Symptom 10. Headaches: A Relentless Pressure
ADEM can stir up a storm in your head. Imagine the worst headache you’ve ever had and then multiply it. This is not the kind of headache that fades after a nap or a couple of painkillers. It’s a relentless, gnawing pressure that makes it hard to focus on anything else.
The headaches can feel like your skull is in a vise, being slowly tightened. Every sound is a thunderclap, every light a flashbang. You may find yourself retreating to a dark, quiet room, desperate for any relief from the constant throbbing.
This symptom is a consequence of the inflammation spreading throughout your brain. It triggers pain receptors in the surrounding tissues, giving birth to these devastating headaches. It’s a loud and clear distress signal from your brain, pleading for help.
Living with these headaches can be challenging. It can feel like you’re lugging around a heavy weight that refuses to let up. You may find yourself unable to engage in daily activities, your thoughts consumed by the ceaseless pounding.
Recurrent, unexplained headaches should not be relegated as just stress or strain. They might be your body’s way of knocking on your awareness about an underlying neurological issue. Paying heed to these recurrent bouts of pain can help soothe your journey towards understanding ADEM. (10)
