What Does Burning Pain At The Back Of The Head Suggest?

Posted on Wed, 8 Feb 2017

Question: Moist burning pain in top back of head? Pain tingling feet random burning. Shooting head pains. Written off by doctors as stress. Top of head burns with some shooting pain. Sometimes behind eyes. Back of head. Faint. Neck pain. Sometimes burning pain in my eyes. Started xanax and zoloft couple days ago. Pain is occuring when i am calm as well which makes me think it is not stress

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

This constellation is indeed properly diagnosed as an anxiety disorder. This does not mean your physical symptoms are not real -- they are very real -- but they are caused by changes in stress hormones rather than one underlying physical cause. These stress hormones stay in the body and continue to elicit these symptoms even when you feel calm. Zoloft is the medication of choice for these symptoms -- after 3-6 weeks, I would expect these symptoms to dramatically decrease or stop altogether. Be careful with Xanax -- it can be addicting and is only meant for short term use.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

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

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (12 minutes later)

Thank you for your response. I am just very concerned that something is wrong with me that is imminently dangerous. I have severe anxiety disorder OCD PTSD derealisation and depression. All due to witnessing a family death traumatically.

All these pains are consistent for a month. Sometimes shocking. I know the Xanax is addictive I did not want to take it but I was on lexapro and had a bad reaction. Ativan did not calm me down and my anxiety is 24 hours a day with usually 2-5 severe panic attacks per day in between. Now mostly caused by the pain is what brings on the panic. I just find it hard to believe that my mind can create such severe pains that actually freeze me in place thats how bad they are .

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
It is a common symptom of an anxiety or panic disorder to worry that you have something seriously wrong with you. However, I can assure you everything is physically fine. What you are describing as symptoms are fully consistent with and indeed classic for anxiety and panic. Let your psychiatric medications do their job, and soon you will feel better.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

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

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (19 minutes later)

I will rate the convo but if i had known to use your site directly i would have but i paid twice for here already lol.

But are these shooting head pains really possible with anxiety. Qnd the burning scalp i can ujderstand minor aches and headaches but these seem much more severe. My ct scan came back ok but this can really be mental. I now have a sleep phobia bc i dont like not knowing whats going on and feeling safe as well

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Yes, this is not only possible with anxiety, this is exactly what is happening.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (3 hours later)

Are these ice pick brain zaps also common with anxiety? I have GAD but i tet these 10-20 times a day. On top of the scalp burning sensations .

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Yes, as I said above, these zapping sensations are also caused by anxiety.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (45 hours later)

Ok i have been on the zoloft and xanax for 5 days now. I still have many of the headache sensations. I feel anxious all the time due to them mainly.

The only difference is i am not shaking and panicking i guess due to the xanax. Pain sensations are usually located in the same spots. Is this normal. I apologize for asking so many questions i signed up for this bc drs in person dismiss me immediately for anxiety so trying to get more detailed answers.

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Yes, this is normal and expected. It may take up to 4 weeks since starting the medication to feel its full benefit.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

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