Chronic headaches?

[autumnpalm]

I know there are at least a few DIS doctors out there who might have some insight, so I'm going to go ahead and post this!

I've had a constant headache now for about a month. My headaches started around New Year's and have steadily gotten worse. The pain is mostly in my forehead and temples but hurts behind my eyes and in my face as well, and sometimes wraps around to the back of my head. When I wake up in the morning I feel pretty good but the pain gets worse over the day.

I went to the doctor last week and he diagnosed me with migraines. I've done some reading and the symptoms just don't really sound like what I have... the pain isn't concentrated in one area, doesn't worsen with activity, I'm not sensitive to light and I never have any nausea (thank goodness!)

I know it isn't normal to have a headache every day in a row and I'm trying to figure out what might help. My doctor had me on Naproxen 375 mg and then switched my prescription to Tylenol w/ Codeine but neither really helps that much. And I don't like taking constant medication if I don't really have to.

I was thinking it might be TMD? My jaw does lock sometimes and cracks and pops and I read headaches are a symptom of that. I'm trying not to Google too much because I'm kind of freaking myself out!

Does anyone have any similar experiences or insight? I would greatly appreciate it! We are leaving for Disney on Sunday but I am trying to get another doctor's appointment for when we get back. Fingers crossed!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

My 1st thought is sinus headaches. They are very often confused with migraines. Does it feel like pressure around your eyes? I once had what I thought was a headache for 5 weeks. Turns out it was all sinus. I'm wondering if that's what yours is, the symptoms sound like mine too. Try placing something cold (I've used bags of frozen peas before!) against your forehead and sinus area. Good luck!

 

[autumnpalm]

Hmm... the pain around my eyes is more like aching than pressure but I will look into sinus headaches.

Either way, I do plan on spending some time with a bag of frozen corn on my head tonight. It really does feel so good!

 

[CathrynRose]

I
I was thinking it might be TMD? My jaw does lock sometimes and cracks and pops and I read headaches are a symptom of that. I'm trying not to Google too much because I'm kind of freaking myself out!

Welcome to my wonderful world!

I have daily headaches - some days worse than others. In fact it's more unusual I *dont* have a headache, than if I do.

I was diagnosed with Migraines, too. But they're not 'migraines' (I think they lump everyone together) I have had some migraines, but my daily ones are not that.

Mine - I think is stress, hormonal (hence today's wonderful one!) and - you nailed it - TMJ.

One thing I learned from Googling - it's not (probably not) a brain tumor. Those are WORSE in the morning, and get better through out the day. So we can cross that off the list.

How old are you? As I've gotten older, they've gotten worse, more frequent - more intense.

 

[CathrynRose]

Hmm... the pain around my eyes is more like aching than pressure but I will look into sinus headaches.

Either way, I do plan on spending some time with a bag of frozen corn on my head tonight. It really does feel so good!

Ooooo - that's a good sign, too.

If ice feels better, a previous poster 'sinus' - could actually be right on.

Ice doesnt help mine. It actually annoys me.

Try taking maybe an antihistamine / decongestant. What's the weather like, by you? Humid? That could cause some pressure.

Do you use, or have you ever used a Neti Pot?

For all we know, you've got yourself an undiagnosed Sinus Infection. I had one in the very back of my skull, no other symptoms. I thought I was having a stroke, honest to God. It hurt SO bad. SO, I'm crying at the ER - ready to die.

Sinus Infection.

 

[autumnpalm]

I'm an undergrad student so pretty young still. I'm also in Canada so it's pretty dry and cold here right now but a sinus infection is definitely a possibility. Off to Google that! I've never used a Neti Pot but I might give the decongestant a try. Mostly the muscles in my forehead and temples feel like they're aching... could that be a part of it?

And I'm really relieved to hear that brain tumor pain is worse in the morning and gets better... to be honest that was a worry kind of in the back of my mind!

The ice DOES feel good. So I guess that's a good sign?

Thanks you guys!

 

[dislaney]

It does sound like it could be your sinuses. The only other thing I can think of is tension headaches?

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I'm an undergrad student so pretty young still. I'm also in Canada so it's pretty dry and cold here right now but a sinus infection is definitely a possibility. Off to Google that! I've never used a Neti Pot but I might give the decongestant a try. Mostly the muscles in my forehead and temples feel like they're aching... could that be a part of it?

And I'm really relieved to hear that brain tumor pain is worse in the morning and gets better... to be honest that was a worry kind of in the back of my mind!

The ice DOES feel good. So I guess that's a good sign?

Thanks you guys!

Yup, brain tumor headaches are worse in the morning and get better as the day goes on. I know this firsthand because I had a horrible thyroid experience where my whole body was shutting down. One of the worst symptoms I had was a horrible headache. My dr. ordered an MRI and told me that if indeed it was a tumor, it would be worse in the morning but get better throughout the day! Whew!

Anyhow, if the ice feels really good on it, I'd bet it is sinus related. I've had ones so painful that it hurts to lay down on my back because my head is killing me. Good luck with frozen corn! And I just noticed your ticker, you're so lucky you're going to Disney so soon!!

 

[Nancy F]

Welcome to my wonderful world!

I have daily headaches - some days worse than others. In fact it's more unusual I *dont* have a headache, than if I do.

I was diagnosed with Migraines, too. But they're not 'migraines' (I think they lump everyone together) I have had some migraines, but my daily ones are not that.

Mine - I think is stress, hormonal (hence today's wonderful one!) and - you nailed it - TMJ.

One thing I learned from Googling - it's not (probably not) a brain tumor. Those are WORSE in the morning, and get better through out the day. So we can cross that off the list.

How old are you? As I've gotten older, they've gotten worse, more frequent - more intense.

I have some form of headache every day. And I get what they call cluster headaches too. Not fun.

Nancy

 

[CathrynRose]

I have some form of headache every day. And I get what they call cluster headaches too. Not fun.

Nancy

YES! I've had 2 of those (thank god ONLY 2) in my life - and those are something else.!!!!!

Ummm.... the the OP - hang up side down. Does it hurt worse? Most likely sinus.

 

[swald91]

How is your blood pressure?

 

[minkydog]

How did he diagnose your migraines? Have you had a CT or MRI to rule out anything in the brain? I'm with you, I wouldn't want to be on all that medicine. I'm assuming that this doctor is a Family Practice doc or an Internist. Perhaps if you aren't getting relief you should see a neurologist. It may indeed be migraines but a neuro will be up to date on current treatments. There are meds you can take that are non-addictive, non-narcotic drugs designed to prevent migraines rather than just waiting until the headache is on top of you. You might want to look into that. Don't just treat pain, treat the cause of the pain.

 

[autumnpalm]

How is your blood pressure?

Low, actually. I got it read when I was at the doctor and it was... 90/something. I don't remember the diastolic pressure! She said she was surprised I haven't been feeling faint but I actually feel okay!

How did he diagnose your migraines? Have you had a CT or MRI to rule out anything in the brain? I'm with you, I wouldn't want to be on all that medicine. I'm assuming that this doctor is a Family Practice doc or an Internist. Perhaps if you aren't getting relief you should see a neurologist. It may indeed be migraines but a neuro will be up to date on current treatments. There are meds you can take that are non-addictive, non-narcotic drugs designed to prevent migraines rather than just waiting until the headache is on top of you. You might want to look into that. Don't just treat pain, treat the cause of the pain.

Just by talking to me about my symptoms? Yes, my doctor is Family Physician and not a specialist in anything. I will ask about a referral next time I see her if he thinks that could be it. I have not had a CT or MRI, though.

Just want to say thank you again for the replies! I'm off to bed now, I don't think my body handles the codeine too well and I feel pretty groggy.

 

[sunlver]

Well I was having the same problems a couple years ago. I do have migraines. But, about 2 yrs ago, I was waking up everyday with a headache, if I didnt wake up with it, it would gradually get worse through out the day.

I actually diagnosed myself. Honestly, at first I thought I had a sinus infection. My eyes would hurt, my cheeks would hurt, I would have earaches. After 2 rounds of antibotics it didnt go away. We did a ct scan of head, nothing showed up. I went to an ENT who couldn't find anything. About 3-4 months prior I began noticing I clenched my teeth when I slept. I never really did the "grinding" but would notice if I woke up during the night, my jaw was tightly squeezed together... I went to my dentist and told him of my "thoughts" of my daily headaches. Although I was never diagnosed with TMJ...he said all my symptoms seemed to be fitting that description. He made me one of those occlusal guards that I wear when I sleep, it keeps me from clenching. Now the headaches arent gone for good, but they are 90% better. I do not experience the eye pain or the earaches upon waking each morning.

 

[WDWBarb]

My DD, 15, has just been diagnosed with migraines (an MRI ruled out tumors last week - I can't tell you how relieved I was!). They've handed me reading materials about headaches/migraines for months now and I guess I'm finally convinced that a migraine can manifest itself in numerous ways.

First, I suggest you get your eyes examined. I suffer from eye-strain related headaches and I can have all of the pain you describe. I'll get pain in my face because I'm squinting and not even realizing it. If you work on a computer much (as I do), this is worth looking into.

I also have TMJ but not from grinding (it's related to working on a computer again - slouching all day puts your neck/jaw out of alignment). Still very worth seeing a doctor about.

The fact that something cold seems to help lends me to think that it could be muscular.

And push your doctor for answers!!

 

[pyrxtc]

What about the air in your house ? I was having headaches like these last summer for over a month, got so bad that I had already taken my max dosage of migraine meds for the day and had to go into the DR's to get a shot to help me.

Turns out, I shouldn't have been taking the meds, I should have been opening my windows !! I had propane gas leaking into my house thru the stove and it was making me ill and my kids were sick also. The windows had been closed a lot since it was raining a lot last summer so the gas just stayed in the house. There are no detectors to watch for a propane leak and you can't smell it unless it is coming out fast. Please check your house !!

 

[swald91]

Low, actually. I got it read when I was at the doctor and it was... 90/something. I don't remember the diastolic pressure! She said she was surprised I haven't been feeling faint but I actually feel okay!



Just by talking to me about my symptoms? Yes, my doctor is Family Physician and not a specialist in anything. I will ask about a referral next time I see her if he thinks that could be it. I have not had a CT or MRI, though.

Just want to say thank you again for the replies! I'm off to bed now, I don't think my body handles the codeine too well and I feel pretty groggy.

The reason I asked about your blood pressure is sometimes if it's high-you get headaches...

 

[LuvOrlando]

Could be migraines. I've gone through periods like you are dealing with when I've introduced something new to my world with a low but constant fragrance or irritant. Once it was Pine Sol cleaner, once the Pop Tarts my kids were loving (I would nibble on the leftovers), once a new conditioner, once Fluorescent lights in college, and once when my DH started using Tag before work in the morning when I couldn't smell it but my brain noticed. I also get flare ups like this whenever my allergies kick in during the spring and summer months. Sort of constant low level headaches with monumental outbursts whenever another trigger is introduced.

I can tell you that my headaches ALWAYS get worse throughout the day and tend to peak when the sun goes down. I really have zero idea why they get so much worse when sundown comes but they sure do... always have been this way.
Feel better.

 

[smschex]

Tylenol with codeine is NOT a migraine headache medication! It is a very good pain medicine, but not for treating migraines. The key word is treating. There are a host of migraine medications such as Midrin, Maxalt, Imitrex that actually work on eliminating the cause of the migraine.

You might try looking for causes in your diet. My DH discovered he was sensitive to aspartame. When he cut down on the diet drinks he consumed, the headaches got much better. MSG and red wine are also triggers for him. Keeping a food diary of what you consume and how it affects your pain might help.

Good luck!

 

[autumnpalm]

Wow, thank you again to the other DISers who have replied! I really appreciate it.

I have a dentist appointment in a month, I will most definitely bring up the headaches with her and see if something like teeth grinding could be the cause. I had my eyes checked in August, before the semester started and my vision was good so I think I can rule out eye strain. Although I do spend quite a bit of time in front of a computer! I will keep an eye on my diet once I am home from Disney (leaving tomorrow) and can keep track of ingredients, etc.

Oh, and pyrxtc, how did you go about checking the air in your house?