What Causes Tightness Of Scalp?

Posted on Thu, 1 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 1 May 2014 Answered on

Tue, 20 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : hello. i was wondering what would cause my scalp to feel tight, like i am wearing a hat. i have been under stress lately but have been before and never had this feeling. its not pain. its at the top of my head, and gos down to my ears. my ears sometimes feel full. its baffling me. i do take zanax occasionally for stress but only a half a pill.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
scleroderma

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Tightness of scalp or skin any where else on body is seen in a condition called scleroderma. It is progressive disease where skin starts becoming tight and slowly the face becomes tight and hide bound.

I would suggest you to consult your physician who can exclude this condition through a detailed physical examination and immunological tests. A biopsy might be required.

Do you feel such tightness any where else on the body ?

Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (9 hours later)

its not a physical tightening, its more like a neurological problem. like its under my skin, in my nerves. i took my half of zanax last night and it seemed to calm down. now this morning it is back alittle.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (27 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Gabapentene can help

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the clarification.
In such cases I usually prescribe capsule Gabapentene and have seen good response with that.
Please meet your doctor and discuss regarding this.
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar