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Suggest Remedy For Pressure In Head

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Posted on Thu, 12 Nov 2015
Question: Hey doc,

For this past year I've had a tight and squeezing sensation in my head. I meditate regularly and it's sometimes even more pronounced after. It comes and goes but it happens every day. I haven't loss consciousness or had any seizures but I feel like I've cognitively declined. I have felt mentally slow this year compared to all the other years of my life. Please let me know your opinion.

Thanks, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Read below

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

That description you make of tight or squeezing sensation is a typical description of tension type headache. It is the most common primary headache, primary meaning without an identifiable cause. It is commonly triggered or exacerbated by stress, fatigue or anxiety, one might think that activities requiring intense concentration like meditation play a role as well. Usually over the counter pain killers like Ibuprofen should alleviate it. Being a regular occurrence in your case though (not preferable to take Ibuprofen every day), other means like regular sleeping and studing hours, relaxation exercises should be employed as well. If it is persistent on a daily basis preventive regular treatment may be considered, the most commonly recommended drug is amitryptiline although I would be reluctant to start it, only if really bothering you.

In the absence of other symptoms having a more serious brain issue like a tumor, infection, inflammation etc is not likely, especially since you say it has been going on for the past year (meaning enough time for those conditions to develop and produce symptoms). Because you say you have cognitively slowed, an MRI might be scheduled to make sure, but in the absence of other symptoms I wouldn't expect it to reveal anything serious, cognition is a subjective thing, should be valued by proper neuropsychological tests and can be affected by stress and anxiety as well.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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Suggest Remedy For Pressure In Head

Brief Answer: Read below Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. That description you make of tight or squeezing sensation is a typical description of tension type headache. It is the most common primary headache, primary meaning without an identifiable cause. It is commonly triggered or exacerbated by stress, fatigue or anxiety, one might think that activities requiring intense concentration like meditation play a role as well. Usually over the counter pain killers like Ibuprofen should alleviate it. Being a regular occurrence in your case though (not preferable to take Ibuprofen every day), other means like regular sleeping and studing hours, relaxation exercises should be employed as well. If it is persistent on a daily basis preventive regular treatment may be considered, the most commonly recommended drug is amitryptiline although I would be reluctant to start it, only if really bothering you. In the absence of other symptoms having a more serious brain issue like a tumor, infection, inflammation etc is not likely, especially since you say it has been going on for the past year (meaning enough time for those conditions to develop and produce symptoms). Because you say you have cognitively slowed, an MRI might be scheduled to make sure, but in the absence of other symptoms I wouldn't expect it to reveal anything serious, cognition is a subjective thing, should be valued by proper neuropsychological tests and can be affected by stress and anxiety as well. I remain at your disposal for other questions.