How long do you get headaches after an acute sinus infection?

[GG0402]

I got diagnosed with a sphenoid sinus infection early November last year.  The sphenoid sinus on the right side was completely blocked.  I was treated with antibiotics for over two months and around the 10th of January I had a CT scan which showed that the sphenoid sinus infection had gone but there was some slight shadowing in the scan.  The ENT doctor belives this will go in the next 5 to 6 weeks as I constantly have a post nasal drip at the back of my throat.  SInce the beginning of this infection I have suffered with servere headaches on the one side.  The headaches last for days, infact weeks.  For the first two months I was on all sorts of medication for the headaches both prescribed and over the counter.  I was also taking mediaction to sleep, medication for panic attacks and medication for depression.  All of which I required because of this painful infection.  About 3 weeks ago I stopped everything as I was getting acid reflux and servere stomach ages.  I have had an MRI, I have had blood tests, an ECG, a gastroscopy, and X rays of  my spine, all which look normal except for some slight disc degeneration in the neck.  I howevver, cannot understand why I am still getting one sided headaches.  These headaches are debilitating and I am sick of living on pain killers.  Can anyone give me an explanation on how long these headaches last after having such a server infection?  I have seen two different Neurologists, two ENT's and my GP now dismisses what I say to him.  He believes my headaches are stress related.  I believe I am stressed and suffer from panic attacks because everyday since the 8th on November 2008 and I have had a headache apart from a handfull of days.  What can I do?  Where can I go from here?  My entire life has changed and it is affecting my entire family.  Please help.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Magnesium supplements are known to benefit patients suffering from anxiety disorders and chronic headaches.
http://panic-disorder.suite101.com/article.cfm/magnesium_supplements_for_anxiety_disorders

B complex supplements are known to have benefited patients with recurring headaches, depression, and emotional disturbances.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_B

Hope this helps!

[GG0402]

Thank you for your response.  Could you please let me know what OTC magnesium and B complex supplements are used for?

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

I would suggest you to learn some self relaxation exercises like breathing exercises and yoga to reduce your day to day stress. Do these exercises 2-3 times in a day.
I would also suggest you to take OTC magnesium and B complex supplements. Apart from these alternate therapy like acupressure and acupuncture will also provide relief.
Take care!