Headache Challenge

[2020vision]

Hi Everyone,  :)

here's something that is truly grinding me down, can anyone offer any
constructive advice please? I know it seems like a long message but
believe it or not I have really tried to make it as brief as possible but
at the same time answer most questions up front that may be asked.  :)

Main but not all symptoms and feelings - as brief as possible.
About 80% of the descriptions and symtoms are as found at:
http://www.headaches.com - have asked them but no reply so far.

ALL of head aches, neck ache with some pain, eyes ache, bridge of nose and nose aches, upper teeth throb, face feels flushed, tinnitus, jaws and temples ache, feelings of giddiness, feels like I am always on the edge of a sore throat, voice occasionally goes "hoarsish" and quiet sounding, food sometimes does not seem to go down properly after swallowing (kind of sticks to back of throat), between neck and shoulders ache sometimes, back of and base of skull aches, bending over makes face and head feel like they will explode, sometimes light headed on rising, nasal passages seem very narrow especially when lying down, back and roof of mouth (including tongue) often feel kind of tingly or itchy, and a few other similar bits and bobs now and then. Usually worse first thing in the morning. Do you need more history and the timeline of progression or developments includind attempted remedies, just ask? Had an MRI head and thorasicspine scan in JULY 2007. Still have NOT sat down with and been told results by anybody! Am assuming the silence means things are OK?

Thanks once again for any advice you may forward to me.

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Hi, I have been CONSTANTLY suffering, gradually getting worse, for well over three years now and I would estimate about 80% of your excellent website applies to me either all the time or a considerable amount of the time. I have a long history of "the go away, there's nothing wrong" stuff from doctors, dentists, specialists, etc. I really know that I have this pain and am becoming increasingly depressed and miserable with it all. My quality of life for various reasons is very poor despite trying many ways to tackle the problem. I can even put a date to when this all seemed to commence - this is dismissed by doctors as being "over, can't be" or "coincidence" - or it's just "the way I am" (self-perpetuating because I am thinking about it (RUBBISH)!

I am desperate to end this suffering and would like to know if I sent (email) to you a comprehensive history, past and present, would you be able to give me some advice please? This would most likely run to several pages! I have many of the symptoms and pains decribed on your site, the worst of which at present is feeling like my head could explode when I bend over. Also it feels as though my whole face has an underlying infection because it is becoming increasingly "tender" and feels "full". I have also long term constant neck aches/pains which I know does contribute to some of this. I am now also suffering excess stress and living basically in fear of what will happen next?

I feel abandoned and misunderstood by own medical service and do not know where to turn. THEY SIMPLY SEEM TO *NOT* BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY HOW BAD IT IS! A typical response is to offer me medications of various kinds to try and mask it. My research has led me to believe this is NOT the way to go. Have tried amongst other things - relaxation, stress management, Qigong, Tai-Chi, EFT, soothing sounds, mouth guard, inversion table (very uncomfortable in and around the neck and face area), self hypnosis, self-improvement books, some physiotherapy - the ONLY thing to help a little, and accupuncture. Have purchased and read a few books (such as "cure your own headache", " trigger point therapy", "how to get rid of tension headaches" regarding this matter but so far to no avail. Due to have a back tooth out in middle of January - not holding my breathe though! I am alone in this and need some support and encouragement because some of this needs an understanding or professional helper.

I shall not go into further details here as I am sure you must have heard it all before? But if you could/would help and need more details please just ask for exactly what you require to know.

As I am in the UK (Nottingham) I wondered if you could/would describe some kind of action I could take. Either as to the EXACT type of people/professionals I should be seeing and/or some kind of helpful home treatment/remedies I could try?

Generally I am in good health, eat what I belive to be a fairly varied and balanced diet. I am not overweight, do not smoke, exercise regularly and drink about 14-18 units of alcohol per week. Hope this helps?

Thanks very much for reading, all the best - Michael :)

[LifesAHeadache]

Don't worry about long posts, you should see some of mine but what doctor speciality gave you the MRI.  And if no one gave you an analysis of it - how can you be sure it was read?  You have been very proactive so I don't think this is just stress or anything.  What meds and diagnoses have you been given.  What has helped and what has not.  Also, why a t-spine MRI, I get the head one being done, did they do a cervical or is that included in your t-spine scan.  Also, go ask for a copy of all scans - they are your property and if you have them you can get additional opinions without new scans.  More info - just what you wanted to hear.  LOL

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi .

After reading your post, I can see that you are very worried about your symptoms.I just have a few questions: What is your typical day like? Do you work in an office or do you travel a lot? Do you do a lot of reading or do you stay up late at night? Do you have someone with you at home? Do you have any family history of allergies or rhinitis?Do you have any tooth or gum problems? Any ear infections?

Headaches may also be due to inflammation of tissues of the face, dental and gum diseases and even muscular pain.They are not necessarily due to a neurologic cause.Try to relax and practice deep breathing exercises everyday.Try placing a cool compress over your head and over your upper back or shoulders to help relieve the pain.It is important to spend some time for yourself or your loved ones at the end of the day.Extreme stress can lead to extreme headaches that are usually relieved by a lot of rest.You have mentioned that physiotherapy helped in relieving your symptoms a little.Have you continued your sessions with your physiotherapist? Also,I suggest that you try to talk to a psychologist or a counsellor  concerning your fears which I believe cause you extreme stress.

Please follow up your MRI results. Good luck and keep me posted.