food allergies or exertion headaches?

Hi,
I have had headaches for years. Every treatment will relieve it for a couple of weeks or a month and then the treatment doesn't work anymore. botox - lasted 1 1/2 weeks, steroids - one week, traction - 2 weeks relief each month. Food allergies a month - took a blood test and restricted a ton of food items. Seems to help but not sure. Today is day 6 of my headache. They usually last 4 days after I eat something wrong. Why could the other treatments relieve the pain and I could eat whatever? Do I really have food allergies?  If I exercise with a headache, the headache lasts longer. I also wear a splint at night for TMJ.

I have had an MRI and CT - all is fine.

I have taken paxil and it relieved the pain for 5 months but I had to keep doubling the dose every few months until I had no feelings - not happy or sad.

I have also been on blood thinners and that helped for a month.

The TMJ splint helped for a month.

The only meds that get rid of it for a few hours are percocet and Maxalt.

Thanks for any advice,
bdurden

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
Food allergies can cause headache, especially if there is a clear cut association. The best treatment would be to identify all the triggers and exclude them from diet.
However it seems that the food allergies are not the only cause of headaches in your case. TMJ, excessive exertion and stress can also cause terrible headaches.
I would suggest you to continue with the splint, eat regularly after excluding the triggers, maintain hydration and sleep for at least 8 hrs in the night.
Also remember too many pai  medications if taken over prolonged period of time can cause rebound headaches.Take care!