Headache/pressure when lying on stomach

[ljholder]

When I lie down to read a book with my son at night, I usually lie on my stomach, propped up on my elbows.  Over the past couple weeks when I've done this, I get this sudden sensation of immense pressure in my head.   The pain is primarily from the top of my head down to just below my eyes.  I also hear "noises" in my ears....like wind blowing or something.  It hurts to try and read to him, so I usually put my head down on the bed for a couple minutes, and it goes away.  I do not recall ever having these before.  Currently taking Wellbutrin and Cymbalta for depression, GAD and OCD.  Also taking Zyrtec for seasonal allergies.  I have recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea, and I do get headaches when I wake up, but I think those are more from the sleep apnea.

What could be causing the feeling of pressure and pain in my head when I lie down on my stomach?  Any information/help would be greatly appreciated.

[Sherriew23]

Ive been experiencing this a well for the past 5 years. I’ll lay on my stomach with elbows propped up, whether I’m reading or in my phone and would feel intense pressure, i could feel my heart beat through my head. I told my doctor about this a year or so ago, but she complained ignored it. Normally if i put my head down for a few moments it goes away someone what. But lately Ive noticed if i lay in that position too long its gives me a mild headache and tingling and slightly numbness in my face neck and arms. I’ll be calling my doctor tomorrow

[parchu14]

Keep us posted on what your doctor says...

[parchu14]

Anyone else get a diagnosis? I have had everything from a CT Angiogram of the head and neck, head CT, head MRI, lumbar puncture, etc. all normal. If my doctor can’t figure it out soon, I may be referred to the Mayo Clinic. The sensation of pressure or gravity on my skull that I once got from lying on stomach or hitting my butt out (like in a squat or twerk stance) now happens just when stomping, jumping, repositioning while seated, etc. If anyone is interested in my full symptoms/medical history, I am pasting below. Feel free to share any similarities, diagnoses, etc.

Current Symptoms:
-Pressure in head (feels like head will burst/pop off when lying on stomach, bending over, dancing, stomping, coughing, etc.)
-sometimes I awake with the pressure, other times it presents itself within hours
-head feels hot to the touch
-Elevated heart rate (resting heart rate can be upwards of 100 BPM, have seen it at 141 BPM at rest) which increases upon sitting up, standing for long periods of time, switching from lying on one side to the other, etc.)
-strong pulse in neck and scalp are visible (pulsating hair)
-Sensitivity to sound is accompanied by pressure in head and sensation of ear fullness
-Visual disturbance mimics the Atari game Pong, I see streaks of bright white in my periphery moving from the outside lower corners to the outside upper corners

Tests/Possible Diagnoses/ Diagnoses that have been dead-ends:
-Have had a CT Angiogram of the head and neck, a CT scan, an MRI, and spinal tap which were all normal -Most labs are fine (Vitamin D deficient, taking supplement)
-Blood pressure is normal
-Have been diagnosed with anxiety, but cortisol is fine
-Neurologist/ER says they are migraines, but prescription meds not helping and does not feel like my previous migraines
-Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (Negative via tilt table test)
-Chianti malformation doesn’t seem likely
-No aneurysm, tumor, meningitis
-No intracranial hypertension via lumbar puncture

Past Medical History:
-Cyst removed from neck in 2000
-Gallbladder removal in 2012
-6-9 month undiagnosed staph infection in 2017 that took a toll on overall health
-History of longtime, intermittent bulimia with recent ‘recovery’
-Vegan since 2012, but recently incorporating animal products to see if there is improvement (none yet)

Have seen primary care, neurology, cardiology, ENT, chiropractor, and have appts. next week with a chiropractic-neurologist and acupuncturist.

[Lilchef22]

I have very similar symptoms to you and I have chiari malformation

[nicocopebbles]

this thread is super old but I see some people are still commenting. I've been dealing with this my entire life (I'm 21). I just lived with it bc doctors make me feel like I'm crazy. might call a doctor or just continue dealing with it idk. if I do, I'll report back

[ppal1981]

I’m having the same issue — just started occurring a few weeks ago. And again just now hence I did a search and came across this post. I’m going to have to mention  to my primary. I have previous loss of my neck and back 5-15% die to previous car accidents. I’m beginning to wonder if this is just nerve pinching laying in that position or more serious.

[Rossfamest]

Has anyone ever gotten an answer? I have this exact thing too, but it’s recent. Sometimes when I walk up stairs I also have a crackling sensation in my head like rice crispies.

[Matias1796]

Sounds like iih

[specialmom]

any update for you Matias1796?

[tlockwood87]

This is obviously a super old thread but it looks as if people have been responding here and there over time with information as they come across it so I figured I'd share. I've been experiencing similar issues for, as far as I can remember, my whole life. Any time friends and family were over when I was a kid and everyone was laying around on their stomachs, propped up on their elbows to watch TV or play games, if I tried replicating the same position within minutes I'd start getting a headache. This was such a consistent cause and effect that I trained myself like muscle memory to just never be in that position and completely forgot about it for 20 years until recently the night before a neurology appointment writing down symptoms to bring to him.

This may not be at all relevant to anyone else's specific situations, but I have a Type I Chiari Malformation, a herniation of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum. Basically your brain gets pinched by too much extra bone on the inside of the back of your skull and squeezed downward like playdoh, which can further squeeze your spinal cord and impair or block CSF exchange. I think laying in that position on my stomach and craning my head upward, bending my neck in that way pinched everything even worse than it already was. Maybe not an explanation for everyone but food for thought, and why I *think* it happens for me, even more severely blocked CSF exchange.

[Kortana480]

Did you have to get surgery?

[MyKidsAreFreaks]

I also have Chiari as does my sister and we both experience these headaches.

[Matias1796]

My son has chiari I have low lying tonsils getting my LP monday to confirm iih.

[Lilchef22]

Hi, I get this too and I also have Chiari type 1