Chronic Headache

I have a chronic headache on the right side of my head (about an inch above my ear).  The location doesn't change or travel.  I have had headaches over the years, but nothing like this.  It started about 3 months ago and there hasn't been a day since that it hasn't been present.  It varies from a very dull pain, to a strong intense pain (not throbbing).  The intensity seems to increase in the morning and in the evenings, but there is some level of a headache almost constantly.

I've tried over-the-counter pain medicine without success, and have also tried ice packs which give me a little relief but it's temporary.

Any ideas of what might be causing this?  I don't have a primary physician, just my ob/gyn and I just asked her for a referral to a general physician.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thank you.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

One may consider migraine headaches,tension headaches,hemicrania continua,SUNCT headaches,trigeminal neuralgia,occipital neuralgia,headache secondary to an ear infection.

I just have a few clarifications:

How did this headaches start?Any event ,activity or condition that triggered them?

Did they begin abruptly?

How long do they last?

Do they occur in clusters or do they occur continuously throughout the day?

Also,what are the associated signs and symptoms?

Are there any eye redness, eye tearing,nasal discharge?

What aggravates your headaches? Do light touch,brushing the teeth,combing the hair  increase or worsen the symptoms?

Any previous viral infections?

I will appreciate it if you can give me some answers.

[Cosette111]

I was in a minor car accident prior to the headaches, and I also had an ovary removed in the fall but my ob/gyn did not think that would cause these headaches.

I have had headaches in the past, and whenever I did get a headache it was in the same location.  However, in the past they would last a few hours at the most and perhaps occur 2 - 3 times a month over the years.  They are constant now.  The intensity dulls but it never completely goes away.

I also get dizzy. I take dance, and have for a few years, and now I get dizzy and unbalanced during my lessons.

There are no other symptoms.  I rarely get colds (every 2 - 3 years) and have no other health problems.

My eyes are clear.  No redness or tearing.  My sinuses are also clear.

My headaches are the worst in the morning when I wake up, but they also begin to intensify in the evenings.  Even while just relaxing or watching tv.

No previous viral infections.

FYI ... I am 40 years old.

Thank you for help/advice on this.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Thank you for the answers.

Have you been thoroughly assessed since the accident?

Differentials for your headaches are occipital neuralgia,cervicogenic headaches and a transformed migraine.

Occipital neuralgia may present with a sharp ,burning or tingling pain at the back of the head including the area near the ears.They are usually associated with prior head injury.Cervicogenic headaches are associated with an underlying cervical spine disorder and they may present with pain at the back of the head  .A transformed migraine headache may primarily have presented as a common migraine that recently became more persistent and occurring for greater than 15 days per month for 3 months.The pain is unilateral and may be throbbing in character.

I suggest that a complete neurologic assessment be done so your headaches may be classified for appropriate management.A preventive migraine therapy for a migraine diagnosis may be of help.In the case of occipital neuralgia, nerve blocks have been found to be beneficial.

[cabunny]

I know this is going to sound crazy, but try going to a chiropractor.

My husband went through something similar....he head a headache for 9 months straight. He had a CAT scan, MRI, went to see a neurologist, had took topamax but nothing nothing helped. No one could figure out what was wrong with him. He event tired yoga and meditation and acupuncture.  I know this is going to sound crazy, but try going to a chiropractor.  Within 3 sessions he could already feel a huge difference. For 9 months he had this and for 9 months we could not to a single thing to make it go away....within a few sessions with the chiropractor, his headaches were gone.