Swollen skull and headaches

[amck190]

Hi there, I appreciate any replies with feedback or information. I have always been prone to headaches, but have been getting exertion headaches from exercise which are a new type of headache for me (over the past 6 months or so). I've temporarily stopped going to my gym classes because I'm getting them EVERY TIME. The worst part is that they are so persistent now that they stay, at varying levels, for days/weeks once one starts. I went to a workout class a week ago and that night had one so bad that I drove to the pharmacy in tears the whole way, in agony. (If you knew me you'd know that's extremely unusual. I don't cry over my headaches but it was absolute pain, one of the worst headaches I'd ever had). I still have it, although it's mild and it's in my forehead, between my eyes/sinuses and crown of my head. I now also have some swelling on the top to the rear of my skull and if I push a finger on it, it leaves an indent and temporarily makes my headache increase. I'm not sure if I'm being a hypochondriac, which I'm not typically, but I can't help but wonder if there's something more serious going on here. I have seen the Dr., as I also have experienced some major fatigue over the last several months. Does anyone else get exertion headaches? I know there are three types: exercise, sexual, and cough. I have had the first two, although a sexual one only once within the past year. I have a CT coming but was looking for more information.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
Thanks for the updates. Discontinuing your oral contraceptive pill may help since elevated cortisol may be attributed to hormonal imbalance. Other possible cause include stress, physical problems or other lifestyle factors. Since the body's level of cortisol in the bloodstream is not constant through out the day, a 24-hour urine cortisol is important. Cushing's syndrome which presents with elevated blood pressure, diabetes, pink to purple stretch marks on the abdomen, fatigue, depression, moodiness, and accentuated fatty tissue on the face and upper back should also be ruled out. Indeed, waiting is the worst part but hang on and stay positive. Take care and hope to hear from you updates of the tests.

[achilles2]

oops that should be adrenal insufficiency forum.

[achilles2]

I am sorry you are in so much pain. I was on b/c for endometriosis and I can tell you it made my migraines at least 100x's worse. (Thankfully I have doctor who listens and took me off immediately.) Also another thing that should be investigated is PCOS  and endometriosis. To do this you need to find an endo specialist a gen ob/gyn does not know enough. Endo can cause migraines (if you have ever had any pain with your period-- IT IS NOT NORMAL!!) Be sure to get an adrenal ultrasound because high cortisol levels could indicate an adrenal tumor and if you have not you need to get your thyroid tested and be sure to get your results because the lab ranges are wrong. (for more info get "The Thyroid Solution"
http://www.amazon.com/Thyroid-Solution-Ridha-Arem/dp/1605299847/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313958586&sr=8-1). Also if you have any more questions about your adrenals I recommend that you post on the adrenal suffeciency forum they are all very knowledgeable. They can tell you what other tests your doctor should order.

achilles2

[amck190]

Hi there, thanks for the reply and information. I did get my cortisol blood tested and it was high so I'm awaiting results on a 24 hr urine cortisol. My headache is still there but not so much head-achy feeling as pressure feeling, and I can tell that if I exerted energy that it would pound. It's pretty minor as I take it easy these days, and have dropped the gym until it's gone.

When the Dr. had me in to discuss my blood cortisol and send me home with the 24 hour urine cortisol container, he told me, "now we are looking for the more exotic things, like brain tumors so let's get that CT done"... so that's strange to hear. I have done some research too and am pleased, oddly enough, to know that several things I'm experiencing are likely due to the cortisol so I'm hoping that rectifying the cortisol will alleviate everything else. That being said, my Dr. didn't say anything about my birth control being the culprit of high cortisol but I'm seeing a lot of that being suggested in various sites. Could I be right about that?? I'm on Diane-35 and have just stopped, to see if it helps.

CT is on September 12, I'm hoping for a clear pass of course and that it's as simple as my oral contraceptives. Waiting is the worst though!

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? It is good that you already saw your doctor and a CT scan is scheduled soon. Exertion headaches may occur during or following physical exertion such as running, jumping, exercising and sexual contact. It can also occur during passive exertions including sneezing, coughing, and bowel movement. Majority of these headaches are related to migraine or cluster headaches. However, organic diseases such as aneurysms, tumors, or blood vessel malformation should also be ruled out. It is important that you avoid triggers (such as exercising) to prevent recurrences. The cause must be accurately determined for proper management. Take care and do keep us posted with your CT scan results. Best regards.