Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suddenly Felt Pain In Chest, Shaky And Light Headed. CT Scan Showed Clear. What Am I Suffering From?
Question: Was at home on my computer one evening. Was feeling very tense (hadn't been sleeping well). Suddenly it was like something popped in my head, also had strange pain in the far left of my chest, felt very shaky and lightheaded. I went in to watch TV, sat down, but then felt like I was losing consciousness, felt nauseous and very scared. Had to get up and leave room immediately. From next day onwards I had this unusual unnatural feeling of pressure in my head, no pain only a big constant bubble of pressure. I had a CT scan but they could find nothing wrong. I went to my doctor the next day, he said it was probably just stress. Prescribed a course of Citalopram. Took this for 4 weeks, had no effect. Then he prescribed Lyrica, this too had little effect. Every day I have this unusual feeling of pressure in my head and also that chest pain in the far left of my chest. I eat alright and can walk for miles without any bother. Although the feeling is with me all day, its only when I look at screens/TV that the pressure in my head seems to grow and make me feel like I'm about to pass out, that and the chest pain. Have been out of work a long time (I work on computers), nothing has helped so far, am afraid I'm going to lose my job. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
I think we could be possibly looking at an anxiety disorder here in your case. This can lead to all the symptoms that you have described and much more as well. Now, the issue is that even though the treatment you had been started on is appropriate, the duration of treatment, rapid switching of drugs is not appropriate. The main treatment of such an issue is psychotherapy. We would need to identify what is stressing you, what brought you here and ask questions like XXXXXXX Are you comfortable in your skin?" ; "Are you truly happy?" etc.
Once we get down to the list of things which bother you, we can resolve those issues one by one. This can only be done by a trained psychotherapist. Also, the drug therapy has to act as a bridge. Apart from Citalopram ( which in my opinion should have been given for atleast 1-3 months as it could take to produce some improvement in some cases), we should be looking at other alternatives like benzodiazepines like alprazolam to take care of the episodes when you feel extremely well.
The treatment would definitely take some time. You need to believe not only in your physician but more importantly in yourself as well. We would need to look at your priorities, your lifestyle etc.
In the meanwhile, take out time for things you enjoy doing, whatever it may be; reading a book, talking to someone or talking a walk.
I am sure with the right help, you'd soon be better. Please see a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist. I can assure you that sometimes anxiety is a useful thing. It tells you that something is wrong in your life and you haven't realized it all along.
Let me know if I can be of further assistance,
Regards
Thanks for writing in.
I think we could be possibly looking at an anxiety disorder here in your case. This can lead to all the symptoms that you have described and much more as well. Now, the issue is that even though the treatment you had been started on is appropriate, the duration of treatment, rapid switching of drugs is not appropriate. The main treatment of such an issue is psychotherapy. We would need to identify what is stressing you, what brought you here and ask questions like XXXXXXX Are you comfortable in your skin?" ; "Are you truly happy?" etc.
Once we get down to the list of things which bother you, we can resolve those issues one by one. This can only be done by a trained psychotherapist. Also, the drug therapy has to act as a bridge. Apart from Citalopram ( which in my opinion should have been given for atleast 1-3 months as it could take to produce some improvement in some cases), we should be looking at other alternatives like benzodiazepines like alprazolam to take care of the episodes when you feel extremely well.
The treatment would definitely take some time. You need to believe not only in your physician but more importantly in yourself as well. We would need to look at your priorities, your lifestyle etc.
In the meanwhile, take out time for things you enjoy doing, whatever it may be; reading a book, talking to someone or talking a walk.
I am sure with the right help, you'd soon be better. Please see a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist. I can assure you that sometimes anxiety is a useful thing. It tells you that something is wrong in your life and you haven't realized it all along.
Let me know if I can be of further assistance,
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
