Hi. I've had problems with headaches for three months now. It all started with a sudden, flashing light going across my field of vision, from left to right which was preceded by migraine headaches. Then for about a week or so i felt dizzy, and off balance. Then the symptoms subsided.

A month later, the headaches and tingling feeling that seems to spread across the top of my head (feels like weird blood flowing under my scalp) came back. THen i started feeling nautious alot of the time, on top of some disorientation and general lack of interest in everything going on around me. I started experiencing minor memory loss, and difficulty of concentration and generally lacking the speed of thought I once had.

Now the pain has subsided once again, but I feel wrong somehow. Like I've lost IQ. I can't process information the same way I could, or use my imagination.

Can't afford a cat scan or MRI, so I guess i should give up and hopefully die in a coma

Thanks for your concern. I'll try looking for one of those organisations and think of my own ways to raise some money. The problem is that this condition has been plaguing me on and off since september (though it seems to be getting progressively worse), and I've been to a 'doctor' a few times, each time the idiot refused to do tests or steered the talk away from doing something she knew I couldnt' afford. Instead she'd just give me some cop out of a pain relief perscription. Clinicians are such frauds. The pain isnt even that bad. It's the loss of coordination and cognitive processes that really kills me.

Then again, I've heard these symptoms can be linked to anxiety or high blood pressure, or even hypertension, but I'm so deathly afraid of brain damage or brain atrophy because of a clot or something else that might be going on that i'd have no way of looking at without a hugely expensive mri. Bleh...

Losing one's mind is the worst way to die. And it's a very slow death. It's probably a mixed blessing that I'm morally incapable of killing myself.

Anyway, thanks for the reply and I'm glad your son is ok. He is ok mentally right?

What the F are you talking about? Both your posts refer to "killing yourself" and I just don't get it. I'm sorry to be so blunt, but life and health are a gift that should never be taken for granted and I don't understand how you can contemplate taking them away so easily. I understand how frustrating your current situation can be. I too have been having problems with balance, headaches, tinnitus, hearing loss, arm numbness, etc. and the medical system can drive you nuts. I've sat in a doctors parking lot in tears because nobody could tell me what's wrong. I've wanted to throw doctors out the window because they've wanted to pump me full of drugs to just make me go away. It's taken me over a year to get some answers but I'm finding relief. I don't yet feel like I used to but I feel 100 times better then 6 months ago and will get back to where I was. There is no other option.

You need to get medical help. Not from a family doctor but a specialist. I received the most help from a neurologist. They can check you for and hopefully rule out neurological diseases like MS, parkinsons, neouropothy, etc. that can have some of the symptoms you discussed. The brain MRI is also key for ruling out any type of tumor. Mine was done to rule out an acoustic neuroma which is a small tumor that grows in the inner ear and impacts hearing and balance. Turns out I have a neuromuscular disorder called myofascial pain syndrome. In a nutshell, muscle knots develop in your body at "trigger point" locations and cause refered pain. Knots in your neck can cause headaches and balance problems. Knots in your upper back can cause arm pain and numbness and so on. The current treatment is physical therapy and dry needling. Neither are the most pleasant in the world but it beats the hell out of medications and it works.

Your condition, no matter the cause, will make you depressed. Don't give up. If you need to, see if an anti-depressant is appropriate. I've read many studies that suggest that they help with nervouse system problems. You have the right to feel great. You're health should be your number 1 priority right now and you need to exhaust every option out there to get better.

See my post called "dizzy stretches" and try it. I found some relief doing them (and still do them 10 x a day) before I started physical therapy and it's free. Good Luck.

Is this still bothering you? It sounds serious and like you need help.

Here's another idea: Go to a country that has a decent healthcare system (basically, the entire industrialized world except the US). You know, one of those societies where caring for each other is a virtue.

Once there, fall ill and show up at the hospital with these symptoms. They'll take care of you.

you really should have a cat scan. i had two burst aneurysms and high blood pressure and since my surgery i have that very slow thought process andtotally panick when i have to make a decision of any kind. when my sneurysms burst, i have the bright flashy squiggley lines in my eyes and i could not open them. which was followed by the worst headache of my life. also ended up with motion sickness so bad, i threw up for three days. not pleasant. and my left leg and left arm did not work. i would have one just to be safe and rule aneurysms out!!!!! i know what it is like!!!!!! good luck

I though the worst when my symptoms began, My symptoms and yours are exactly alike almost to the nickel. I have had 3 MRI's and 4 CT Scans over the past 3 years just out of fear and what I have is Complicated Migraine..I get numb, tingles, visual disturbance, slurred speech, ringing ears, dizzy, nasuea balance troubles and all sorts of weird feelings all over the place. If you have these symptoms and do not have insurance or money..While you are having symptoms go to a ER (Emergancy Room) Tell them your having the symptoms and most likely they will order a CT at the least especially if your symptoms are bad. Is there a free clinic anywhere in your area. I dont have insurance or money either and I found a way to get help. If I can give you any pointers or help feel free to e-mail me at bjpowell2003@hotmail.com
I wish you the best.....CajunGal

Lectus, how are you doing now? Has your condition improved? Have you managed to find the medical help you needed? I don't know what your financial situation is. But, have you tried applying for medical assistance in Rhode Island? I am unemployed in PA, and was able to qualify here. Until I'm able to find a job, my doctor visits, tests, hospitalizations, meds are all paid for. Check out the website for the Rhode Island Department of Human Services. You can get information on the adult medical assistane program there. If you don't qualify, check next for a Community Health Center in your area. You can find a listing of them here: http://www.health.state.ri.us/disease/primarycare/healthcenters.htm Your fee is based on your ability to pay. It's a start. Good luck, and let us know how you are doing.

i've been having the exact same problems and also dont have insurance or a lot of money, so i havent been to the doc. sometimes i feel at a loss and like im patiently awaiting my doom. i'm in the process of looking for medical assistance.

its a sad life, really.. :(

but it may also have to do with anxiety/depression. i just bought a dog, and im planning on being more active and getting some exercise and see if that helps any :\

[This message has been edited by sergiom (edited 09-15-2003).]