brain tumors grow and cause symptoms obviously increasing with time. MS usually has a fluctuating course. None of these disorders are likely symmmetrical. If symptoms due to migraine and these new symptoms on the back of the head differ, they probably arise from different causes.

Spinal disorders at C1, T4 and L5 strongly correlate with mentioned symptoms in the back of the head, back and legs. In these disorders bones (vertebra) or cartilages (discs) usually press upon the spinal nerves or directly upon the spinal cord. This should be seen on MRI of the spine. Individuals who have narrowed spinal canal or other inborn characteristic that leaves less space for the spinal cord or spinal nerves would be likely affected by smaller spinal changes, probably less obvious on MRI.

Feeling how the floor is comming up and sensations in cheeks probably arise from the brainstem, which lies within the skull, so I can not say if these symptoms are related to spinal disorders or something has happened within your brainstem, like a syrinx (a cyst) pressing on the neural tissue from the inside of the brainstem. An MRI of the neck (maybe your existing MRI, evaluated by another neurologist) should show this.

I have had migraine with aura for my whole life, and I do get 1-2 a month, but I don’t think that encompasses what I am experiencing. My neurologist was quick to jump on that diagnosis.

My theory is that, after childbirth, my pelvis became misaligned, which caused misalignment over time that traveled up my back. I have misalignment in lumbar (l5) thoracic (t4), and cervical (c1) spine that is being treated by chiropractor and pt. The misalignment continues all the way up into my jaw with the tmj issues. I’m guessing (hoping?) that this much misalignment is causing a strain on the spine and resulting in the neurological symptoms. Through exercise and adjustment, over time, I am hoping my body can learn to be straight again and the neurological symptoms will subside when that happens.

Does that make any medical sense at all? It’s all I can come up with! Are some people just more sensitive to pressure/strain on spine and have this type of reaction?

My mom has fibromyalgia and is convinced that is my diagnosis, but with so much structural dysfunction, I am not quick to think it is something auto-immune.

I worry often about MS or brain tumors, but I don’t have any muscle weakness or one-sided deficiencies of any kind that would point to tumors. It’s been 2 years since I have had any imaging done of my head or neck, but the neuro wasn’t interested in ordering more. I sometimes want the reassurance that comes from having a fresh set of imaging, but I am trying to be reasonable and trust that the neurologist knows more than I do.

Thanks again for your thoughts.

I have no clue.
I know someone who has some symptoms resembling yours, so if you can reveal more circumsances, it may help to both.
Male or female, how old are you? When exactly did your symptoms start, and how did they appear – slowly, abruptly, any related event, stress?
Migraine with aura – this is what you think you have? Headache on one side (left/right) of the head? Paresthesias at the back and up to the top of the head are mediated by nerves arising from C1-C3. Paresthesias on the cheecks are mediated by Trigeminal nerve originating in the brainstem. Burning legs and back are mediated by nerves arising in thoracic and lumbar spine. Not necessary that there is something wrong with all these nerves I’ve mentioned. They all arise from the spinal cord or brainstem and these are controlled by the little brain and brain.

Feeling of being unbalanced could arise from the little brain. Back of the head paresthesia arises from the upper part of the spinal cord (C1-C3) and cheeck paresthesia from the brainstem (Trigeminal nerve), all of which are closely related areas. It’s possible that sitting (computer) and lying down physically affects this area and causes most of mentioned symptoms.

One possible cause is narroved spinal canal in the neck. The other is “Chiari malformation” and related syringomyelia. All this should be seen or suspected from MRI of the neck; so maybe you want that a neurologist checks your existing MRI of the neck again with this in mind.

EBV (Epstein-Barr virus) antibodies and Borrelia antibodies (Lyme disease) are also two reasonable tests.

That said, I want to say clearly, I do not know, if anything of about will help, so, please be careful before deciding for any test, since ongoing investigations may cost you a lot.

Thank you for taking the time to answer people’s questions. Having an undiagnosed condition can be so frustrating!

What do you think of the following:

– Paresthesias of the back of head and neck, up to top of head. These come and go. They seem to be worse when sitting at the computer, etc.

– Mild TMJ which has been evaluated by a pt. I have exercises and jaw-joint massage that I regularly engage in. Still have discomfort on both sides, but it is improving.

– Tingling/burning/numbness in cheeks. More prominent on left side, but present in both. Comes and goes. Is this related to the TMJ? Sometimes seems to be worse when lying down on my back.

– Burning legs and back, especially at night. Skin feels like it’s on fire, but no visible redness or itchiness.

– diagnosed with migraine with aura, both with headache and without. Am on 25mg of topamax as a preventative.

– Frequent feelings of being unbalanced. I can still walk a straight line, etc. but I feel like I have just gotten off of an elevator a lot of the time, like the ground is coming up under me.

– Seeing a pt for L5 and T4 rotation/misalignment. Exercise and adjustment to treat. Visible shoulder assymmetry, as well as assymmetry in pelvis and jaw when out of alignment……quickly visibly straighter after treatment. Doesn’t hold in alignment indefinately, however.

– Clean MRI of head and neck w/ and w/o contrast two years ago, cartoid artery ultrasound clear, no hearing loss, bloodwork all clear, perfect neuro exam.

Would love your suggestions. Thanks!

chills can be accompanied by a short tingling-like feelings, which are probably not related to any nerve disorder. It could be migraine. If you think you need a reasurrance or rest, you might want to speak with your doctor about this.

the sensations on the sites you’ve mentioned are mediated by the Trigeminal nerve (its ophtalmic and maxillary branch – see green and red area in the picture in the article). The nerve itself or the brainstem from where it arises could be affected. I strongly recommend you to visit a neurologist soon.