MS and headache - linked?

Posted By diane/aka rat on April 24, 1998 at 12:07:50:







I am 46/female.  Diagnosed 5/97 with Primary Progressive MS by lumbar puncture.  MRI came out negative.  I have loss of balance, spasms,  and walking problems, along with fatigue.  I take Baclofen and Diazapam.
In 1989 I began having headaches during the day, everyday.  I would eat Tylenol like candy and that worked.  (My neuro says that these headaches may have been the first sign of my impending MS, although I had no balance problems at that time.)  Then, about 1992, along with my usual daily headache, I began experiencing EXTREMELY painful headaches about once every 9 or 10 days.  On a 1-10, these were a 12!!  Tylenol does not touch these!  I noticed that these headaches were a carry over from a headache that would begin at night, while sleeping.  They are a different type of pain and located above my right eyebrow.  They would last exactly 24 hours from onset.  
Now, and since 1995, (along the time I began having spasms, balance and walking problems, which prompted me to seek a neuro) I have headaches nearly every night after going to sleep.  (Even if I take a nap.)  These headaches will be in the area  where  my head is touching the pillow.  If I change head position, headache then follows to that area.  I awake with a headache which many times will subside within an hour after rising and  moving around.  There are some times when I can tell the pain is different though, and these headaches do not leave me once I am up and moving around.  
I do not believe these to be true migraines as I have no vision or sensitiviy to light problems, nor do I experience nausea.  Just extreme pain.  Neuro prescribed Midrin, however, during the night I do not know whether or not this is one of "those" type headaches or not.  As I understand it, I must take the Midrin at the onset of the "migraine" type headaches.
Any ideas?  Cause?  Cure?  Prevention?
Thank you in advance for your answer and for this opportunity.  This is a wonderful service that you provide to us all.  
diane