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What Causes Hypnic Jerks While Falling Asleep And Headache?

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Posted on Thu, 29 May 2014
Question: Scared I have a brain tumor. 26/F

My symptoms:
-hypnic jerks when falling asleep.
-Déjà vu sometimes multiple times a day
-Disorientation/not remembering who is in bed with me. Only happened one time, Lasted 15-20 seconds
-Feel off balance/floating feeling. Never have fallen though. Doesn't happen when sitting or pushing something while walking (stroller, shopping cart)
-disequilibrium for a second or two. Never have fallen. Started around 16 years old. (10 years)
-headaches - sometimes when I wake up in the morning, but not often. Mostly occur in afternoon/evening once or twice a week. Pain is in back if head/neck/shoulders. Usually relieved by drinking caffeinated beverage or taking aleve. Sometimes I don't need to take anything. Sometimes worse going from sitting position to standing position or after intense exercise, but again, not usually bad enough to take any medicine for it. Not worse with straining.
-brain fog/difficulty concentrating/forgetfulness.
-floaters - I've also had since I was 16 (10 years)
-phantom smells - usually pleasant smelling - usually perfume. Comes on as a strong smell and lasts a few seconds. Had for 3 years now.


Medical conditions:
Hypothyroid - controlled with meds
ITP
IBS-D
Health anxiety (hypochondria)

Medications:
Levothyroxine 50mcg
Amitriptyline 10mg
Prenatal vitamin

I had CT scan done in January 2012, so a little over two years ago for phantom smells. All clear/normal/negative.

What is the liklihood this is a brain tumor? Really scared! Could all of this be from my anxiety?

I saw my endocrinologist for my routine thyroid appointment and he did a neuro test on me (eyes tracking together, reflexes, squeezing his fingers, turned off the lights and looked into my eyes with his bright light, ect) and he said everything looked good in regards to brain tumor and that I shouldn't be worried, but I still am.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Does not sound like brain tumor to me too.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query and writing about your symptoms in detail.

I have gone through them, and would like to reassure you that these symptoms are not suggestive of brain tumor.

Your headaches are most likely related to migraine, and other symptoms could be related to anxiety, as told by your doctor also.

Normal CT scan done earlier and normal neurological examination now, support the fact that you do not have brain tumor now.

I hope it helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Sudhir Kumar

Neurologist

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 6232 Questions

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What Causes Hypnic Jerks While Falling Asleep And Headache?

Brief Answer: Does not sound like brain tumor to me too. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for posting your query and writing about your symptoms in detail. I have gone through them, and would like to reassure you that these symptoms are not suggestive of brain tumor. Your headaches are most likely related to migraine, and other symptoms could be related to anxiety, as told by your doctor also. Normal CT scan done earlier and normal neurological examination now, support the fact that you do not have brain tumor now. I hope it helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist