Pressure on top of the head?

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moonjuice

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Hi everyone,

I've been reading a book on music and one section deals with seizures set off by music. The descriptions got me thinking about some strange experiences I've had. Here's what happens:

There isn't one thing that seems to set it off, though often it'll happen while I'm listening to music. I'll feel an unpleasant pressure on the top of my head, seemingly coming from the inside. Initially I thought it may be some kind of blood clot, though seeing as how I'm still alive years later, it's most likely not. Almost simultaneously I'll feel anxious or afraid, but I'm not sure if that's because the feeling itself is unsettling. I generally have to stop whatever it is I'm doing (writing, reading, walking, etc.) and hold my head down and close my eyes. It lasts no longer than 15 seconds or so, often less. There have been times (during university) when they may occur 2 or 3 times per week. They still happen, but I can't remember the last time (months ago).

I had a couple of concussions in my teens (about 8 years ago). The experiences I sometimes have definitely didn't happen before then, but I'm not sure when they started... some time during university.

Anyway, have any of you had similar experiences? I'm curious if what I'm experiencing is some kind of simple partial seizure.

Thanks!
 
Hi moonjuice, welcome to CWE!

One kind of simple partial involves a sensation of anxiety or fear, so it's possible that your symptoms are seizure-related. They might also be a form of migraine, a close "cousin". If you are bothered by the episodes or worried about them, go ahead and contact a neurologist. It's a good idea to keep a journal of when they occur. A journal can help a doctor get a sense of frequency and scope of your symptoms, and it can potentially help you to identify any patterns or triggers. Fatigue is the #1 trigger for seizures, but they can also be things like food sensitivities/allergies (caffeine, MSG, aspartame, gluten), metabolic issues (low blood sugar, dehydration), hormones (thyroid, estrogen), general health issues (infection/injury), and other kinds of physical, physiological, and emotional stressors.

Best,
Nakamova
 
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