Re: Head Pain

Posted By CCF Neuro MD on July 10, 1997 at 15:46:29:

In Reply to: Head Pain posted by Harry on July 01, 1997 at 17:05:19:







: For the past 3 years, my wife has had CONSTANT, acute aching pain in the
left side of her neck, as well as CONSTANT sharp, jabbing pain in the
area of her eyes and severe pressure type headaches. She has some
degeneration in the upper portion of her spinal column and some light
sensitivity. We have seen many medical specialists, including Mayo Clinic,
but none have been able to determine the cause or a cure for the pain.
We want to learn what others have done with similar pain problems and if
any one can help us.
Thank you and God bless you.
Harry



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Dear Harry:
Your description of your wife's headache seems to resemble descriptions of categories of headache such as "carotidynia" and "cervicogenic headache". These categories are somewhat controversial entities, both in terms of putative pathophysiology as well as treatment. They are, of course, chronic and persistent, and not easy to treat. The general philosophy is : 1) Exclude a serious disease process (this may have been done at Mayo and elsewhere),  2) Be very conservative about attempting any major invasive therapeutic procedure such as surgery, and 3) Figure out the best combination of medications effective for neuralgic pain, such as tricyclic agents carbamazepine, and gabapentin for the individual patient. Some cases may benefit from specific nerve blocks, if indicated.
Your wife is welcome for yet another opinion at the Headache Center at the Cleveland Clinic, where she would be seen by a doctor almost exclusively dedicated to the management of difficult-to-control headaches. I recommend  Dr. Gretter, Dr. Kunkel, Dr. Solomon or Dr. Skobieranda at the Headache Center. The Cleveland Clinic also has a very active Pain Center that could help your wife in concert with the doctors at the Headache Center. The number to call for appointments is [phone], or (800)CCF-CARE.
This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options of your specific medical condition.