Cramping of the head

[samantha11]

I have been getting these extreme pains in the back part of my head. It feels nothing like a headache it's almost like a muscle cramp I just started getting them a week ago. Today I have a headache which has been going on since I woke up plus the cramping feeling has been comming in random intervals. I am 18 years old and of general health I am more worried about this because my mother has had a brain tumor since she was born and I was wondering if it can be almost genetic. I had an MRI and EEG test two or more years ago and everything was normal then.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,


Headaches do occur and when tolerable it is best not to take anything ( to avoid rebound headaches )since most of the episodes resolve on their own.Adequate sleep, good diet, relaxation exercises, adequate head and neck support when sitting and lying down and avoidance of any triggering factors will be able to help.

If your headaches become more frequent and severe, you may need preventive medications. If this happens , an immediate consult with your physician may be necessary.

[samantha11]

well the head cramping has calmed down I'll feel like they're comming on but then nothing happens I  have actually gone to getting regular headaches basically every day from the time I wake up until I go to bed. I did not recieve a diagnosis and I don't even take tylenol I just deal with it...I only drink maybe every friday but not alot. Im really no more stressed than usual. It comes in 5 min intervals sometimes little pain to alot. Its not consistent and that makes it harder to explain.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

This cramping feeling at the back of the head may sound like a tension headache. Unlike migraines, tension headaches are non throbbing and may be associated with muscle tightness over the neck and shoulders. This is just a differential and other causes have to be ruled out.Your sleeping position, getting a new pillow or bed for instance may cause headaches. I know that you are highly anxious about this given your mom's medical history. But unnecessary  worrying will not help you at the moment.As you have posted your scan results were normal.Just keep a close follow up with your physicians.If your headaches persist or changes in character ( severe pain aggravated by straining ,coughing, bending, presence of vomiting, blurring of vision, neck stiffness), it is best to seek immediate consult.

Keep us posted for anything.

[LifesAHeadache]

From your profile, I can guess that you are probably worried about having a brain tumor.  If this is basically the same pain that you went for the MRI and EEG, and both tests came out OK then you probably don't have a brain tumor.  REALLY, the odds are SO small.  I cannot answer the genetic question because I don't have enough info (I'm not a doctor) but with a clean MRI two years ago - it VERY good.

Do you suffer from Migraines?  Can you list some info about the headaches?

Before or during your period?
Stress?
If you don't eat?
After playing video games?

Did you get a real diagnosis and are you taking a daily preventative med?

Do you drink?  I'm not the drink police, beer and wine are really the worst for migraines/hangovers.

I get migraines in the base of the skull and when it gets really bad I will get intermittent waves of that cramping feeling.  When it gets really bad, I will feel that cramping getting worse and worse and then I will vomit, and then it gets better.