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Undiagnosed Symptoms  (Expert Forum)
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17 year old has constant headache for 6 months
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MedHelp Member's Question

17 year old has constant headache for 6 months

by ninkipoo, Jun 27, 2007 12:00AM
Tags: headache, pain
My daughter Ashley is 17.On Dec.28,she had an adjustment on her neck from a chiropracter because her neck had been sore.The following afternoon a constant headache began.She missed alot of school.She's a gifted student. The pain level from 1-10 it was at an 8 or 9 for about 3 weeks. It was pounding in the beginning.The pain is at the base of her skull and her upper forhead.It does not travel between the two.We took her to ER several times, she has had an MRI, MRA, and a CT scan all with and without dye.All came back negative.Are they missing something?We also can't find medicine to help with pain.She has tried Backlofen, mobic, lidoderm patch,migrinal spray,lorazepam,naproxen,hydrocodoneme,loxicam,and vicadin, and  several shots for pain.NOthing works.We saw a neuologist in town,went to the MHNI clinic in Ann Arbor,they gave her 2 nerve blocks at the base of the neck.No help.Mygraines have been ruled out.We've seen the ped. neuologist at U of M hospital, she has put her on Nortriptyline. she has taken it for 3 weeks,no response.The only thing that will lower her pain has been accupresure treatment or a computerized adjustment of her neck. this only lowers it to a 3 or 4 for a couple days.The pain is dull and constant, averaging about 4-5 everyday.Appt to see neuorsurgen in august.she has learned to live with it for know,but we need to figure out whats causing it.
Doctor's Answer

by Forum-M.D.-, Jun 28, 2007 12:00AM
There has clearly been a comprehensive evaluation done.  The MRI and CT scan would rule out many of the major neurological disorders.  

I agree with the neurology referral and there definitely has been a comprehensive set of medications tried.  

There are various headache and pain clinics available at major academic medical centers (i.e. University of Michigan).  This seems like a difficult case that would be best served by finding one of these consultants.  

This option can be discussed with her personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Member Comments (3)

by ozark, Jul 06, 2007 12:00AM
maybe she should try massage therapy at trigger points that may be causing her her problems........just a thought

by imworried5454, Jul 10, 2007 12:00AM
try supplementing with feverfew

by CatherineP, Jul 10, 2007 12:00AM
How has migraine been ruled out? Basilar migraine is a rare variant but more common in teens, maybe its worth exploring again since it causes the back of head pain you describe.
Something which causes me lots of pain is TMJ syndrome, which affects the back of my head, neck and shoulder as well as face. It is like a really bad toothache. Since seeing a maxillofacial specialist, I have had a mouthguard made which prevents me from tooth grinding at night, and there is a definite improvement. Maybe her jaw, or bite needs adjustment? The problem causes severe tension and pain in the muscles, and would have been helped temporarily by the neck adjustment you descibe.
Good luck!! Catherine

by ladiejl, Jul 10, 2007 12:00AM
I started having headches when I was 12.  I am now 36 and still have them.  Ive had Mris, Xrays, Cat scans, been to neuoroligist and three differ chiropractors, ENTs, had tons of bloodwork. Ive never really been told what causes mine.  I do have back problems and scoliosis but didnt have the back (disk) probs when I was 12 when the headaches started. Im sorry to say to this day, I still have some kind of head pain pretty much every day. I cant go anywhere...movies, out w friends, on a date, ballgame.....that I dont get a headache.  When I was her age, Id come home w blinding headches if I went out anywhere for fun and would start having them before I could finish getting ready to go out.  I had sinus surgery in 98 and became pregnant a few months after.  I had bad ones while pregnant and my gyno put me on Inderal, a BP med/beta blocker.  I took this for about the last 3-4 months while pregnant.  Had prefectly healthy child. But while pregnant the Inderal did help and I would actually feel weird when going places and not having a headcahe.  Been on it since but doesnt really help.  Believe me if anyone knows headaches, its me. The only thing I can tell you to try that you havent already is (some of these things may be not used now but were things I heard about when I was younger)--Birth control pills. Could it be horomonal?  Try beta blockers or BP meds.  When I have bad headcahes now I reach for my Ben-Gay and rub it on my forehead, nose, brow, temples.......Yes, it burns, makes my nose and eyes run but theres no releif like it.  I take it with me on vacation! You ARE NOT suppossed to get it near mucous membranes but when you had them like I have, youll do what works as long as it doesnt hurt.  I may pay for it later but the new med Head On, I am betting is some form of BenGay type of product.  Its the strong menthol smell that opens up your head and the burning sensation that actually is stronger than the head pain that gives you relief.  Get her to try it just once.  Be ample with it and please dont think Im crazy.  Ive been where she is and it works better than anything.  Before you get meds filled, find out what they are.  Make sure you not just giving her something simple like Ultram, that is just a little stronger than something over the counter. That will save you money because if something major for headaches doesnt work, something simple surely wont. Have they not given her any narcotics?  I understand she is a child and still your baby but sometimes one of these would surely give her some relief.  Its not like shes going to have control over her meds.  Her parents will be her quide and shes not going to misuse them.  There are a lot of anti depressants that help with headaches.  She could probably use a good anti anxiety med also because Im sure she stays a nervous wreck.  Id insist on some type of relaxer, anti anxiety med.  I know the scare of addiction is there but some people are prone to it and some arent.  As I said, you will be there for her and you wont let that happen. Bless her heart because I know how she feels.  I get told all the time...exercise, exercise.  Im like how the heck can I excerise when I have a blasting headache.  I know it would help but you cant very well run around the block with your head pounding.  So, when she does feel well, try to get her to do some light walking.  Massage is good and mom's hands work just as good as anyones!  I know you understand or you wouldnt be here.   Please just know that she if she is irritable or ugly, lazy or cant keep her grades up, its not her fault. I have tears in my eyes as I type this to you thinking of what you all are going through. I know the pain.  They have ruined my life. Do everything you can.  I had wonderful parents but they didnt take me to docs back then to find the cause of mine. Dont give up.  God bless you and her and may you soon find out what is happening to your child.  The thing about headaches is no one really understands unless theyve been there and people get tired of hearing the complaining.  People treat them like its just someones way of being a grump or incooperative. Im so tired of hearing, "You always have a headcahe!" What if Dr. House was real??? He'd have many patients!!

by Mustang673000gt, Jul 29, 2007 02:14AM
To: ninkipoo
I have had migraines ever since i can remember i am now 20 years old and get migraines 14 times a month with no explaination nor any medicines helping me, its hard  to deal with them and work at the same time. i can feel how your daughter feels

by keegs257, May 04, 2008 12:46AM
A related discussion, 3 years and 4 months NON STOP HEADACHE