Heavy Head?

Ashlynn · Post by **Ashlynn** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 7:59 am

Does anyone else have the feeling that there head weighs one thousand pounds. It is tight and feels like I can't hold it up anymore. when I get up it pounds and feels like it could explode at any moment. Is this anxiety?

Reen38 · Post by **Reen38** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 8:04 am

I have had this sensation several times. Mine used to be really bad when I was on paxil. It felt like someone was pushing my head from behind, while tons of bricks were laid on top of it. Are you on any meds?
The body sensations can be really weird and scary at times. Just talk to your doctor and he/she will be able to let you know what is causing it.
I remember for a while my face felt tight and sunburned and it was the middle of winter ! Anxiety can make your body feel very strange soemtimes.

Ashlynn · Post by **Ashlynn** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 8:12 am

I am not on any meds. And i had an MRI of my brain that was normal. So, anxiety seems to be my only answer. I saw my pcp on Friday and he told me it's anxiety but you know that doubt is always there.

momurph · Post by **momurph** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 8:27 am

Hi Ashlynn,
YES -- I have that feeling all the time, and I also had an MRI a couple years ago. My MRI did show some white spots on both sides for my brain which could have signaled Lyme Disesae, Multiple Sclerosis, and a couple other conditions I don't recall, but I was tested for all of those and they came out normal.

Recently, I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. The heavy, foggy head is a symptom of both of those conditions. Do you have sore muscles at all? Or get sore easily? IF so, it might be worth a visit to the rheumatologist.

Another thing it could be is sinus pressure, or allergies -- my heavy, foggy head seems to act up in gray weather, when the barometric pressure is low.

It also kind of sounds like a migraine.

Sometimes doctors really irk me -- there are SO many things it could be, but he just passes it off as anxiety. Sure, anxiety doesn't HELP the issue, but to me it sounds like chronic fatigue, sinus/allergy, or a migraine-related condition. Can you get a second opinion?

So sorry to hear that you are suffering from that awful feeling. Hang in there! Don't give up trying to find the answers. Even though Fibromyalgia is no fun, at least I know what contributes to those awful heavy-headed days.

Keep me posted!
Maureen

NBGuy · Post by **NBGuy** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 1:25 pm

Ashlynn, another suggestion.... Have you seen a chiropractor? I went to seen one a few weeks ago. Xrays showed I had a sublaxation in my neck (basically, my neck is not straight which can put pressure on nerves). I don't really have heavy head symptoms, but my anxiety does give me tension headaches, and tight feelings on my scalp. Since I have been going to the chiro, I have felt better. It's not the only answer (I'm on the program and meds), but I think it helps.

Good luck!

momurph · Post by **momurph** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 3:48 pm

Hi again,
Yes, NBGuy is right about the chiropractor! I forgot about that. It would be a GREAT idea to see a chiropractor and get some x-rays. Getting adjusted could really bring relief.

Good idea, NBGuy!

Keep us posted, Ashlynn ...
Maureen

chrit · Post by **chrit** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 3:52 pm

I also had these symptoms and real bad equilibrium problems. The chiropracter did wonders for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Trem10 · Post by **Trem10** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:08 pm

I also had this feeling in my head. I had it quite often when my anxiety was at it worse. I believe it was related to anxiety and depression. Though a chiropracter can't hurt. It has helped me with many other issues.

momurph · Post by **momurph** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 6:39 am

Another thought on the heavy head (as you can see, this subject is near and dear to my heart!)

I was telling my doctor (psychiatrist) about my heavy, foggy head, and how I was having a hard time focusing on anything ... couldn't even really keep track of what day it was.

His answer was that my anxiety level may have been so high that my brain was kind of "shutting down;" a way of protecting itself I suppose. So, it could be anxiety ... but I would leave no stone unturned in searching for other answers, just in case.

Take care,
Maureen

Dellie · Post by **Dellie** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 7:09 am

I have the heavy head syndrome, too. I notice it more on windy, sunless days. It feels like something is right on top of my head and I am real foggy and out of it. For years I thought it was sinuses and maybe it is alittle but I think it is more anxiety and weather related. I think the weather really affects people with anxiety more than those without.