Head pressure, sleepiness, vertigo…no answers
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This may be a long shot but I was wondering if anyone could help point me in the right direction of what this could possibly be or what workup I should ask for. 36F, 5ft 5in, 190lbs, non smoker Surgical history: 3 c sections (most recent November 2025) Medical history Preeclampsia during first and third pregnancies Depression and anxiety (well controlled on meds) Iron deficiency (no anemia)-has been corrected with 3 iron infusions. Lowest ferritin was 6 during recent pregnancy. Ferritin while not being pregnant was 20. Recent check ferritin level -197 but this was only 3 weeks after last infusion. Iron binding panel has always been normal Sleep apnea- controlled with Cpap Current medications: Zoloft 150mg Prenatal vitamin magnesium glycinate Fish oil **Since my mid 20s I’ve been experiencing almost daily frontal head pressure, mild vertigo (worse with rapid position changes), intense sleepiness, brain fog, and feeling as though my head could float away.** I experience this on more days than not but I can never predict if I’m going to have a “good” day. The only time I’ve ever felt relief is when I was postpartum with my third baby (had her November 2025) and felt good for 6 weeks. I’ve never noticed a change in symptoms before during or after my menstrual cycle. The sleepiness I experience is different from being sleep deprived. I average about 6.5 hours of sleep a night (which I know is bad) and my sleep schedule can be inconsistent due to naps or sleeping in when I can. **And the super weird part is I feel significantly better at night! Usually around 9pm.** Workup I have had done: Sleep study - showed sleep apnea but I am compliant with my Cpap and have a normal AHI Iron deficiency- replaced and last check was normal. Didn’t notice an improvement in any symptoms. Most recent ferritin was 197 but that was drawn three weeks after my last infusion. I will get repeat blood work in a month. Thyroid function- normal (they checked additions labs beside TSH) Vitamin D- normal Vitamin B12- normal CMP- normal. Occasionally mild low sodium (133 is lowest). CBC- normal ENT- consult (I have large tonsils that they want to remove- but I’m scared to do that as an adult). I also have a deviated septum. I do sinus rinses twice daily and daily Flonase with no improvement. Allergy testing- slight allergy to local grass. I was going to try shots years ago but got pregnant and couldn’t. All over the counter allergy medicine and sprays have not helped. Cardiology: I’ve had an echo and worn a Holter monitor- all normal My orthostatic BPs are normal. I has a PCP try the Epley Maneuver with no improvement My depression and anxiety well controlled with medication. I have a neurology consult pending. **Things that make it worse:** Stress Too much sleep Rapid position changes **Things that help:** Fluids (occasionally but not consistently). It’s honestly really debilitating and it impacts my quality of life quite severely. I appreciate any and all advice!
AI Analysis
- Medication
- sertraline (Zoloft), fluticasone (Flonase), magnesium glycinate, prenatal vitamin, fish oil
- Condition
- chronic frontal head pressure, vertigo/dizziness, excessive daytime sleepiness / hypersomnolence, brain fog, obstructive sleep apnea (treated), history of iron deficiency
- Barrier
- pcp wait
- Geography
- us likely