Brain tumour or something less sinister??

[weechops]

I’m not usually a worrier over my own health but I’m starting to feel a bit scared I have something seriously wrong!
I know no one on here can diagnose me, I just need to write it down I think.
I did go to the doctor today and she referred me for a scan.
Over the last year or so whenever I strained to use the loo i would get a shooting pressure type pain up the back of my head. It would pulsate for a few seconds then go away, pretty sore.
Over the last 6 months or so it started happening if I shouted or when I bent down then stood up again.
Recently the last month or so it happens every day, every single time I use the loo, shout, bend down or cough.
It’s lasting longer now, up to a minute each time and it’s much more painful.
Also I lose my balance often and kind of tip over to one side. Also feel nauseous where I never have before. Lower back pain too.
So.... everything I read says brain tumour. My mum died of a secondary brain tumour when I was young. I guess that makes me scared.
Anyone know of a less scary reason for these symptoms? I just have to try take my mind off it til I get a scan date.
Thanks guys

Hi, I’m sure it’s not a brain tumour, but I can understand how it feels when you start to fear the worst! A couple of weeks ago I was pretty convinced I had a brain tumour. I’m still waiting on my neurologist appointment but actually the headaches have improved quite a lot ( to be replaced with body wide twitching that I think I may have brought on by stressing about a brain tumor!!) so my first bit of advice would be to stop googling. You’ll cause yourself massive anxiety and that can cause all kind of neurological symptoms - which won’t help your fears. It’s sounds like a primary exertion headache, although a sinus issue or blood pressure could also be options? From my (extensive!) research brain tumours generally seem to present with a dull consitant headache which is worse in the morning or after lying down, often with projectile vomiting. I hope you’re feeling better soon and I’m sorry to hear about your mum :( however as that was a secondary tumour I don’t think it increases your risk in anyway.

Should also say that’s generally projectile vomiting without nausea, from what I gather

Vast likelihood is it’s not but good to get checked. I am also waiting for some scan results for slightly different symptoms to check for the same thing! Am also managing to scare myself silly - much easier to give wise counsel to someone else than take it yourself I guess!

I had similar to this although I had crushing pain at the front when properly laughing or coughing. I was diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation a month before my 30th birthday. I’m now 42. I get the crushing when I pick up heavy things too, Essentially part of my ceribellum has herniated into my spinal column. It doesn’t really affect me.

What kind of scan has your dr referred you for ?

Because to be perfectly honest to me that sounds far more likely to be a spinal nerve issue. Anything from sciatica upwards (both in terms of location and seriousness).

Have you had any accidents recently? Even minor ones like tripping up stairs? Or pregnant/given birth in last year?

Can feel really painful and really scary, but doesn't necessarily mean there's anything serious wrong.

Another possibility is a high blood pressure issue. Again not necessarily serious.

BUT I totally understand why you're worried with your personal history, but please try not to worry too much and I hope you find the cause as soon as possible.

Thanks guys I really appreciate you taking the time to post. Made me feel less crazy
@Graphista she didn’t actually say what kind of scan. I didn’t think to ask. You said sciatica and I have actually had issues with this, especially since my 4th was born in 2016. My back isn’t as strong as it used to be, maybe it’s ‘just’ that!
I’m kind of hoping it’s stress that’s causing it Lots of major changes and traumas and events this past year that are really stressful but I’ve just tried to put to one side and carry on. Maybe things eventually catch up!

I'd recommend a private physio. Sort out your posture and core. If they're out of sync it can cause all sorts of problems including pain and balance.

Best of luck, OP.

I first had problems with my back years ago during nurse training. Just overdoing it generally (and there wasn't as good support and equipment for lifting and moving patients then), first year of practicing I went and slipped a disc and to be honest it's not been right since then.

I've done more damage since then (2 more slipped discs numerous pulled muscles and twists)

Then I had my car accident and while the whiplash was DX and treated at the time the other damage wasn't picked up for several years, the pain and nerve issues were being put down to the previous injuries but it was getting worse and eventually after a full week where I was feeling like I had almost no control over my legs and I was getting really worried. Had one morning where it took several hours until I could stand and I also wet myself because I didn't know I needed loo and lost bladder control.

It was a bank holiday weekend (don't these things always have great timing?!) but I was meant to be at work on the Monday and the job was quite physical. Long story short I ended up in a&e and finally got the DX that my spine had likely suffered some nerve damage in the car accident, but the previous damage also hadn't helped matters.

Thing is a few of your symptoms rang bells for me.

Stress doesn't help cos you tense your muscles and that can put pressure on certain nerves too.

I've had laser treatment, physio and obviously get painkillers to help. Decompression surgery was discussed/investigated but decided against for various reasons but of course everyone's case is different.

I hope your mind is slightly more at ease, and that you get to the cause soon and get good treatment.

@weechops I know your post is old but did you ever find out what this was? I am having similar symptoms to you. I hope all is OK.

Hi @Abs811 I had an mri scan which came back clear. I was diagnosed with Exertional Headache. I suffer from migraines and it seems there can be a link between the two. The doctor said there’s not really anything that can be done, just one of those things. It’s still not nice when it happens but at least I know it’s not anything serious. I hope you’re ok xx

@weechops thanks for replying and glad you are OK.
My symptoms are just like yours really, pulsating pain at the bottom/back of my head when straining, definitely more when coughing or laughing. No other symptoms when it's happening and last about 30 seconds or less. Just waiting on a scan, Dr ordered to ease my worry...

I have just had this. I saw a massage person trained in manipulation (not sure if there is a formal name) and she thought it was a trapped nerve in my neck and did something and it’s much better.

do you lift weights/do a lot of sport?