Headache and Migraines Forum - Headache Doesn't Feel Like a Migraine (top back of head)

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Q: Headache Doesn't Feel Like a Migraine (top back of head)

asked by: weeblewobble on October 5th, 2007

New User

My PCP diagnosed me with migraines. But I dated someone with bad ones and experienced them vicariously. It just doesn't feel right and I guess I'm looking for another opinion.
Here's what I'm experiencing that led to this diagnosis. It started months ago with headaches in the top back of my head. I realize now that headache was the wrong word to use. It didn't always hurt, and when it did, it didn't hurt bad comparatively. It felt like a fullness, a pressure, incredibly disorienting. I'd get visions of popping my head open and air rushing out. Weird I know. I'd feel really stupid, have a hard time finding some words or saying some words, focusing, listening, etc. Sometimes the spot gets really tender, like I have sunburn or something. I wasn't really concerned, just took a lot of tylenol.
Then my vision got messed up a couple months ago. Huge halos around street lights. Anything not in my direct line of sight bleeds massive starbursts, long and bendy. Traffic in the other lane is blinding, I can't see the cars. Sometimes things in direct sight blur too, and I have to refocus.
Can't stand sunlight anymore. It hurts, not just my eyes, but it makes me feel really uncomfortable. I always feel at my worst in the morning. (Stupidest, cloudiest, don't know how to describe it.) I wake up exhausted, stiff in the arm and leg joints. Kind of like a dead bug. It's not usually until it gets dark out that I feel fine.
Got my eyes checked, nothing wrong with them, perscription didn't change. Light problems exist with contacts, glasses, and naked eyes. I guess it kind of sounds like migraines, but it isn't like an aura. It's just permanent, present all the time.
Now I'm walking into things and tripping on flat ground. So far I've only been prescribed to Imitrex. I tried it once. Didn't work. Set my brain on fire and made everything worse. Haven't had any brain scans. Doctor hasn't suggested any and I haven't asked yet since I haven't gone grand mal or anything. Does this sound like migraines? Should I be worried? Thank you to whoever takes time to answer.

Replies(1)

audreyann

replied on October 9th, 2007

New User

Maybe Need a Neurologist

I would ask for a referral to a neurologist or headache specialist.Sometimes you can get lucky and found one that is both.I did,but unfortunatley he moved.
If you have insuance,and you don't need a referral to a certain neurologist,seek out one that is familiar with migraines.
It's important to see a specialist.I get alot of what you do.I had "migraine without pain" for years though.I didn't know that's what it was.I would get auras and no pain.Then I would get pain following the aura.Now it's transformed into pain all the time,with aura coming and going.Sometimes the roots of my hair hurt.I've almost gone and cut all my hair off at times.
There are more abortives than imitrex.There are beta blockers that can be tried.If it's migraine and they my be able break your cycle of pain.
But if it's to the point where you're walking into things,I'd get your doctor to run some tests,setting up a neurologist appt too.They take awhile to get into,but maybe your doctor can get you in sooner.
Migraine can interfere with your balance.I've had pain so bad,I can't move my head or I'll throw up.I keep motion sickness around for that.
Best wishes let me know how you do

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