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Headache 24/7...HELP!!
I have had a headache for months and it is 24/7. I never had headaches before this. My doctor ordered a bunch of blood work and did an MRI. Everything was fine. Is there something that could cause this debilitating headache that wouldn't show on an MRI? I don't smoke, drink or anything like that. Pain meds do not help. What could this be from? My doctor is stumped....
I actually came to this website looking for answers for a friend of mine at work. She has been suffering from 24/7 headaches along with palpitations. I have been looking for information online and for her symptoms one of the closest match that I came across is "Pheochromocytoma" . She submitted her 24 hour urine sample and we wait for the result. You can find some information on Pheo here : http://www.endocrineweb.com/pheo.html
Thank you all for sharing your information.
Thank you all for sharing your information.
And in response to Caroline509... I applaud you for coming on here and seeking answers for your daughter. It's such a horrible thing to go through and you really need your mum when you are down and living in pain. :)
Unfortunately when all this started for me, my mum thought I was just over reacting! Now she knows better, but it was really hard to not have that support.
You're a great mum! :) Keep trying for her, and try EVERYTHING. its worth it, its quality of life.
Unfortunately when all this started for me, my mum thought I was just over reacting! Now she knows better, but it was really hard to not have that support.
You're a great mum! :) Keep trying for her, and try EVERYTHING. its worth it, its quality of life.
Hey there,
Yes I have had a headache 24/7 for years, and thats not including the occasional migraine :P ***** doesn't it? And though Docs try and figure it out, its not seen as urgent. I tell people and they go, oh, that *****. But no one but the sufferers realize how debilitating it is.
One of the only things that has helped me is Panadol Extra (Panadol and codene mix) I have tried everything from the docs plus everything off the shelf and this is the only thing that helps ME personally. I have to take it a couple of times a day but It has given me back my life to be honest. My doc says she is finding that a lot of chronic headache sufferers have flourished on panadol extra, even though its just something sold in the local supermarket.
And yes I would also suggest getting a second opinions on the lumbar puncture = headaches. just because people USUALLY dont get your symptoms after, doesnt mean its not happening. it is too much of a coincidence, and you know you're body.
Also, physio and accupuncture are definitely something to try. For some people, it doesnt absolutely nothing. For others, it is a god send. And it is certainly worth it!! Believe me!!
Unfortunately, because there is no cure, its all about maintenance for us.
If you get the headache onset half an hour after you wake up, is it maybe sensitivity to light? one of my friends HAS to wear sunnies when she goes out because even glare will cause her to get a headache. also, do u work with flourescent lights and a comp screen constantly? could be a factor, is all.
There is also a few other things I use that I will throw out there.
Something I tried a while ago from the chemist-headache stick. It's like a giant twist lip balm but you rub it on your forehead. Its a clear gel type, it goes all cold on the forehead, but it really seems to relieve the pain somewhat. (The one I use is called Headache Relief Extra Strength)
Ice packs or ice in a tea towel against the forehead, temples and eyelids.
Massaging the skin under the eye, next to the nose, and above the eyebrows, along with pinching the eyebrows.
If you have thick heavy hair, think of cutting it, and if you tie your hair back, think of letting it loose. that lessening of pressure to your scalp will help!!!
I think, for you personally, you're body is screaming at you thats something was done to it!! Get that second opinion :)
Yes I have had a headache 24/7 for years, and thats not including the occasional migraine :P ***** doesn't it? And though Docs try and figure it out, its not seen as urgent. I tell people and they go, oh, that *****. But no one but the sufferers realize how debilitating it is.
One of the only things that has helped me is Panadol Extra (Panadol and codene mix) I have tried everything from the docs plus everything off the shelf and this is the only thing that helps ME personally. I have to take it a couple of times a day but It has given me back my life to be honest. My doc says she is finding that a lot of chronic headache sufferers have flourished on panadol extra, even though its just something sold in the local supermarket.
And yes I would also suggest getting a second opinions on the lumbar puncture = headaches. just because people USUALLY dont get your symptoms after, doesnt mean its not happening. it is too much of a coincidence, and you know you're body.
Also, physio and accupuncture are definitely something to try. For some people, it doesnt absolutely nothing. For others, it is a god send. And it is certainly worth it!! Believe me!!
Unfortunately, because there is no cure, its all about maintenance for us.
If you get the headache onset half an hour after you wake up, is it maybe sensitivity to light? one of my friends HAS to wear sunnies when she goes out because even glare will cause her to get a headache. also, do u work with flourescent lights and a comp screen constantly? could be a factor, is all.
There is also a few other things I use that I will throw out there.
Something I tried a while ago from the chemist-headache stick. It's like a giant twist lip balm but you rub it on your forehead. Its a clear gel type, it goes all cold on the forehead, but it really seems to relieve the pain somewhat. (The one I use is called Headache Relief Extra Strength)
Ice packs or ice in a tea towel against the forehead, temples and eyelids.
Massaging the skin under the eye, next to the nose, and above the eyebrows, along with pinching the eyebrows.
If you have thick heavy hair, think of cutting it, and if you tie your hair back, think of letting it loose. that lessening of pressure to your scalp will help!!!
I think, for you personally, you're body is screaming at you thats something was done to it!! Get that second opinion :)
Unfortunatly I to am a sufferer like you reguarding 24/7 but everyone seems to suffer differantly which made me panic too in the end the dr handed over to the neurologist who will try all differant medication from antidipreants to epilectic (sorry about spelling) drugs as it's all to do with the head. I have now gone from suffering 24/7 to less than half that at the mo I am on toprimate which is good as it's side effect is weight loss, and frovratriptan for when I get a big attack.
But the best tip I have ever had it as soon as you feel you head starting don't take a parecetimol tablet get in solphine soluble it gets into system quicker and really does help and if you go to asda they do they own version of the tablets but alot cheaper?
I get pain in the left eye but I have to have natural light and fresh air only occationally does the light actually hurt and boy am i dizzy I thought I was forgetful when I was pregnant and when it comes to putting my point across, now that is hard work, it's like i have turned stupid.
anyway hope some of that helps
But the best tip I have ever had it as soon as you feel you head starting don't take a parecetimol tablet get in solphine soluble it gets into system quicker and really does help and if you go to asda they do they own version of the tablets but alot cheaper?
I get pain in the left eye but I have to have natural light and fresh air only occationally does the light actually hurt and boy am i dizzy I thought I was forgetful when I was pregnant and when it comes to putting my point across, now that is hard work, it's like i have turned stupid.
anyway hope some of that helps
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
The lumbar tap may be contributory here. I think you should seek a second opinion with another neurologist for this so you may have another perspective with regards to your case. At this point, the lumbar tap procedure appears to be the nearest associated factor here as you have noted the persistent headache only after the lumbar tap.
Also, why was the lumbar tap done? What was the indication?
Have you had previous neurologic problems before?
The lumbar tap may be contributory here. I think you should seek a second opinion with another neurologist for this so you may have another perspective with regards to your case. At this point, the lumbar tap procedure appears to be the nearest associated factor here as you have noted the persistent headache only after the lumbar tap.
Also, why was the lumbar tap done? What was the indication?
Have you had previous neurologic problems before?
Thank you for the reply. I have the headache all day everyday, nothing seems to relieve it. I wake in the morning and it is a fast onset, like about 30 minutes after I wake it is full strength until I go to bed. It hasn't woke me at night as of yet. And I have tried all kinds of pain meds, haven't taken any meds in about 2 weeks now. I did put ice packs on my head, that does help a little. It aches down my neck and into my upper back, behind my eyes, the top of my head and mostly the back of my head.
I did have my eyes checked and my sinuses and they are both fine. I would say it is like a dull ache 75% of the time, and the other 25% it is sharp on occasion. I don't have any blurry vision or vomiting, but it has hurt so bad that I have had nausea. My MRI was normal, hormone levels normal, the only thing that I didn't mention is that I had a lumbar puncture around the onset of the headache. The headache started the week of the puncture, maybe a day or two after. My doctor says it is not a spinal tap headache because mine doesn't go away when I lay down. The strange thing is that I never had a headache before the lumbar puncture, maybe 2 times a year. Now I have one 24/7? I hope you can give me an idea of what I should do next. Thank you for your time.
I did have my eyes checked and my sinuses and they are both fine. I would say it is like a dull ache 75% of the time, and the other 25% it is sharp on occasion. I don't have any blurry vision or vomiting, but it has hurt so bad that I have had nausea. My MRI was normal, hormone levels normal, the only thing that I didn't mention is that I had a lumbar puncture around the onset of the headache. The headache started the week of the puncture, maybe a day or two after. My doctor says it is not a spinal tap headache because mine doesn't go away when I lay down. The strange thing is that I never had a headache before the lumbar puncture, maybe 2 times a year. Now I have one 24/7? I hope you can give me an idea of what I should do next. Thank you for your time.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
If other underlying conditions have been ruled out, then a migraine headache may be considered here.
Were your sinuses and eyes assessed?
How would you describe the headache? Is it dull, sharp or throbbing? Where is it primarily located?
Any other associated sign and symptoms like blurring of vision, nausea and vomiting?
You have noted that your headaches are persistent ? What relieves the headache and what aggravates it?
If other underlying conditions have been ruled out, then a migraine headache may be considered here.
Were your sinuses and eyes assessed?
How would you describe the headache? Is it dull, sharp or throbbing? Where is it primarily located?
Any other associated sign and symptoms like blurring of vision, nausea and vomiting?
You have noted that your headaches are persistent ? What relieves the headache and what aggravates it?
My daughter has the same thing. Meds, special diets and test have come back normal. I'm sorry that you are having to go through this also. Hopefully we both will get some answers soon. PS she also had physical therapy and it didn't help either.
Thank you so much for the reply. They did check my hormone levels and said they were normal. No choc. or caffeine for me, not even coffee...don't care for it. :) And it's can't be the water either. I'm not under any stress. I would like to try the massage or acupuncture, maybe that would help. I like that idea. I just feel like something else is going on, I know doctors don't know everything, but they have run every test under the sun. Do you have headaches 24/7? My headache absolutely never goes away.
Heya, I'm not a Doc, just another sufferer like yourself.
There might be a few reasons why you have had a constant headache.
1) You have pulled/strained/hurt a muscle or muscles in your back/neck in which you could try physio massage or, even better, accupuncture.
2) It could be your diet (Chocolate or caffeine)
3) Hormone levels fluctuating (You can get this checked with your doc)
4) If the headache is behind your eyes there could be some strain going on there, so go to an eye specialist.
5) Not enough water
6) Stress
At the end of the day, theres a million things it COULD be. Unfortunately, a lot of people know squat about why headaches occur. Start to look at dealing with the pain. I find accupuncture helps a lot, ice packs pressed on certain parts of my head, no caffeine/chocolate/cheese helps, massage and decent sleep.
There might be a few reasons why you have had a constant headache.
1) You have pulled/strained/hurt a muscle or muscles in your back/neck in which you could try physio massage or, even better, accupuncture.
2) It could be your diet (Chocolate or caffeine)
3) Hormone levels fluctuating (You can get this checked with your doc)
4) If the headache is behind your eyes there could be some strain going on there, so go to an eye specialist.
5) Not enough water
6) Stress
At the end of the day, theres a million things it COULD be. Unfortunately, a lot of people know squat about why headaches occur. Start to look at dealing with the pain. I find accupuncture helps a lot, ice packs pressed on certain parts of my head, no caffeine/chocolate/cheese helps, massage and decent sleep.
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