marked by a fever fluctuating between 99°F and 104°F lasting for about five days. It began after I was sick on a Thursday morning when I unexpectedly vomited twice. Over the coming days, my ability to eat diminished drastically; by Sunday night, I was sick again. Even after my fever subsided, I found myself vomiting again that following Tuesday, and I have yet to return to my pre-illness state. The fatigue I face is overwhelming, often hitting in waves throughout the day. While some days are manageable, there are times when even standing feels Herculean, making my limbs feel as if they're made of lead. I previously thought I understood tiredness, but this exhaustion is a different level—it feels nearly impossible to function. Despite having restful nights and achieving 8-10 hours of sleep, I wake up feeling even more weary. There are moments when I can push through tasks, but then sudden fatigue strikes, causing me to shut down completely. Along with this fatigue comes cognitive fog; it’s as if my mind is enveloped in static. My recollections seem elusive, surfacing momentarily only to fade away again. I've also experienced episodes of dizziness. Initially, I attributed it to dehydration, but even with increased fluid intake, my condition has not improved. At times, my vision blurs, leading me to feel disoriented. Furthermore, I’ve been receiving alerts from my Apple Watch about elevated heart rates—clocking in over 110 to 120 beats per minute for ten minutes—even while I remain still and inactive. Nausea and constipation have also become frequent companions. My nausea often begins as hunger that swiftly transforms into a sensation of discomfort in my chest that lingers. For the past six to eight months, I’ve dealt with persistent pain in a spot on my lower back, located just below my ribs. The pain varies from sharp and stabbing to a constant ache. Despite attempting rest and stretching, it seems to be more than just muscular discomfort. I hesitate to self-diagnose and am anxious that perhaps this is all merely psychological. Additionally, I have noticed an increase in my pain sensitivity compared to before I fell ill. Minor touches from friends can lead to discomfort lasting upwards of thirty seconds. When I bump into something, the force of the pain feels more significant and lingers longer than it previously did. **Family Medical History:** - **Father (68):** Type 2 Diabetes, Supraventricular Tachycardia - **Mother (48):** High Cholesterol - **Maternal Grandfather:** Prostate Cancer - **Paternal Uncle:** Type 1 Diabetes **Additional Information:** In the past three weeks, I have visited a doctor on three occasions, yet no definitive issues have been identified. My lab results show elevated inflammatory markers, indicating that I was ill, but they are decreasing. I’m unsure whether my condition has persisted long enough to be genuinely concerning. I’m growing anxious, fearing that it may all stem from my mind, leaving me at a loss for solutions. I wonder if it might be related to a post-infectious condition. I avoid drugs and alcohol. My mother often tends to dismiss my concerns, but as I near my 18th birthday, I will have the opportunity to seek medical help independently. I need assistance in determining whether these struggles are psychological or if there is a deeper issue at play.
Intense Pain in Left Rib Area During Deep Breaths
An 18-year-old female, weighing around 105 pounds and standing 5 feet 2 inches tall, currently takes Zoloft and Yaz. From time to time, I encounter a sharp and agonizing pain in the area of my left ribs when I take a deep breath. This discomfort, which feels like a sudden stabbing sensation, happens momentarily but is strong enough to leave me short of breath. It’s among the most severe pain I’ve ever experienced. Can someone explain why this occurs? What are the ways to relieve this pain?
Persistent Eye Twitching: Seeking Insight
A 31-year-old male, standing tall at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 210 pounds, has been experiencing daily twitching in his right eye for the past month. The only medication he currently takes is Subutex, dosed at 8 mg twice a day. Recently, he made the decision to stop consuming THC products, including smoking marijuana and using edibles, which he quit three days ago. Since this cessation, he has struggled with poor sleep quality, often only managing around five hours of broken rest per night. As a college student, he faces elevated stress levels. Notably, he underwent PRK eye surgery at the age of 18. The individual wonders whether his symptoms may be attributed to stress and insufficient sleep, or if they could signal a deeper health issue. Thankfully, his vision remains intact and he experiences no pain; the twitching is merely a source of irritation.