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Neurology (Expert Forum)
chronic headache detailed question please help
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chronic headache detailed question please help
by ckzz, Apr 04, 2006 12:00AM
On May 2, 2005 I got a severe dull pressure in my head. Hasn't gone away since. I used to wake up with screaming tinnitus, severe nystagmus, and nightmares that my head was cracking open because of pain. I also wake up 2-5 times a month with very different throbbing occipital pain,with photophobia and nausea. WHEN I HAVE THESE THROBBING MIGRAINE-LIKE SYMPTOMS MY BP IS ALLWAYS ELEVATED SOMETIMES 165/95 WHEREAS 125/75 IS MORE TYPICAL FOR ME. IT GOES BACK TO THE DULL PRESSURE BY THE NEXT DAY AND BP NORMAL. Normally I feel it behind my forehead but during the worst times I also feel in the brainstem region and frequently my ears turn red/flushed and I get tinitus. Also, the muscles across my forehead and the top of my head allways feel extremely stiff and burning like thick rubber. There are pressure points especially in the top/back of my head if I put pressure there my symptoms feel better. Also oddly enough if I blow air into my ears I feel some relief. Finally, if I lay on my stomach I feel intense pulsations in the occipital region like pressure is building up.
MRV scan: "a focus of hyperintensity is noted in the right neck of unclear etiology. it demonstrates apparent flat border with superior cervical internal carotid artery".
MRA from 3 weeks prior doesn't reveal this, but rather kinking at C2 level internal carotid on the same side.
MRI scan reveals possible giantcell/oseous 3 cm tumor under frontal lobe. I feel pressure specifically in this area when I lay on the OPPOSITE side of my head BUT the intensity varies greatly and normally the pressure is NON specific
MRV scan: "a focus of hyperintensity is noted in the right neck of unclear etiology. it demonstrates apparent flat border with superior cervical internal carotid artery".
MRA from 3 weeks prior doesn't reveal this, but rather kinking at C2 level internal carotid on the same side.
MRI scan reveals possible giantcell/oseous 3 cm tumor under frontal lobe. I feel pressure specifically in this area when I lay on the OPPOSITE side of my head BUT the intensity varies greatly and normally the pressure is NON specific
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Apr 11, 2006 12:00AM
The pattern of headache you describe seems to fit the new headache term 'New chronic daily headache'. THis is used to desribe the relatively new/abrupt on set of headache that are very frequent or constant from day 1. Depending on the age of the patient, testing like MRI is usually reccomended,
Muscle stiffness and tender points might suggest a muscle contratraction type of headache. The headaches seem so frequent that careful medication management with reduction of currently used meducation if used too frequently, use of a headache preventative medication, and/or botox injections into muscle would be helpful.
If you have not seen a neurologist you should (esp. a headache specialist), in terms of correct diagnosis and initiation and response to treatment.
Muscle stiffness and tender points might suggest a muscle contratraction type of headache. The headaches seem so frequent that careful medication management with reduction of currently used meducation if used too frequently, use of a headache preventative medication, and/or botox injections into muscle would be helpful.
If you have not seen a neurologist you should (esp. a headache specialist), in terms of correct diagnosis and initiation and response to treatment.
Member Comments (3)
by heart2heart, Apr 05, 2006 12:00AM
Have you seen a neuro for this? What does your doctor say?
by crazyxspunk, Apr 18, 2006 12:00AM
Hello. I am 18 years old. I have been diagnosed with chronic cryptic tonsillitis. I am awaiting to get my tonsils removed. In the meantime I have been experienceing severe headaches. I get them every day. Usually behind the eye, sometimes in the forehead, and very severe pain in the neck. It hurts to turn my neck. Tylenol, Advil, Aspirin doesnt work. The only thing I have found to work is something called Headache Relief containing Tylenol, Aspirin and Caffeine but that makes me really jumpy. Lately I also have been experiencing panic attacks every day. It has affected my daily social life. I start to perspire and shake and I feel as my throat is closing up and I have trouble breathing. Could all this be related to tonsillitis? A psychiatrist at school recommended I get on Paxil for the anxiety disorder. I just dont know what to do anymore. PLEASE HELP!
