Is it just a headache?

[Lauren_Juarez]

For about a year now I have been experiencing these headaches randomly. They start suddenly at the very base of the back left side of my head. They hurt so bad, the only way I know to describe it is like someone has hit me with a boat paddle. It is a sharp stabbing pain, and sometimes the pain "radiates" to other parts of my head. I have gotten these maybe 3-5 times in the past year. However, in the past two days they have gotten extreemly worse. They are occuring multiple times during the day and they are accomponied by extream drowsiness and slight visual disturbances, i.e. shadows, lines, shapes and bright blurred colors. I get mixed answers, some people say I should go to the doctor, some say they are just migraines or headaches. Could this be a bigger problem?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? If there was no previous trauma to the head or neck, this can be due to primary headaches such as migraine, cluster or tension headaches. You may be experiencing migraine with aura  which presents with one-sided throbbing pain that can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, cold hands, sensitivity to sound and light. Aura are warning symptoms  such as visual disturbances or numbness in arm or leg which subside within one-half hour, followed by severe pain.  It is important that at earliest onset of symptoms, treat with prescription medications  or with biofeedback therapy. If it persists, check with your doctor for proper management. Take care and do keep us posted.

[heyjude1]

Hi Lauren, my migraines are behind my eyes but most people have the headache.  I also have the auroa; the bright wiggly jagged lines that are sometimes in color and progress to blind spots in my vision.  I have learned to take advil at the first symptom to offset the intensity.

[Lauren_Juarez]

This is Lauren_Juarez
I realized that I didn't type any of my personl info. I am a 21yr old female. As far as know, I have know health problems and no one in my family has ever experienced this.