AngieBaby77
06-05-2007, 01:18 PM
Hello everyone. I am 29 and in reasonably good health, normal body weight, low blood pressure. I have a mystery that I am desperate to solve. For about the last month, I have experienced a chronic sensation that feels like a tightness/pressure/strain behind and directly above my left eye and eyebrow. It's not painful, only annoying and uncomfortable.
Now, here's some background that may help you help me figure this out:
In March, I had an MRI/MRA and CT scan for a questionable cerebral unruptured aneurysm 2 mm in size on the left cerebral artery. I went to the best neurosurgeon in my state only to be told the findings were insignificant, to go home and resume my normal life, that the finding may be a normal variation of the vessel and even if it's not it's too small to bother with. I was told to go home and resume my normal life with no followup. After he left the room, his nurse told me I could follow up in five years if I wanted to because she knew I was very anxious and nervous about the whole thing.
For this head/eye sensation thing that I've had for the past month, my doctor tells me it cannot be related to the above issue. He assumed it was sinuses and sent me for a waters view X-Ray, which found nothing. He told me to take Ibuprofen and just didn't seem very concerned.
Today, I went to the eye doctor thinking it could be eyestrain. Nope, eyes are perfectly fine.
Thursday I am going to the dermatologist because I thought maybe it could be something clogged under the skin causing the sensation. I got a spray on Mystic tan about a month ago and it broke my forehead out.
I also have generalized anxiety disorder and severe health anxiety, I am on 10 mg Lexapro and I take Xanax, approximately .5 mg twice daily every few days or so but not every day because I don't want to build up a dependence or tolerance.
I am at my wits end with this forehead/eye discomfort. I am scared that it is something like a tumor. My husband says it couldn't be because I just had a brain MRI/MRA and CT scan in March that didn't show anything.
People are starting to insinuate that the problem is imaginary or something. I KNOW what I am feeling. The uncomfortable sensation is certainly not imaginary to me.
I try Ibuprofen and Xanax and sometimes that seems to help the intensity of the sensation for awhile but it always seems to come back.
I was also thinking perhaps it is myofascial (?) in nature and has something to do with trigger points and referred pain. But I'm not sure.
Anyone have any idea what could be causing the problem? As I mentioned earlier, it's not painful but it is uncomfortable, constant and definitely a noticeable sensation.
Help, please!
Now, here's some background that may help you help me figure this out:
In March, I had an MRI/MRA and CT scan for a questionable cerebral unruptured aneurysm 2 mm in size on the left cerebral artery. I went to the best neurosurgeon in my state only to be told the findings were insignificant, to go home and resume my normal life, that the finding may be a normal variation of the vessel and even if it's not it's too small to bother with. I was told to go home and resume my normal life with no followup. After he left the room, his nurse told me I could follow up in five years if I wanted to because she knew I was very anxious and nervous about the whole thing.
For this head/eye sensation thing that I've had for the past month, my doctor tells me it cannot be related to the above issue. He assumed it was sinuses and sent me for a waters view X-Ray, which found nothing. He told me to take Ibuprofen and just didn't seem very concerned.
Today, I went to the eye doctor thinking it could be eyestrain. Nope, eyes are perfectly fine.
Thursday I am going to the dermatologist because I thought maybe it could be something clogged under the skin causing the sensation. I got a spray on Mystic tan about a month ago and it broke my forehead out.
I also have generalized anxiety disorder and severe health anxiety, I am on 10 mg Lexapro and I take Xanax, approximately .5 mg twice daily every few days or so but not every day because I don't want to build up a dependence or tolerance.
I am at my wits end with this forehead/eye discomfort. I am scared that it is something like a tumor. My husband says it couldn't be because I just had a brain MRI/MRA and CT scan in March that didn't show anything.
People are starting to insinuate that the problem is imaginary or something. I KNOW what I am feeling. The uncomfortable sensation is certainly not imaginary to me.
I try Ibuprofen and Xanax and sometimes that seems to help the intensity of the sensation for awhile but it always seems to come back.
I was also thinking perhaps it is myofascial (?) in nature and has something to do with trigger points and referred pain. But I'm not sure.
Anyone have any idea what could be causing the problem? As I mentioned earlier, it's not painful but it is uncomfortable, constant and definitely a noticeable sensation.
Help, please!
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jujubeez725
06-05-2007, 02:24 PM
Hey Angie!
"his nurse told me I could follow up in five years if I wanted to because she new I was very anxious and nervous about the whole thing."
Five years ????? And that's b/c she knew you were "very nervous & anxious" about it?
Sinus problems can cause such a sensation; so can eye problems, etc.
Sounds like you've been to every kind of doctor that would remotely specialize in that area: the brain, eyes, skin....
But I'm wondering about you taking your meds -- NOT on a daily basis.
Did your doctor tell you that you can take your meds in a manner that would not cause you to become "dependent" on them??????
You may want to talk the doctor that prescribed these meds. Make him/her aware of all the tests you went through and no one seems to find anything.
"his nurse told me I could follow up in five years if I wanted to because she new I was very anxious and nervous about the whole thing."
Five years ????? And that's b/c she knew you were "very nervous & anxious" about it?
Sinus problems can cause such a sensation; so can eye problems, etc.
Sounds like you've been to every kind of doctor that would remotely specialize in that area: the brain, eyes, skin....
But I'm wondering about you taking your meds -- NOT on a daily basis.
Did your doctor tell you that you can take your meds in a manner that would not cause you to become "dependent" on them??????
You may want to talk the doctor that prescribed these meds. Make him/her aware of all the tests you went through and no one seems to find anything.
AngieBaby77
06-05-2007, 02:50 PM
Yes, the neurosurgeon himself said NO followup was necessary when I asked him about it, told me to resume normal activities and walked out of the room. I think the nurse only told me I could come back in five years simply to ease my mind because I have health anxiety, because he said never.
My doctor knows I only take Xanax as needed. I do take Lexapro daily as directed. I think it's OK to take Xanax every few days or whenever you need to, but I did hear it was bad to take it daily because of the addiction factor.
I have told him everything and I feel like he's kind of given up on me. Like, he's done all he can do and there's nothing more to do. Which is why I'm searching for answers on my own.
My doctor knows I only take Xanax as needed. I do take Lexapro daily as directed. I think it's OK to take Xanax every few days or whenever you need to, but I did hear it was bad to take it daily because of the addiction factor.
I have told him everything and I feel like he's kind of given up on me. Like, he's done all he can do and there's nothing more to do. Which is why I'm searching for answers on my own.
jujubeez725
06-05-2007, 03:19 PM
Yes, the neurosurgeon himself said NO followup was necessary when I asked him about it, told me to resume normal activities and walked out of the room. I think the nurse only told me I could come back in five years simply to ease my mind because I have health anxiety, because he said never.
My doctor knows I only take Xanax as needed. I do take Lexapro daily as directed. I think it's OK to take Xanax every few days or whenever you need to, but I did hear it was bad to take it daily because of the addiction factor.
I have told him everything and I feel like he's kind of given up on me. Like, he's done all he can do and there's nothing more to do. Which is why I'm searching for answers on my own.
I have told him everything and I feel like he's kind of given up on me. Like, he's done all he can do and there's nothing more to do. Which is why I'm searching for answers on my own.
I'm seeing this more and more on these boards!
What is it w/doctors and healthcare???
Maybe there is nothing more your doctor can do. :confused:
I had a doctor tell me I had a condition and she asked me, "Well, do you have pain in your side?"
I said, "No."
She said, "Have you been running a fever?"
I said, "No".
She was like, "Well, if nothing's bothering YOU, then we won't bother IT."
I was dismissed just as quickly.
All kinds of test were ran on me, but I head to research it for myself to know exactly what was going on.
Maybe the best thing to do is leave it be until something else comes up.... :confused:
My doctor knows I only take Xanax as needed. I do take Lexapro daily as directed. I think it's OK to take Xanax every few days or whenever you need to, but I did hear it was bad to take it daily because of the addiction factor.
I have told him everything and I feel like he's kind of given up on me. Like, he's done all he can do and there's nothing more to do. Which is why I'm searching for answers on my own.
I have told him everything and I feel like he's kind of given up on me. Like, he's done all he can do and there's nothing more to do. Which is why I'm searching for answers on my own.
I'm seeing this more and more on these boards!
What is it w/doctors and healthcare???
Maybe there is nothing more your doctor can do. :confused:
I had a doctor tell me I had a condition and she asked me, "Well, do you have pain in your side?"
I said, "No."
She said, "Have you been running a fever?"
I said, "No".
She was like, "Well, if nothing's bothering YOU, then we won't bother IT."
I was dismissed just as quickly.
All kinds of test were ran on me, but I head to research it for myself to know exactly what was going on.
Maybe the best thing to do is leave it be until something else comes up.... :confused:
AngieBaby77
06-05-2007, 03:46 PM
Maybe the best thing to do is leave it be until something else comes up.... :confused:
That's what I'm starting to think. I mean, if it's not life threatening or serious I can certainly tolerate it. It's the not knowing that drives me crazy.
I have decided at this point all I can do is live with it and call the doctor back if symptoms change or worsen.
That's what I'm starting to think. I mean, if it's not life threatening or serious I can certainly tolerate it. It's the not knowing that drives me crazy.
I have decided at this point all I can do is live with it and call the doctor back if symptoms change or worsen.
jujubeez725
06-05-2007, 03:57 PM
That's what I'm starting to think. I mean, if it's not life threatening or serious I can certainly tolerate it. It's the not knowing that drives me crazy.
I have decided at this point all I can do is live with it and call the doctor back if symptoms change or worsen.
Right!
My doctor told me that years ago, and I haven't had a reason to call and have anything poked or prodded on!
So, if it's not bothering you all that much......
but not knowing can drive you up a wall.
Well, keep on living and enjoying life until it's time to make that call! ;) :) :wave:
I have decided at this point all I can do is live with it and call the doctor back if symptoms change or worsen.
Right!
My doctor told me that years ago, and I haven't had a reason to call and have anything poked or prodded on!
So, if it's not bothering you all that much......
but not knowing can drive you up a wall.
Well, keep on living and enjoying life until it's time to make that call! ;) :) :wave:
feelbad
06-06-2007, 09:00 AM
Any possible vascular malformation really should be followed up by seeing a neuro radiologist and have a possible angiogram done on your brain.this is not something i would just blow off,espescially if you are having any head pain,on that particular side.this can be a symptom of it.if this actually IS an aneurysm it just needs evaluation by a good neuro rd in order to see just what if any real risks are possible with it.there are many different types of possible vascular malformations.i have had two of them,a vcavernous hemangioma within my actual spinal cord and three years later,a brain aneurysm.mine was not only evaluated by my excellent neurosurgeon,but he also referred me back to the neuro rad i had seen a few years before to determine just what that cavernoma really was by doing the angiogram on it.
this IS YOUR brain involved here,not his,and it does really need a full evaluation by a neuro rad.your primary doc can refer you to one as well as the neurosurgeon too,but egos being what they are,you may be better off getting the referal from your primary.the neuro rad would also want to view your films as well.they just have a much better understanding of aneurysm since they coil them and identify them pretty much all day long,since this is really the main part of what they do.you just need to obtain a good second opinion from one.depending on what he or she tells you,THATS what I personally would go by,really.the only type of real treatment any neurosurgeon would do for a possible unruptured aneurysm would be a clipping,the neuro rads can do a few other things but they just do it from within the aneurysm and vascular structure itself.
this should be followed up with angiograms,just to check size.these can grow very rapidly depending on a whole bunch of different factors,or they can stay rather small for quite a while,you just simply do not really know.they are very unpredictable as far as possible rupture and growth.but you really DO need a second opinion on this malformation just to see what it qctually is you are dealing with and any possible treatment options if needed.this just should be done with any suspected aneurysm or vascular malformation.its pretty standard practice when something is found within any brain vessel ya know?a good neurointerventional radiologist would just be able to give you much better info on this whatever it may be.you always have the right to obtain a second opinion on just about anything,espescially when this something is within your brain or spinal cord,ya know?just speak to your primary about this if nothing else.if you do not feel good about what you were told by the NS and are apprehensive in any way,your primary just has a duty to do something to ease your fears and obtain beter detailed info by referring you to the proper specialist.you just need to know for certain just what it is you are really dealing with here.it sounds from what you have stated that your NS really was not actually 100 percent certain either?an angio would tell you.i wish you luck with this and hpefully this is just a bit of malformation that isn't anything too abnormal.but it just needs to be IDed.and any follow up would just be with the neurorad,not the NS.that is who i keep seeing for follow up angios for my now coiled anerysm every year.please keep me posted as to what you find out.there has to be some sort of real explanation for that particular head pain and the malformation.they may or may not be related,but you DO need to know for certain.FB
this IS YOUR brain involved here,not his,and it does really need a full evaluation by a neuro rad.your primary doc can refer you to one as well as the neurosurgeon too,but egos being what they are,you may be better off getting the referal from your primary.the neuro rad would also want to view your films as well.they just have a much better understanding of aneurysm since they coil them and identify them pretty much all day long,since this is really the main part of what they do.you just need to obtain a good second opinion from one.depending on what he or she tells you,THATS what I personally would go by,really.the only type of real treatment any neurosurgeon would do for a possible unruptured aneurysm would be a clipping,the neuro rads can do a few other things but they just do it from within the aneurysm and vascular structure itself.
this should be followed up with angiograms,just to check size.these can grow very rapidly depending on a whole bunch of different factors,or they can stay rather small for quite a while,you just simply do not really know.they are very unpredictable as far as possible rupture and growth.but you really DO need a second opinion on this malformation just to see what it qctually is you are dealing with and any possible treatment options if needed.this just should be done with any suspected aneurysm or vascular malformation.its pretty standard practice when something is found within any brain vessel ya know?a good neurointerventional radiologist would just be able to give you much better info on this whatever it may be.you always have the right to obtain a second opinion on just about anything,espescially when this something is within your brain or spinal cord,ya know?just speak to your primary about this if nothing else.if you do not feel good about what you were told by the NS and are apprehensive in any way,your primary just has a duty to do something to ease your fears and obtain beter detailed info by referring you to the proper specialist.you just need to know for certain just what it is you are really dealing with here.it sounds from what you have stated that your NS really was not actually 100 percent certain either?an angio would tell you.i wish you luck with this and hpefully this is just a bit of malformation that isn't anything too abnormal.but it just needs to be IDed.and any follow up would just be with the neurorad,not the NS.that is who i keep seeing for follow up angios for my now coiled anerysm every year.please keep me posted as to what you find out.there has to be some sort of real explanation for that particular head pain and the malformation.they may or may not be related,but you DO need to know for certain.FB
Daisy37
06-06-2007, 09:20 AM
When you said you went to the eye doctor - was it an Ophthalmologist or a optomtrist. The reason I ask is because uritis causes pain and/or pressure behind the eye and around the eyebrow area & sometimes it can only be discovered by a very good doctor.
AngieBaby77
06-06-2007, 09:59 AM
I have practically begged for an angiogram. Begged for another MRI or MRA. No one will help me. My primary doctor is now going to send me to an ear, nose and throat specialist which I think is ridiculous. I just called UVA where I saw the neurosurgeon and no one would help me. It seems I have to have a referral from my primary to get all this stuff done and apparently he thinks I am some kind of hypochondriac. I have cried all morning, I am so frustrated.
AngieBaby77
06-06-2007, 12:01 PM
Ok...I just took .5 mg of Xanax and I must say, I don't feel the sensation nearly as intensely as I did earlier. In fact I feel a great deal better.
Does this mean it could be anxiety related?
I would take the Xanax every day but I am afraid of addiction and dependence (I have watched my own mother destroy her life with pill addiction for 30 years)
So, I give myself a couple days in between Xanax doses.
I am going to assume right now that the problem is some sort of anxiety or muscle tension. I have been reading that there is a part of the neck muscle which can cause referred pain above the eye.
I mean, I am dealing with an extraordinary amount of personal stress. So it's not that far-fetched.
I am just so tired of being passed around from doctor to doctor and treated like a nutcase. So, I guess this is all I can do right now is try to treat the stress and anxiety with medication and perhaps some kind of massage and see what happens with the forehead/eye sensation.
Does this mean it could be anxiety related?
I would take the Xanax every day but I am afraid of addiction and dependence (I have watched my own mother destroy her life with pill addiction for 30 years)
So, I give myself a couple days in between Xanax doses.
I am going to assume right now that the problem is some sort of anxiety or muscle tension. I have been reading that there is a part of the neck muscle which can cause referred pain above the eye.
I mean, I am dealing with an extraordinary amount of personal stress. So it's not that far-fetched.
I am just so tired of being passed around from doctor to doctor and treated like a nutcase. So, I guess this is all I can do right now is try to treat the stress and anxiety with medication and perhaps some kind of massage and see what happens with the forehead/eye sensation.
eyesworld
06-06-2007, 04:17 PM
How is your jaw? have you had any dental work lately? I have chronic tendonitis of both sides of my jaw and the pain sounds familiar.
AngieBaby77
06-06-2007, 04:53 PM
Hi eyesworld,
As a matter of fact, the Lexapro has seemed to cause muscular clenching which I have noticed at times in my jaw. Once it even caused discomfort in my ear area that felt like a clogged, infected ear when there was no infection there according to the doctor.
So, I'm leaning towards what you're saying...that perhaps the discomfort is due to jaw clenching...
As a matter of fact, the Lexapro has seemed to cause muscular clenching which I have noticed at times in my jaw. Once it even caused discomfort in my ear area that felt like a clogged, infected ear when there was no infection there according to the doctor.
So, I'm leaning towards what you're saying...that perhaps the discomfort is due to jaw clenching...