5 years, starting college, need help

    I am almost 19, and for the last 5 to 6 years, I have had a headache that was first constant and not almost constant. I have been on 2 or 3 meds, currently no DepaKote. I have had a MRI and a blood test, but the only interesting thing was antibodies for Streptococcal pharyngitis.
    This almost constant headache started when I had my first migraine 5 years ago. I know that looking at the computer screen and fluorescent lights and waking up are known to cause my headache to get worse, so I know that it has partial to do with my eye sight, and that is why I take off my glasses when I am at a computer. But even if I am up reading a book or just staring aimlessly into thin air, they flare up.  But I have noticed that my vision gets blurred and I get dizzy here and there, but not to sure on any other similar symptoms.
    One thing I have noticed in the past number of months is that if I focus on head, I can always feel the pressure on the top of my head. I can't remember much more about my headaches, except that it has effected my balance to a certain degree and that the Neurologist said something about the nerves in the back of my neck causing my neck twitching, but haven't heard much more.

What is the next step that I should take?

Now that I am in college for a computer science degree, I will take any suggestions so I can concentrate on my coding better.

[noops01]

Hi,
First of all please do not remove your glasses when sitting in front of the computer, it will only cause eye strain and headache.When was the last time you got a vision test done? If it has been more than a year please get one done again.
Headaches can also be due to bad posture, bending forwards and stooping for prolonged periods can cause neck stiffness and headache. Do some neck exercises and do not sit in one position for prolonged period of time.
Are you taking medication for migraine? You need to avoid bright lights, loud noisy places, eat regularly as hypoglycaemia can cause headaches, maintain hydration, sleep on time and take up a sport or physical activity.Good luck!

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
You need to get your blood pressure checked. Sleep properly and drink plenty of fluids. Breathing exercises and yoga will help too. Avoid alcohol and smoking. Do avoid factors that precipitate stress, loud noise and strong lights. When in front of the computer wear glasses and take a break every one or two hours. Consult your eye specialist at the earliest and get your vision checked. Goodluck.

[Shmily1969]

A friend of mine has epilepsy and can get seizures by looking at a brightly colored screen and migraines are sort of related to epilepsy.  She always wears sunglasses when on the computer and never gets seizures this way.  Even ceratain lighting that triggers migraines can be less of a trigger with sunglasses on.  I have had constant low-grade migraines for over 5 years now and they get worse with any sort of trigger but I'd really like to find the cause of them too.  I was wondering if you've discovered the cause yet or something that has worked for you because that could help me.  Thanks and good luck.

[Carol761]

Look into the possibility that you are electromagneticaly sensitive (radiation poisoning, microwave illness).  I know becuase I can't sit in front of a computer screen for two long without getting headaches.  I had to turn off my cell phone, wifi and gaming systems and cordless phones -- try it as an experiment to see if you feel better.  Fluorescent light give off a much stronger electro magnetic fields than regular bulbs - so I switch everthing back to the old kind (not great for the environment but much better for me).  since then, i don't get blurred vision, headaches, ear ringing, nausea, night sweats, anxiety -- all of them stopped within a day or two -- except in situations where I am exposed -- like at a friend's house.

feel better.