how to break a cycle..

[jacee1967]

I have  CDH 6 yrs and counting.., But I dont usually go days on end with bad ones.. I have been on a 3 week cycle of ******  BAD headache days.  I cant get control again.. does this happen to any one else? what do you do? none of my normal meds are working this time.. ER visit? What??????  any advice?

[jacee1967]

Thank you for your insight, I am thinking it is time to see another Doc myslef.  I have seen 1 other Neuro and he landed  me in the ER, other than that this one has been my neuro for over 2 years. So yes I think its time to look into another one.

Thank you

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

I understand this is really frustrating. Just continue to be proactive about this. Hemicrania continua is a likely differential at this point .However ,then again,this is just a differential. The only thing I can suggest now is for you to be referred to a pain management specialist  This may help alleviate the condition until you are further assessed.

Do keep us posted for anything and keep your proactive and positive attitude.A second opinion will be able to help.

[jacee1967]

I have done the dentist, eye doc and chiro routes all ready. eye doc said I was fine, dentist said for 30 grand he could maybe fix me( I have starting signs of TMJ) chiro, was another very espensive route, and I didnt believe. I have ony had an MRI, which showd nothing. spinal tap.. nothing, thiroids, nothing. we have no reasons for me to have these headaches. they  came on suddenly with no, surgery, accident, trauma, nothing,
yes its hemicrania continua, and yes I show several signs for this type of headache, a headache all day every day. this series has been bad though, intense level 7+ for nearly 4 weeks now.  but I am not convinced this is what I have.  I was told that indomethisen is what treats this type of headache, and I only had a massive ER visit migraine when I took it.  So I wuold think we would need to move on from that, but he still insists that is what I have.

my headaches are majorly one sided with sharp pains, but I also somethimes have them all over my head, top. both sides, and forhead. So I dont know. I am thinking its time to try a new doc. But believe it or not ther is very few in my location. i am near Boston, but not alot of docs there for this at all.

So I will continue to search.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Have you had any cranial scans done?

A diagnosis of migraine headaches are usually given as a diagnosis when other medical conditions have been ruled out. Eye, ear and sinus problems may present as headaches. Also, underlying cervical spine disorders may also cause migraines and headaches. Have you been assessed along this line.

When you say hemicranial headaches , would your physician mean a hemicrania continua?

Hemicrania continua refers to a one sided headache that manifests as a sharp, severe and short lasting pain. The attacks may last for a few seconds and may occur several times a day. Is this applicable in your case?

[jacee1967]

I have been to a neuro, he says I have Hemicranial Headaches & migraines.  I am on 1200mg of neroutin ( or how ever you spell it)  we up'd my dosage from 900mg to the 1200 just about 4 weeks ago. I called the doc he said the HA was not due to the increase.  I also take keppra and ketoprofin.

i might have a cycle of bad headaches for a few days or so, but not usually this long. It is driving me nuts.. emotionally. big time

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

If the headaches become severe and this affects your daily activities, I suggest that you bring yourself to the ER for pain management and further evaluation. It is important that your headache be classified and assessed. At this point, this may be a transformed migraine headache due to medication overuse (does this apply in your case?) . However, I suggest that a cranial CT scan will be able to help at this point.

Have you been on pain relievers for these past years or months or at least for 15 days per month for the last 3 months ?

How did your headaches start? Were you initially diagnosed with a migraine or tension headache?

Prolonged use of pain relievers and other migraine medications may cause rebound headaches. I suggest that you discuss this with your physician so that proper management be given you.