Constant Headache For 4 Months ! Posted: 06-07-07 04:45am
Hi there,
I have had really bad headache for nearly
four months now. It started very suddenly
whilst using the computer in mid February
this year. It was very sharpe over my left
ear. It was so bad I phoned my doctor, but
after deciding it was not meningitis, he
was happy for me to take paracetomol and
ibuprofen and use and ice pack. It got
slowly better and I was able to sleep that
night.
Although i didn't really notice, i
continued to get the headache most days
until it built up until one long very
painful headache. I have been off work for
the last month and the headache is the
same.
It is usually not too bad in the mornings
but as I get more tired the headache gets
worse. Its still in the same place,
basically a palm sized area over my left
ear, from day to day a different spot in
that palm hurts sharply, whilst still
retaining the dull pain. I have also
experienced what I would describe as
secondary headaches as well from time to
time, things like ice pick headaches, pain
in the front of my head, pain at the back.
These change and don't seem to have a
pattern.
I have had some weeping from my left eye
(same side as headache), but this is hay
fever season, so I do not know if it is
related.
No matter what I do the headache will not
go, its difficult to sleep, read, do
anything! It feels like my life is on
hold.
I have been to the doctor many times, I
have had a CT scan which showed up clear.
I am currently on 1 100mg tablet of
Carbamazepine. But it doesn't seem to be
doing anything. I was on 2 of these, but i
had some side effects, every time i moved
my eyes, it felt like my whole head was
going into a spasm. I am using paracetamol
for the pain.
The doctor seems to be at a loss now to
diagnose anything, he says it might be
chronic cluster headaches and/or some type
of 'neuralgia'. As my CT was clear he is
hesitant to refer me to a neurologist.
I have had my eyes tested and they are
fine, I have even been to the chiropractor
and had acupuncture on my neck, still not
any better.
I am male and 30 and had been generally
quite fit up until now.
Does any one have any ideas what this may
be? Or any tips which may help?
Thanks for any/all help
Rossco.
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mc4ever02
Supporter
Joined: 08 Feb 2007 Posts: 3636 Location: Orlando, FL Usa
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Posted: 06-07-07 22:08pm
Welcome to .ehealth!
I'm sorry that you have been in so much
pain. I really believe that you need to
see a neurologist. It is amazing the
difference between a specialist and a
general physician. A neuro would probably
have a much better chance of finding a
diagnoses. Have you tried any nerve
medications yet?
|
rosscouk
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 07 Jun 2007 Posts: 13
Posted: 06-12-07 09:14am
Thank mc4ever02,
No i don't think I have tried any nerve
medication. Can you tell me a little more
about it? So i know what to ask the Doctor
for.
|
mc4ever02
Supporter
Joined: 08 Feb 2007 Posts: 3636 Location: Orlando, FL Usa
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Posted: 06-12-07 11:04am
I can tell you the names of the most
common ones here in the states. Maybe if
you give these names to your doctor he
will know what is the closest thing
there.
They are both an anticonvulsant and
neuropathic pain agent. How they works is
not fully understood. It is thought to
bind to certain areas in the brain that
help reduce seizures, nerve pain, and
anxiety.
They are both commonly prescribed to help
with nerve pain. (I have trigeminal
neuralgia and am prescribed lyrica. I have
also taken neurontin). So, you may want to
bring these up to your doctor and see if
these medications would be acceptable for
you.
I hope that they help. Keep us posted!
(just as a heads up- they can make you
feel a little 'off' the first few days you
take them. But you will get used to it.)
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rosscouk
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 07 Jun 2007 Posts: 13
Posted: 06-13-07 07:17am
Thanks again, I will mention the nerve
medication. I believe the Carbamazepine's
trade name is tegretol. I think it is an
anti epileptic drug.
Headache is still with me all the same. I
seem irritated around my face, teeth and
sinuses. But the actual pain is in my
head. I think it is made worse when I am
actually using my brain, which sounds
weird. Also I think it is worse bending
down.
|
mc4ever02
Supporter
Joined: 08 Feb 2007 Posts: 3636 Location: Orlando, FL Usa
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Posted: 06-13-07 13:17pm
It sounds like it could be trigeminal
neuralgia. The only person who could
diagnose this would be a neurologist. That
is also the only person that could treat
you. I strongly suggest that you try to
get in to see one.
Good luck. Please keep us posted!
|
rosscouk
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 07 Jun 2007 Posts: 13
Posted: 06-14-07 14:04pm
Right, been to the doctor. He believes I
do have trigeminal neuralgia. He has done
two things, referred me to a neurologist,
which is good. And also asked me to try
upping my dose of tegretol again.
So some movement, although having a rough
day today, including a sore throat and
very painful head.
We will see if I have further side effects
of the tegretol tomorrow.
|
rosscouk
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 07 Jun 2007 Posts: 13
Posted: 06-20-07 08:42am
I don't know if I am becoming more
paranoid about my headache, but I think I
am suffering from some further symptoms.
I am back at work this week, so it may be
making it worse.
I keep on forgetting things, I am having
problems getting my words out and
altogether feel a bit weird.
My head is also hurting when I move it, on
the left on hand side, above my ear,
something feels kind of loose. Which
sounds strange I know.
Is it the drugs? Or am I being overlly
paranoid?
Thanks.
|
rosscouk
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 07 Jun 2007 Posts: 13
Posted: 06-20-07 08:51am
Oh yeah, I forgot (see previous post )
I seem to be acting a bit wierd, I am not
sure if it is out of character. But I keep
finding myself winding my wife up, acting
a bit like a child. Not quite sure why I
am doing it. I am not sure if it is
anything, but am feeling rather paranoid
about it all.
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mc4ever02
Supporter
Joined: 08 Feb 2007 Posts: 3636 Location: Orlando, FL Usa
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Posted: 06-20-07 09:35am
It is easy to get upset about this. I know
the pain first hand, and can assure you
that it is a scary thing.
It could very well be the medication. Did
they put you on anything new, or just up
your dosage?
Also, you might want to talk to your
doctor about a tens unit. (if you have
insurance, they will sometimes cover it)
This can help alot with the muscle in your
neck/head. (which can irritate the nerve,
sometimes making the pain worse). It is
the only thing that gets me through some
days at work. I won't lie, work has become
much more difficult since this began. I
miss more days now then ever, and the meds
they had me on originally made me really
spaced out. I could never get up on time,
my work suffered because I couldn't focus.
I was fortunate to have a boss/job that
was very understanding. I strongly suggest
(if you haven't already) making your job
aware of what is going on.
It can also be difficult on a spouce. My
husband (then fiance) didn't understand
what I was going through (fortunately) and
it was very hard for him to be supportive
after a while. He didn't understand how it
could hurt to the point of me not wanting
to talk or think or move. So, your wife
may need some time to really come to terms
with what is going on.
)
