When your brain swells, can you actually *feel* it pressing against the inside of your skull?

[RubberDuck]

Because that's how my head's felt since yesterday evening.

Tale end of the cold seems to be dragging on and on, and now my head is pounding, feels pressed against my skull and it is throbbing (presumably blood flow). I've had headaches and migraines before and not had the same sensation at all, it's really weird and hard to describe - sort of fluey aches and pains but JUST located in my head.

I'm sure it probably isn't a swollen brain, because although I feel ill, I don't feel that ill and I guess I would probably be in a much more serious condition if it was!

However, I'm curious... I thought you didn't actually have any nerves in the brain tissue itself, so what am I actually feeling? And is it worth seeing the doctor over, or would I just be one of those annoying people who clutter up the surgery just because they've got a bit of a cold?

Your brain is surrounded by fluid. If anything it will be that pressing on your head, but you have to be quite seriously ill for that to occur, I think.

If you are posting this I don't think you are that ill, TBH, but rather than go to the docs why not ring NHS direct to get some reassurance?

it can actually herniate can't it, is it called 'coning' or something? am sure this doesn't happen when one is conscious tho

I agree Monkeytrousers, I don't think I'm that ill... am more just puzzled by the sensation and indulging in a little "woe is me" hypochondria.

Taken the edge off with ibuprofen, so I'm sure it's not worth bothering the doctor with. I did wonder if it was a different form of migraine - but it doesn't seem to be feeling worse with varying light or noise, which is unusual for me.

lol Rubber duck. Try syndol.

I will, ta - is it available over the counter? Will pop down to Tesco pharmacy in a bit...

blocked sinuses

There is no way you would be able to type with a swollen brain!

Ooo - really? That's a distinct possibility actually, because I am quite vunerable to sinus infection and seem to have spent most of last winter leaning over a bowl of hot water laced with olbas oil! That seemed to focus more round my eyes though. Bizarre!

looks a bit sheepish at HereComeTheGirls

Okay, okay ... I have man flu... I confess all

yes, it's avalableover the counter. it's v good for bad headaches

Sorry, I missed out the TLC bit, I'm sure you feel really rotten and horrible ~makes you a nice hot water bottle~

It might be a specific virus- my sinus problems are usually around eyes but I have the same thing you describe today/last night. It's across the top of my head- and like usual sinus infections is worse when I move suddenly or bend forward. Neck was very achey yesterday as well. But otherwise I feel fine.

That is exactly it... if my head moves suddenly or I cough it sort of ricochets through my head.

Oh well, lots of fluids and an early night tonight, I think.

I've got the kids on Cbeebies for the day, they don't seem to mind too much

(and thank you for the hot water bottle, HCTG )

ds1 will not allow cbeebies to be turned on (for years it was the only thing allowed on). DS2 is back at school so have ds1 and ds3 here which is the worst combination (both physically- both need lifting/carrying etc - and mentally as ds3 has lost his playmate and I can't take the pair of them out alone). Must be the same virus, I also have a vague kind of ear ache and a sore throat. Oh - just coughed- and yes you're right that hurts too!

Got the sore throat ... have the earache joy yet to come, obviously!

Cup of tea is a fab idea.

Postman has arrived and it includes a lego catalogue... that'll keep ds1 involved for a while.

Ooo... how old is ds3? If you can summon up the energy, I find dining room chairs plus bed sheet make a great "den" to amuse them while you lie on the sofa with your tea...

How are you feeling today, yurt? I'm much more human but dh has gone down with it

Still, at least I know it was a virus and not some bizarre infection/weird migraine thing!

Same really, but still have ds1 home so no chance to actually be ill. Have to take him out somewhere - might try Tesco- we can at least provide public entertainment in the warm!

Glad you're on the mend!

Sorry you're still feeling rough. Hope Tesco wasn't too stressful and that you get to put your feet up this afternoon

I am still shaking about Tesco (see chat thread on queuing), but I feel a bit better, and have a glass of wine. Hope you've improved too.