Headache and Migraines Forum - Constant Headache For 4 Months !

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Q: Constant Headache For 4 Months !

asked by: rosscouk on June 7th, 2007

New User

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.

Replies(9)

mc4ever02

replied on June 7th, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

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

replied on June 12th, 2007

New User

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

replied on June 12th, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

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.

Lyrica-(generic name: pregabalin)
Neurontin-(generic name: gabapentincapsules)

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.)

rosscouk

replied on June 13th, 2007

New User

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

replied on June 13th, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

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

replied on June 14th, 2007

New User

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

replied on June 20th, 2007

New User

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

replied on June 20th, 2007

New User

Oh yeah, I forgot (see previous post Smile

)

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.

mc4ever02

replied on June 20th, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

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.

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