Cough Headache - help!

[pixiegirl68]

I assume what I have is under the category of "exertional headache" because it's only when I cough, sneeze, laugh a certain way, or sometimes bend down. I've had it for 10 weeks and have had MRI (w and without contrast), CT scan with and without contrast, and seen 3 brain surgeons.  All of which, including 3 radiologists strongly "feel" it's a venous anomaly, something I was born with. Monitor with same tests again in 3 months.  One neurologist and radiologist thought it was an astrocytoma - very serious benign brain tumor. It's serious because it's deep in the brain.

Ok, so meanwhile, what is it that I have? Do any of the doctors out there think this supposed venous anomaly is related to the sudden severe cough headaches? By the way, I am a woman of 60 years old in good health otherwise.  Sometimes the after affects of the cough headache is so bad I have to lay down, the only thing to make it go away.

I am worried about going to the mountains tomorrow at 5000 ft elevation, and even more worried about catching a bad cold and cough (what do I do then???) or next year when I want to fly to Europe? What will happen up in the airplane?

Thanks for any comments in advance.

CoughHeadache Girl

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland and usually indicated to treat  insomnia and other sleep disorders. However, there are not enough studies done to prove that it has a role in promoting health or treating disease. Melatonin products are also not regulated by FDA, this means that it did not undergo the same strict requirements applied to regular drugs and their purity, safety and effectiveness can not be guaranteed. Take care always.

[pixiegirl68]

Hello Dr. Santos,
Thank you very much for your response.  I do have an appointment for a repeat MRI and CT Angiogram (which I have't taken before) in November. Hopefully it will show nothing
scary...  In the meantime, I have been taking 5mg of Melatonin and now increased to 10 mg
each night. I read in several places that it can help certain types of headaches. Do you have any experience with it?  Thanks so much for your input.

[pixiegirl68]

Hello Dr. Santos, thank you for your post to me.   The MRI and CT scans  show what 3 neurosurgeons and 3 radiologists now think is a "Venous Anomaly", though it doesnt look typical. That is what had them baffled. Top brain surgeon here is 95% sure it's that and not a brain tumor. Great! ok, but then what do I have?

Do you think it's possible that the venous anomaly is causing these headaches, which I only get when coughing, sneezing or laughing?

I am taking melatonin which i've read can reduce pressure in the brain. What do you think of that?  

Also, what are the types of testing that should be done besides the MRI and CT scan?
Is it necessary to do a lumbar puncture to determine cause?

Thanks so much

Pixie Girl

[pixiegirl68]

Thanks for your comment, Selma.  I've never had anything like this before! Never a headache except for on occasion when I have a cold, but nothing like this!

By the way, the 5000 foot elevation wasn't too bad. I felt good other than when laughing
(which I did alot).  Quite disturbing because now I have to curb the laughter or laugh at a lower decibel.

PixieGirl

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Almost ten percent of exertion headaches are caused by organic diseases (aneurysms, tumors, or blood vessel malformation). Majority are associated with migraine or cluster headaches.  Extensive testing is usually done to determine the headache cause. At this point, watchful waiting may be indicated and medications  may also be indicated. Talk to your doctor about managing the symptoms. Jarring exercises are sometimes avoided.Take care and do keep us posted.

[selmaS]

Hi...only 10 weeks? u sure u never had something like this b4?

I would get the copies of ur MRI's and other tests including the reports and get a 2nd opinion.

Some drs look for the wild horses when then should be looking for zebras....so, another opinion may help u find ur zebra.

I flew with a condition that has the symptoms of exertion headaches....and I was ok until the return flight home...I felt as if I had a head cold so the pressure was unbearable.....

Outside that u should be ok.

God luck and do post updates : )

"selma"