OT / Headaches

[esbrick]

OK so I have been having pretty bad headaches for about the past 2 months a couple of times a week. My neck actually burns sometimes from the inside and I've had a couple of balance issues lately. I spoke with my Dr's assistant yesterday who said it sounded like tension but she would talk to the dr. Well he called me up today and he wants me to see a neurologist and have an MRI.. I have an appt for the neurlogist for 4/7 and I am waiting for the call to schedule the MRI, next week I guess.

I'm scared that's all Just scared. . .

Anyone had these symptoms and it be ok?

 

[SharkyGoddess]

First of all Don't be scared.

Secondly, what about migraines? Have you ever had them before? Any bumps on the head you may have thought were no big deal?

I hope everything comes back with a positive (good) response. My DD has been having migraines lately and trying to resolve them can be just as big of a headache at times.

GOOD LUCK!!!

 

[esbrick]

Thank you so much!

I have never been diagnosed with migraines. I had a problem with thunder clap headaches a couple of years ago that wasn’t fun at all. This almost feels the same way except for the balance issues, that’s new.

I’m not good at not knowing how to fix stuff. . .

I hope your daughter figures out her migraines. Pixie dust to her for a quicker resolution!

 

[grace&philipsmom]

I had headaches, neck pain, dizzy spells and balance issues. I too had to see a specialist and have an MRI (looking for tumors).
It turned out that I had a bad inner ear infection (but I had no ear pain ), and the doctor said I was also suffering from tension headaches completely unrelated to the dizziness and balance. It took several doses of antibiotics to clear up the inner ear. I also still take a fair bit of advil for the headaches but everything else is okay.
I hope it all goes well for you too .

 

[SharkyGoddess]

Thank you so much!

I have never been diagnosed with migraines. I had a problem with thunder clap headaches a couple of years ago that wasn’t fun at all. This almost feels the same way except for the balance issues, that’s new.

I’m not good at not knowing how to fix stuff. . .

I hope your daughter figures out her migraines. Pixie dust to her for a quicker resolution!

Thank you! She wishes you the speediest of recoveries too. Headaches are, well, a PAIN!

 

[PrincessAbby'sMom]

I have had alot of headaches since 1995. Started off daily & a migraine about 1-2 times a week.
The kept running tests, CAT scans w/contract, blood work galore, MRI, etc. Then adding medications & changing them, etc. Finally after 1 year I said enough - stop all medication & I will go to a Neurologist. When I stopped all medication, the headaches subsided......for awhile.
Since I have had a Sleep Study, blood work, sinus surgery & many trips to the ER for migraines beyond control.
To this day there is nothing medically wrong that they can treat, other then with medication. I just have to deal with it.
Good luck, the test are only so they don't get sued. There are so many diffrent "types of headaches" out there - its probably just one of them.

Sending pixie dust

 

[dougsmom98]

I had some similar symptoms as well as some speech issues that come and go when I am really tired. I had the MRI and it came back fine. I also got a full blood work up, and it turns out I have some thyroid issues.
I hope things work out well for you.

 

[dis-happy]

Do you wake up with them? I used to have this problem until I finally switched to a new pillow. It has made a HUGE difference for me. Most of my headaches (except the once a month hormone related ones) started in my neck; I could feel it but nothing would help, not even massaging the area in the morning. Sleeping with a new pillow is what helped. The pillow of my dreams: Beyond Down. It's not too high and nestles my head perfectly.

Hope things get better for you.

 

[esbrick]

I I also got a full blood work up, and it turns out I have some thyroid issues.
I hope things work out well for you.

Hmm that's a thought. . . I am currently on synthroid and the dr said we needed to watch it to see about increasing the amount. I will mention that.

Update: So I am scheduled for an MRI on Thursday and with the neurologist next Tuesday. The administrator I spoke with yesterday said that if there is anything scarey in the scans that they would call my Dr. right away and that they would have me atmitted. I'm comfortable with that as if there is somehting not right I would rather get it fixed right away. DH is coming with me too so that is good.

At this point I am going with tension/chronic headaches. However I am going to tell the neurologist aobut my thyroid AND the fact that I look at a computer all day, every day.

The worst is just not knowing. . . However, DD11 has a science project, SS test and spelling test this week so distractions are a plenty Oh yeah and that work thing

Thank you all so much for your posts! They have been great!

 

[SharkyGoddess]

Hmm that's a thought. . . I am currently on synthroid and the dr said we needed to watch it to see about increasing the amount. I will mention that.

Update: So I am scheduled for an MRI on Thursday and with the neurologist next Tuesday. The administrator I spoke with yesterday said that if there is anything scarey in the scans that they would call my Dr. right away and that they would have me atmitted. I'm comfortable with that as if there is somehting not right I would rather get it fixed right away. DH is coming with me too so that is good.

At this point I am going with tension/chronic headaches. However I am going to tell the neurologist aobut my thyroid AND the fact that I look at a computer all day, every day.

The worst is just not knowing. . . However, DD11 has a science project, SS test and spelling test this week so distractions are a plenty Oh yeah and that work thing

Thank you all so much for your posts! They have been great!

here's to HEALTHY wishes and a fast headache free recovery!!!

I hope you get all good news and it's a simple fix.

 

[EthansMom]

My DH recently had a health issue that included your symptoms (headaches, neck pain, dizziness) plus several other (neurological) symptoms. An MRI was able to show that DH had a malformation of his brain (called an Arnold Chiari) which results in his brain decending down against his spinal cord. It was pretty scary, but is rarely fatal.

When DH's symptoms worsened, he had to have brain surgery (to remove parts of his skull and vertebrae) to make room for his large brain. That was 8 weeks ago. Even with some (painful, but not life threatening) complications, DH was able to return to work 6 weeks after surgery and is pretty much fully recovered (only minor headaches when he overworks which respond well to Ibuprofen) at this point.

My advice: Try to relax. Get the MRI. With luck, the MRI will tell you what you are up against and you can start getting treatment that will help alleviate your symptoms.

(If you are diagnosed with a Chiari, please feel free to PM me. We did months of research into the best places/doctors for decompression surgery and I'd be happy to offer advice, if it's needed.)

 

[esbrick]

You are all so wonderful! Thank you so much for all your advice.

I went to get the MRI this afternoon and was told if there were any abnormalities that had to be attended to right away I would get a phone call. That was 3 hours ago so I am crossing my fingers that the no news is good new theory works!. I am going to call my dr tomorrow and I'm still on to see the neurologist on Tuesday but this definately calms me down a bit.

PS by the way the disk that shows pictures of your brain is incredible! I couldn't believe it! I really wish I knew what I was looking at but WOW! What an amazing / scarey picture to look at!

Take care all and thanks again for your support. My heart is full!
Peace,
esk

 

[esbrick]

Hi Everyone!

Ok so I went to the neurologist and he read my MRI. I am happy to report that there is nothing scarey! No tumers, no anyuerisms! They think it is tension but we are going to do more tests, inner ear and balance, but at least most of the scarey stuff is gone!

Thanks again for all your support!

Eilis

 

[letsgoagainsoon]

Hi Everyone!

Ok so I went to the neurologist and he read my MRI. I am happy to report that there is nothing scarey! No tumers, no anyuerisms! They think it is tension but we are going to do more tests, inner ear and balance, but at least most of the scarey stuff is gone!

Thanks again for all your support!

Eilis

That's great news...did they mention sinus problems? I have those symptoms whenever I have sinus issues.

 

[brightsmile]

If after your test they still are not able to help you with your headaches you may want to talk to your dentist. I work at a dental office and we have a lot of patients that grind or clench their teeth. This could case some of the symptoms that you are discribing. We make patients a small appliance that they were at night. Most patients notice a real improvment.

 

[drcbpearce]

I'm glad the neuro found nothing on the MRI. I would recommend that you ask for a referral to see a good chiropractor. Although, ask your friends and family, not the neuro, they don't really understand what it is we do. There are many causes of headaches and misalignment of the spine is a very common reason. A good chiropractor will do an examination and likely take x-rays of your neck to see what's going on in there structurally before making a diagnosis or treatment plan. If no one you know has seen a chiropractor, you can check the American Chiropractic Association for a doc in your area. Migraines have been successfully treated with chiropractic care for many years. It's really amazing how it works. I almost forgot, don't be afraid. Many people are scared of the adjustments but it really does feel great to have your bones realigned! There are multiple adjusting techniques, so you should have no problem finding a doc who can help you.

I do hope you are able to get your migraines resolved. Good luck and keep us posted.