Headaches: Is There Something Flowing in Your Brain?

The headache feels like something is flowing inside the brain?

I have been experiencing headaches lately, and it feels like something is flowing inside my head, along with some sounds.
I went to the hospital for an EEG, and the results were normal.
However, I still feel like there is something flowing inside my head.
Could this be a sign of a brain hemorrhage or a blocked blood vessel? I had a car accident in mid-July where I hit my head, and I am unsure if this could be a residual effect.
The EEG results were normal, but can an EEG detect a brain hemorrhage or a blocked blood vessel? I constantly feel something flowing in my brain, and it causes pain, making it difficult for me to sleep.
What medication can help improve this condition? Thank you for your assistance!

Wa, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/02/13

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology

It is not possible to completely rule out bleeding, but there is no clear evidence to support the possibility of bleeding.
Therefore, the examining physician is in a difficult position and has decided to perform an electroencephalogram (EEG) for you.
An EEG can detect brain hemorrhage or infarction only if there is a certain degree of size and is more likely to detect superficial lesions.
If the lesion is deep and small, the EEG can only detect changes in the electrical activity of the cortical layer, making it difficult to identify.
In such cases, a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is necessary.
However, based on your symptoms, they do not meet the criteria for such high-cost examinations covered by health insurance.
As for the symptoms, you can rely on the neurologist who is treating you to help address those issues.

Reply Date: 2014/02/13

More Info

Headaches can be a complex and multifaceted issue, especially when accompanied by unusual sensations such as the feeling of something flowing in the brain or auditory symptoms. Your description raises several important considerations regarding the potential causes of your headaches and the appropriate steps to take for diagnosis and treatment.

Firstly, it is crucial to understand that headaches can arise from a variety of conditions, ranging from benign to serious. The sensation of something flowing in your brain, along with the auditory symptoms, could be indicative of several underlying issues. While you mentioned that you had a car accident in July, which could potentially contribute to your symptoms, it is essential to consider that headaches can also be caused by tension, migraines, or even post-traumatic headaches resulting from head injuries.

The fact that you underwent an EEG (electroencephalogram) and received normal results is a positive sign, as EEGs primarily assess electrical activity in the brain and are not typically used to diagnose structural problems such as bleeding or blockages. For conditions like intracranial hemorrhage (brain bleeding) or vascular occlusion (blockage of blood vessels), imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI are more appropriate. These imaging techniques can provide a clearer picture of the brain's structure and help identify any abnormalities that may be causing your symptoms.

Regarding your concerns about the possibility of a brain bleed or vascular blockage, it is important to note that while these conditions can cause severe headaches, they often present with additional symptoms such as sudden onset of severe headache (often described as a "thunderclap" headache), neurological deficits (such as weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking), or changes in consciousness. If you are not experiencing these symptoms, it may reduce the likelihood of these serious conditions, but it does not completely rule them out.

The sensation of something flowing in your brain could also be related to increased intracranial pressure or other neurological conditions. For instance, some individuals experience pulsatile tinnitus, where they hear a rhythmic sound that coincides with their heartbeat, which can sometimes be associated with increased intracranial pressure or vascular issues.

In terms of management, if your headaches are affecting your sleep and daily life, it is advisable to consult a neurologist or a headache specialist. They can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a detailed history, physical examination, and possibly further imaging studies to rule out any serious conditions. Treatment options may vary depending on the underlying cause of your headaches. For tension-type headaches or migraines, lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, and medications such as NSAIDs or triptans may be recommended. If your headaches are related to increased intracranial pressure or another specific condition, targeted treatments will be necessary.

In summary, while your EEG results are normal, it is essential to pursue further evaluation to rule out serious conditions like brain bleeding or vascular blockage. Consulting with a healthcare professional who specializes in headaches will provide you with the best approach to manage your symptoms effectively. Remember, it is crucial to listen to your body and seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen or change significantly.

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