Headache Doesn't Feel Like a Migraine (top back of head) Posted: 10-05-07 00:12am
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.
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audreyann
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 18 Location: ,
Maybe Need a Neurologist Posted: 10-09-07 08:52am
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
