Question: I had a cyst removed from my right parietal region of my brain back in 1998. Since that time, I remember feeling strange like I wasn't fully conscious. On top where the operation took place, I felt a low intensity dull pain. I remember pressing on my scalp and hearing some crackling noises. After some time I associated this with the veins under my skin. I told my doctor about it, but he seemed to think it wasn't anything serious.

Years later I noticed the crackling noises getting worse and widening over a larger area. I used to be able to press against these crackling veins and they would stop crackling for awhile like there was pressure being released. about a minute or so later I would notice various areas of my body would itch just under the skin. a few minutes later and it would stop.

After a few years of this I insisted that I get an MRI to check the site of the operation. They found nothing. My doctor said he could not say what the problem may be based on my descriptions. I now go through a ritual every night. I lay on my back until I start to feel the pressure on top of my head, then I turn onto my right side until it becomes unbearable. I lift my head and shake it back and forth until I feel the pressure relief. I lay on my back until the pressure comes back and then I turn onto my left side. Sometimes the pressure will relief itself, if not, I shake my head. I'll finally start to fall asleep when I feel a sudden pressure buildup (like some kind of blockage). I feel myself "slipping away" with weakness and lack of coordination unlike I've ever felt before.

At this point I shake my head vigorously and the pressure relieves. I repeat the above actions and eventually fall asleep or they frighten me to the point where I get up and eventually fall asleep sitting upright on the couch. I'm terrified that I'm about to have a stroke or something. My doctor tells me that I seem to be OK, but I know that what I'm feeling isn't right. Please help.

I'm 45, diabetic (A1c at 7.4 from 12.2 3 yrs. ago)