What Causes Tightness And Pressure In Chest With Breathing Difficulty?

Posted on Mon, 27 Jun 2016

Question: Hi. For about two months I have experienced periodic periods of a feeling of swelling, tightness . pressure, in my head. It affects my vision slightly and is accompanied by similar tightness in my chest.
I have noticed no affect on my breathing. It usually lasts for about five minutes. I can feel my pulse in my head. No new drugs or habits. The only thing is a spinal injection for stenosis at about that time. Any Thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cerebrospinal fluid circulation problems, likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your query and understand your concerns.

In my opinion, the main condition here that needs to be evaluated and excluded is cerebrospinal fluid leakage at the injection site.

Abnormal build up of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) outside the spinal cord may impair CSF circulation and pressure manifesting this way with those symptoms.

It is necessary for a spinal MRI in order to have a correct diagnosis of your condition.

Discuss about these issues with your primary care Doctor.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 days later)

I just had another session like I described before. My wife put an oxygen sensor on my finger and we followed my changing pulse rate. It went to 35bpm and wandered about in the 35 to 41 range. I could feel the slow pulse as I was feeling the other symptoms. After a few minutes we could see the rate returning to 62 and my symptoms were disappearing. I have suspected coffee because I drink several cups in the AM. A reduction in coffee seems to result in a reduction in the number of occurrences in the last day or two. Not much to go on.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get examined ASAP.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Changes in intracranial pressure are well known to cause slow heart rhythm ( bradychardia ), that in some cases may be an emergency situation.

Get before mentioned examinations to have a correct diagnosis of your condition, ASAP.

Hope I helped you.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad