headache

I started having troubles 6 months ago, with blurred vision, Pressure build up or light headedness , sensitivity to light etc..

Saw primary care and on advise followed up with ophthalmologist.
Suspected sudden vision change from single vision to bifocal very minor prescription +- 1.25. Got new glasses and started using but no help.  Revisited opthmalogist and got second opinion etc.. and ruled out anything to do with eyes.

Pain is severe at base of skull and head is very tender and sensitive as if someone is pulling hair all the time.   Saw a neurologist and got MRI etc.. Everything came back as normal. Diagnosed with tension headaches and prescribed naproxen and flexoral. Used these for about 6 weeks and medicines made my situation worse as I could not sleep and didn’t get any relief.  

Blurred vision is gone over time, no issue either with glasses on or not now.

Continued to feel like, pressure build up or lightness  in head and tenderness in skull. Got CT scan done during an emergency room visit and everything normal. ER prescribed vycodin , still no relief and could not sleep. Stopped using Vycodin as I couldn’t sleep.

Tried acupuncture. Pain/heavyness at base of skull is gone (either by itself or from acupuncture not sure)  But no change in poking sensation on skull and other pressure feelings in head.  But pressing at muscles at base of skull/neck still hurts a lot.  

Put on topomax (topamax) for 5 weeks. Did not seem to help, but have other side affects as constipation, tingling in toes, knees   etc.. Dr advised stopping after using up what is left. as it seems not helping.

I still have severe poking feeling all over skull and pain too. We will be seeing another neurologist for second opinion.

Current status is my head is not normal, always, all the time I am awake ,  it is poking sensation, pressure – odd feeling, dullness etc.. , with severe pain changing areas from left to right . Every few days the either pain or these feelings becomes very unbearable

Any suggestions are appreciated.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Headaches are really quite complex conditions and it can be very frustrating to both the patient and physician.

Was an EEG done ? Was a consult with an ENTspecialist done to rule out any sinus or TMJ disorder?Any other associated symptoms like associated joint pains, constipation or diarrhea,chest pain and joint stiffness in the morning?

Was an infection associated with the first onset of your symptoms 6 months ago?

At this point, it is best to wait for your neurologist's assessment.Do keep us posted regarding your physician's advice.

[glhp]

Thank you for your suggestions.
There were no infections prior to this onset and no other symptoms you mentioned.

One of the neurologist thought that EEG is not necessary and sometimes those results could be  misleading as there is going to be some noise in every EEG. We will pursue that.
We are thinking of seeing an ENT specialist.

Thank you

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

An EEG is very nonspecific.If a seizure disorder is being suspected to accompany the headaches, then an EEG may help.But a negative EEG does not exclude the presence of seizures.However, for cases wherein other conditions like chronic pain disorders is being considered, an EEG may be able to shed some light.

A complete assessment is necessary.Ruling out ENT involvement will help your physicians focus on other possible causes.

Do keep us posted for anything.