Chronic Daily Headache

[kshughes]

I'm a 21 year old female and I've had a chronic daily headache for about 3 and half years now.  It never goes away, the baseline level is a 5 (out of 10) but I undergo frequent exacerbations.  The headache started after a couple of fainting spells which was diagnosed as Neurocardiogenic Syncope, I have had a few other fainting episodes, but they aren't the main problem.  I have seen many specialists, but we can't seem to find a diagnosis or cause for the headache.  The second year of the headache the exacerbations were less frequent, but the past 4 months have been the most severe yet.  So much so that I'm having to alter my course load in college.
The headache is located in my temples and the back of my head (I'm pretty sure the occipital region).  Occasionally I get migraines on top of the baseline headache usually having an aura around the eyes, light sensitivity, and nausea.  I have a history of migraines prior the the start of this headache.  When the headache severity increases, my right eye tends to twitch.  On a daily basis I've noticed an increase in muscle twitching that has been noted by my physical therapist.
I have seen several neurologists who have had ordered several MRIs, blood tests, spinal taps, and the like.  Most of these results have come back negative and the ones that haven't don't explain the headache (positive antibodies for the West Nile Virus, an abnormal ANA but with further testing with a Rheumatologist it wasn't a concern).  I've also had my vision and allergies checked and everything came back fine.  I have seen chiropractors and massage therapists which help with some mild neck pains, but no progress in the headache.
Until this past semester, I was able to mostly suppress the pain, but this past few months have really hindered me.  My sleeping patterns are becoming more abnormal because the headache won't always allow me to sleep, the nausea won't always allow me to eat, and these create pretty nasty spirals making the headache worse.  I've made two trips to the emergency room.
My current medications are Zoloft nightly, Hydrocodone, Voltarin, and Maxalt as needed.  The Hydrocodone is mostly effective with extreme elevations in the pain, but I don't like the idea of taking narcotics on as regular of a basis as I've been having to.  I've tried a steroid treatment which was ineffective, I've also tried Depakote and Topamax which both have had adverse side effects with no progress for the headache.
If any one knows of anything we might not have thought of yet, I would really appreciate the help.  I'm almost desperate for a diagnosis - at least then we would know the proper treatment.  Thanks so much for taking the time to read this, sorry if it was a long entry.

[marinequeen]

Hi. I realize too that this is a very old thread but wanted to see if you have received any help. I, also, had a daily chronic headache in addition to migraines and was diagnosed with hemicrania continua. I was told by the neuro that there was no test to determine if I had this but if the indocin he prescribed worked for me then he believed that was what I had. Well, the indocin did help with the daily headaches but, of course, does nothing if it is a migraine.

[kslav]

I realize this is an old thread, but I have a 17 year old daughter going through the same thing, even the neurocardiogenic syncope.  We have not found any medications that really help and no answers from testing.  Did your issues resolve?  Did the doctors find any specific causes or treatments that helped?  Thanks!

[kshughes]

I actually don't drink diet soda or any soda really...cross country in high school got me drinking mostly water and sometimes Gatorade.  I do appreciate the suggestion though, and sort of wish I was a diet soda drinking so that could be my answer =)  

[Nicole1111]

Just out of curiosity, do you drink diet soda?  You sound like the busy type who might :)  

I had a chronic daily headache that was not due to caffeine for almost a year, and it got so bad that I was willing to try any "rumor" I heard.  Well, after trying all sorts of things, I found out that it was the diet soda I drank!  I only had one can a day, and it was caffeine, so I'm guessing it was the aspartame in it, but it was like flipping a light switch.  I have been diet soda and headache free for two weeks now.  This may not be your problem at all, but if you do drink diet drinks, it's definitely worth a shot!

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Do let us know what your MRI report says. And also get a  copy of the report for yourself.
Do let us know about your progress.

Taking a light schedule and reducing the number of hours of work and taking life slowly might in fact help.

Good luck.
Regards.

[kshughes]

Thanks so much for the input.  I'm pretty sure my hormone and hemogloblin levels have been checked, but I'll ask my doctor to look through my file to double check.  My blood pressure is generally low, so doctors won't try any blood pressure medications.  I only just recently have been prescribed a prescription for the nausea.  I'm pretty sure my sinuses haven't been checked, unless that's seen in MRIs, but I'm really not sure. A had a lumbar puncture (and unfortunately the post-lumbar puncture drip) about three years ago.  Most of my tests were done there with the exception of an MRI that I just recently had done again.  My neurologist tells me to be patient, which I'm trying my best to be.  My studies weren't an issue until this semester when I had to deal with a minimum of three appointments a week and a spike in the pain level up to a 9 or 10 on an every other day basis.   The stress of those things combined with a 15 credit course load and over-involvement with a position I held proved to be a difficult semester, doctors and psychologists recommended taking it easier this upcoming semester to get things under control, so I've stepped down from my position and am only taking 10 credit hours this spring.  I'm definitely going to pick up a yoga video and try that.
Thank you again for your advice, hopefully I'll see some improvement soon.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,
Have your hormone levels, hemoglobin levels been checked?
Is the blood pressure in the normal range? Has sinusitis been ruled out?
Since when are you having the nausea - are you taking any anti reflux medication for it?
The above i hope have been seen to and are all normal - since you are having the symptoms for quite some time now.
What does your neurologist tell you? Has a lumbar puncture been advised?
Are the studies in college a lot of strain?
Have you tried breathing exercises and yoga - they help in some cases.
It would be best to get a neurologist opinion and see what he/she has to say.
Do let us know how you are doing.
Good luck.