30-year headache

  Subject:  30-year headache.
  Age: 67
  Sex: Female
  General Health:  Good
  Beginning of Headaches:  Age 37. I had recently changed job,
  city, state and marital status.
  Frequency/Duration of Headache:  Every 2 - 3 weeks.  2 days and nights.
  (At age 37 headaches were weekly, lasted 3 days and were more severe).
  Menstration/Menopause:  Headaches did not necessarily coincide
  with menstration.  Start of Menopause: Age 48.
  Type and location of pain:  Dull ache encompassing front left "corner"
  of head. Left eye becomes bloodshot. Some light sinus drainage as headache wanes.
  Other symptoms: Blood vessel across left temple is enlarged.
  That part of head is hot.
  Nausea:  No.
  Triggers: (Sometimes, but not always)
  Weather change (barometeric pressure/wind-borne pollution)
  Stress involving back of neck and shoulders.
  Onset of headaches:  Often wake up with one, or the start of one
  which increases gradually through the day.
  Treatments tried and failed: Over the counter pain killers - none work.
  Allergy shots - 18 months (dust/mold allergy).  No change.
  Sinus X-Ray:  Nothing out of ordinary.
  Sinus CAT scan:  Slight infection.  Took antibiotics.  No effect on
  headaches.
  Diet: Have avoided caffeine,milk, wheat, beef, pork, potatoes, tomatoes, oranges, bananas, etc. -- no change in headaches.  
  Treatment that helps some:  Ice.
  Other medications I am on:  None.
  Doctor's comment:  "You have a sensitive sinus.  Live with it."
  Petition:  I hope you can give me some clue as to the cause of this
  chronic headache which I have suffered for 30 years.  
  Thank you. -- Laurabeth

[CCF Neuro[P] MD RPS]

_
Dear Lauraabeth:
Sorry to hear about your headaches.  The length of time you have had these headaches has been quite awhile, the one benefit of having headaches this long is that one is convinced that you do not have a tumor or other real "badness" going on in you brain.  Your headaches sound like they are mixed.  That is that you have some compnents of migraine and some of tension.  Have you seen a neurologist about your headaches?  You probably ought to see someone who specializes in headaches.  There are a variety of treatments available that can work.  Which one is purely individual but there is plenty of things to try.  Without doing a physical exam and exploring your history alittle more it is impossible to give you a diagnosis over the internet.  I would take all your test results and go see a neurologist who is familiar with headaches.  Best of luck.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro[P] MD