Childhood Neurological Concerns: A Personal Experience

Childhood concerns

In my childhood, there would occasionally (but not often) be a situation where, for a brief moment, I would experience a sensation of my entire head feeling tangled, similar to the feeling of gripping a vibrating phone tightly.
Afterwards, I would feel discomfort from that tangled sensation that would take several hours to subside.
At that moment, I would also have the illusion of veins in the left back of my head becoming prominent.
It seems that I am the only one who experiences this phenomenon...
As I grew older, this situation gradually improved.
I would like to inquire about what this might be.
Thank you in advance for your response, and I hope you don't mind my abrupt pseudonym.

Jing Ke, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/08/24

Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology

This sensation may be caused by muscle tension in the head.
If it is accompanied by transient confusion or memory loss, further examination is necessary to rule out intracranial pathology.

Reply Date: 2009/08/24

More Info

Thank you for sharing your experience regarding the neurological sensations you encountered during childhood. It’s important to understand that the brain is a complex organ, and various sensations or experiences can arise from a multitude of factors, including neurological, psychological, and environmental influences.

The sensation you described—feeling a "twisting" or "tension" in your head, akin to gripping a vibrating phone—could be related to several neurological phenomena. One possibility is that it may be a form of a sensory processing issue, where the brain has difficulty interpreting sensory information. This can lead to unusual sensations or feelings of discomfort. Another possibility is that it could be related to tension headaches or migraines, which can manifest with various sensations in the head, including pressure, tightness, or even a feeling of distortion.

Additionally, the experience of having a sensation that lasts for hours and is accompanied by a visual perception of muscle tension (like the "vein" you mentioned) could suggest a transient neurological event. Such events can sometimes be benign, especially if they occur infrequently and resolve on their own, as you noted that these sensations improved as you grew older.

It’s also worth considering the role of anxiety or stress in childhood. Children often experience stressors that can manifest physically, leading to sensations that may seem unusual. If the brain is under stress, it can react in ways that produce discomfort or unusual sensations. This is particularly relevant if you had any significant stressors during your childhood that could have contributed to these feelings.

If these sensations were infrequent and have diminished over time, it may not be a cause for concern. However, if you or anyone else experiences similar sensations frequently or if they are accompanied by other symptoms (such as headaches, visual disturbances, or changes in mood), it would be advisable to consult a healthcare professional. A neurologist or a pediatrician specializing in childhood neurological issues could provide a thorough evaluation and determine if any further investigation is necessary.

In summary, while your experience may have felt unique, it’s not uncommon for individuals to have unusual sensory experiences during childhood. As you’ve grown older, your brain has likely matured and adapted, leading to a decrease in these sensations. However, if there are any lingering concerns or if similar experiences arise in the future, seeking professional advice would be a prudent step. Thank you again for sharing your story, and I hope this information provides some clarity on your experience.

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