Headaches haven't ceased

[joejrsmith]

Like many people, I think I tend to think the worst in a situation.  And I have had hypochondria like tendencies in the past.  There are three specific times where I have thought myself to have had a severe disease which turned out to be nothing.  Here are the facts as I know them:

*I have in the past 6 months been under a lot of stress
*I drink coffee daily
*I have had a dull headache for the past three weeks, mostly on the left side of my head.  My scalp has felt a little sensitive also.  The pain is fairly consistent.  Every now and then it's worse than at other times, but it's pretty tame most of the time.
*I got pretty sick 2 weeks ago with flu like symptoms, vomiting and a fever.  I didn't really eat for three days.  A week before this I started noticing the headaches.  
*It was around the same time that I started getting the headaches that I accidentally hurt my upper neck area.  I felt shooting pains down my arms into my hands.
*I also got a scooter and have been wearing a motorcycle helmet the past month.  I know that I have felt pain in my head from wearing helmets in the past.  
*I was in California for a week where I was pretty busy and didn't notice it as much.  I'm not sure if it's because I was busy or because it was a different environment.
*I get seasonal allergies pretty bad and live in Austin where I know has worse allergies than most places I've lived.
*I've never really had this sort of consistent headache in memory.

I saw the doctor 2 weeks ago and he gave me anti-inflammatory medication for my back.  My back has been feeling better, but my headache is still around.  I have an appointment in 2 weeks to go see him again to test my liver because of another medication he prescribed me for toenail fungus.  I'm definitely worried about the headache, is it reasonable to go now in light of the fact that I have an appointment in 2 weeks?  I want to be as rational as possible about this.  And out of curiosity, should I request a catscan?  Thank you!!

[kivrin]

I would definitely go see a neurologist if you feel your general practioner isn't answering adequately. My observations ...

1. I know that caffeine can cause headaches (as well as cure them). I have my own Diet Coke addiction, but reducing caffeine to 1-2 cups a day can be helpful.
2. I have terrible seasonal allergies and it definitely affects my headaches. I am assuming you are taking something OTC; however, I encourage you to experiment with different brands. I seem to need separate drugs for some different allergies. Somedays a claritin takes care of it, sometimes a Zyrtec .. sometimes I need the added D (pseudoephedrine). Also, my doc has giving me Singulaire and Xyzal which can be helpful. Be careful and don't overload. Do some research online (pollen.com) and find out what drug works for what allergy. Cottonwood requires Singulaire, but food allergies are taking care of with Zyrtec for me.
3. If you are having neck pain, you might consider a chiropractor. While a muscle relaxant may help, if something is out of place it may need to be put back correctly.

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
The headache could be a tension headache since you have been under lot of stress.But it is always better to rule out if a medical condition is the cause .Please do not panic . Please get a CT scan and MRI done to know if everything is OK. If you feel it is severe you can go early or you may wait for 2 weeks . Taking some OTC muscle relaxant tablet for headache might help . Hope this helps you . Take care and regards !