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Neurology (Expert Forum)
head discomfort
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head discomfort
by Rob35222, Dec 15, 2006 12:00AM
Greetings,
I have had this non stop head discomfort that began about 4 years ago but intensified seriously a year ago. It never goes away..and I mean never. The most focal area is in the frontal sinus area, between my eyes, upper nose bone but it radiates out all behind my forehead and deep into my head. It does not get worse with exercise nor does it throb. My eyes feel very stiff moving left and right but not up and down. It feels just like in the same way your hand would fall asleep, my head has fallen asleep on the inside but won't wake up. Feels better with valsalva or laying down.
Now stay with me here--Do you know how if you close your eyes and somebody puts their finger in front of your face you feel a stream of 'energy' flowing between your eyes? Well if you know what I mean, then this sense has become dulled and it messes with the discomfort in my head.
My MRI, CT, MRA, MR veno, eye exam, and blood tests have all been perfect except for a 2.9 cm memingioma of the frontal lobe.
As my own detective, the only odd thing I can think of is how this all started just after I moved into my parents attic 4 years ago. I have wondered if some indoor environmental factor could be the cause (i have a seperate heater and a/c unit for this floor and I'm seperated by small trap doors pink insulation and attic space to which that musty smell often comes through the heating/air vents). I also have worked online and used the computer 8-14 hours per day for the past 4 years.
Could this also be hemicranial continua since my nose is constantly blocked?
I have had this non stop head discomfort that began about 4 years ago but intensified seriously a year ago. It never goes away..and I mean never. The most focal area is in the frontal sinus area, between my eyes, upper nose bone but it radiates out all behind my forehead and deep into my head. It does not get worse with exercise nor does it throb. My eyes feel very stiff moving left and right but not up and down. It feels just like in the same way your hand would fall asleep, my head has fallen asleep on the inside but won't wake up. Feels better with valsalva or laying down.
Now stay with me here--Do you know how if you close your eyes and somebody puts their finger in front of your face you feel a stream of 'energy' flowing between your eyes? Well if you know what I mean, then this sense has become dulled and it messes with the discomfort in my head.
My MRI, CT, MRA, MR veno, eye exam, and blood tests have all been perfect except for a 2.9 cm memingioma of the frontal lobe.
As my own detective, the only odd thing I can think of is how this all started just after I moved into my parents attic 4 years ago. I have wondered if some indoor environmental factor could be the cause (i have a seperate heater and a/c unit for this floor and I'm seperated by small trap doors pink insulation and attic space to which that musty smell often comes through the heating/air vents). I also have worked online and used the computer 8-14 hours per day for the past 4 years.
Could this also be hemicranial continua since my nose is constantly blocked?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-SH, Jan 07, 2007 12:00AM
First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.
The symptoms that you describe are consistent with a migraine varient, but other causes should also be examined. Hemicrania continua generally affects only one side of the head and is associated with rhinorhea (nose running), tearing etc. Meningiomas are often benign findings that do not contribute to the patients symptoms. However, when meningiomas are large and/or compress important structures then then can contribute to headaches, cause seizures and other underlying dysfunction. I would recommend that you start on a migraine preventative medication such as elvail, topamax, nadolol etc and a trial of indocin (a strong anti-inflammatory medication). Also stop ALL other medications for pain/headache. Tylenol/ibprofen etc can lead to rebound headaches and are very difficult to treat. I would also recommend that you get an EEG (electroencephalogram-or "brain wave test") to evaluate for seizures. You should have a repeat MRI scan in 6months-1year from your previous one to evaluate for the rate of expansion of your meningioma.
I hope this has been helpful.
The symptoms that you describe are consistent with a migraine varient, but other causes should also be examined. Hemicrania continua generally affects only one side of the head and is associated with rhinorhea (nose running), tearing etc. Meningiomas are often benign findings that do not contribute to the patients symptoms. However, when meningiomas are large and/or compress important structures then then can contribute to headaches, cause seizures and other underlying dysfunction. I would recommend that you start on a migraine preventative medication such as elvail, topamax, nadolol etc and a trial of indocin (a strong anti-inflammatory medication). Also stop ALL other medications for pain/headache. Tylenol/ibprofen etc can lead to rebound headaches and are very difficult to treat. I would also recommend that you get an EEG (electroencephalogram-or "brain wave test") to evaluate for seizures. You should have a repeat MRI scan in 6months-1year from your previous one to evaluate for the rate of expansion of your meningioma.
I hope this has been helpful.
I cannot get a diagnosis, either.
I have been wondering about a mold infection, neck problems, etc.
Don't know what it is, just that it feels rotten, and is deep pressure. Let me know if you find out anything. Am going to a chiro. now, and had sinus surgery, but did not help.
My eyes also feel strained.
Should I be concerned?