Post-Stroke Headaches

I had a stroke just under 5 years ago @ 36 yrs of age.  I've recovered quite well aside from a few minor details.  I have, however, suffered from frighteningly painful headaches ever since.  I can go as long as 1 or 2 weeks without having one and suddenly I'll get one with no warning or evident cause.  Before they hit, I'll get very distracted or detached and have difficulty processing information.  It will feel as if someone is putting slight pressure all along the left hand side of my head.  I'm so foggy headed at that point that usually someone who knows me will point out that I'm getting one before I'm really aware of it.  The pain, when it comes is something I can't actually describe if you haven't felt it. Is this fairly common?  Is there anything I can take?  I'm a coumadin lifer which makes medication a little tricky.  I work extensive hours in a fairly high stress position.  Could it just be stress?  

[sue_in_oz]

Hi

I have a lot fewer headaches now, than before my stroke (I'm only 1.5 years post).  In fact I worry if I do get a headache now.  I guess it is because my stroke was by my blood pressure (vessel spasm not a bleed) that if I get a headache I worry my BP is spiking (it is actually very well controlled, just a panic merchant I guess, LOL).  

I don't know if it is common but I do know some strokees who continue to be plagued by headaches.

I guess some questions to ask: are they some kind of deficit/residual from stroke damage, is it a medication side effect, are you pushing yourself too hard with the job, is it something else unrelated to your stroke?

I guess that a chat to your neuro, if you still have one, or regular doctor if not & possible a thorough check up might be in order.

All the very best

Sue