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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Cervicalgenic headache possibility?
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Cervicalgenic headache possibility?
by Martin32, Dec 27, 2005 12:00AM
I have been experiencing a constant never-ending dull headache that is tension-like, over my forehead and the top of my head, and deep in the center. Due to the fact that there is great relief when I stretch my neck out there is a crackling/squishing noise (like I'm trying to stick my head up high like a giraffe), and when I hold this stretched position my pressure/tension is virtually gone. Also various positions such as bending head forward offer relief to a lesser degree.
I have seen 3 neuroligists and had multiple MRI/ct brainscans and a cervical spinal MRI too. Everything negative, and no doctor can explain my symptoms (which also include vertigo).
I want to call your attention this this webpage which explains problems with the sternocleidomastoid:
http://www.round-earth.com/SCM.html
1)I'm not sure how much of my actual neck the cervical spinal MRI actually scanned..is there a different scan for the muscle fibers and tendons of the neck??
2)What are the methods or tests to prove a cervicalgenic related headache and what are the treatment options?
3)Does it sound like I'm on the right track due to my symptoms and the way I describe relief from neck stretches?
4)When I stand up and BP drops, there is temporary relief of the headache. Could this indicate a backflow of blood or vein problem in my cranium causing abnormally high cranial BP (since lowered overall BP gives relief).My regular BP/normal. Before this all began,suddenly,months ago, I had frequent syncope which stopped happening when this headache began...
Anything else?thx
I have seen 3 neuroligists and had multiple MRI/ct brainscans and a cervical spinal MRI too. Everything negative, and no doctor can explain my symptoms (which also include vertigo).
I want to call your attention this this webpage which explains problems with the sternocleidomastoid:
http://www.round-earth.com/SCM.html
1)I'm not sure how much of my actual neck the cervical spinal MRI actually scanned..is there a different scan for the muscle fibers and tendons of the neck??
2)What are the methods or tests to prove a cervicalgenic related headache and what are the treatment options?
3)Does it sound like I'm on the right track due to my symptoms and the way I describe relief from neck stretches?
4)When I stand up and BP drops, there is temporary relief of the headache. Could this indicate a backflow of blood or vein problem in my cranium causing abnormally high cranial BP (since lowered overall BP gives relief).My regular BP/normal. Before this all began,suddenly,months ago, I had frequent syncope which stopped happening when this headache began...
Anything else?thx
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Dec 30, 2005 12:00AM
The muscles of the neck are intimately connected with headaches and with the vestibular system (balance and dizziness). There are thousands of sensory receptors in the neck that tell the brainstem where the eyes and head are turning in space. Any neck pathology such as poor posture, muscle spasm etc can upset this system and cause dizziness, vertigo, and pain referred from the neck - called cervicogenic headache
The treatment is to deal with the underlying problem the neck. Often there is no quick or surgical cure. A physical therapist specializing in the neck or in vestibular rehab is essential, along with treating the pain and muscle spasm.
Changes in your headache with posture or with blood pressure may indicate that there is a CSF pressure (either low or high) to your headache. This hypoethesis can be tested with a lumbar puncture for spinal fluid pressure measurement and/or assessment of relief of headache.
Good luck
The treatment is to deal with the underlying problem the neck. Often there is no quick or surgical cure. A physical therapist specializing in the neck or in vestibular rehab is essential, along with treating the pain and muscle spasm.
Changes in your headache with posture or with blood pressure may indicate that there is a CSF pressure (either low or high) to your headache. This hypoethesis can be tested with a lumbar puncture for spinal fluid pressure measurement and/or assessment of relief of headache.
Good luck
I would encourage you all to read this thread. Myself and others have written extensively about this phenominon.