Top of head headache/morning

  I haven't seen to much on here about 'top of the head headache'.
  My husband had them a few years ago and they went away after a few months. They have came back and it's been 10 months of daily headache on the top of the head.
  They usually start after he has been up awhile in the morning and sometimes during the day and eveing. If he lays down they will go away after awhile, but he is tired of spending half his life in bed.
  His doctor hasen't been able to help with medication.
  He went to a sleep center and does not have sleep apnea but his written test showed and the sleep test showed that he has a clasic case of depression causing him only to get 3 hrs sleep a nite.
  They said they don't have any idea what  is causing his headaches. The depression would clear up if the headaches would go away. He is very discouraged and he is depressed over the headaches. I'm getting worried about him.
  Do you have any idea what to do for 'top of the head headaches'? Cat scan was ok. What should be our next move?
Dear Nancy,
The headahces that you are describing could be related to a tension type headache. The pain is dull, bandlike sensation around the head (could be percieved as being on top of the head). The Headache can occur daily.  A negative CT scan is also supportive of this picture, especially if the scan was done with IV contrast and a noarmal neurological exam.  There are several medications used  to abort and prevent this type of headache including such as midrin, NSAIDs, calcium channel blockers,  tricyclic antidepressant medications such a Elavil (which may also help with the depression component and sleep) and over-the counter meds such as tylenol and aspirin. Relaxation techniques and biofeedback can also be used as part of treatment regimine. Since this is becoming a chronic problem, you may want to talk with your primary doctor regarding a referral to a neurologist.  If you are interested in ggetting an evaluation at CCF call 1-800-CCF-CARE. Good Luck.