Intense Headache

[fadenaway4]

For about the past month I have had daily headaches. It started out just dull and annoying and has now progressed into quite an intense pain with nausea and a tingling sensation in my hands and arms within the last week. I constantly have a headache whether it is the dull pain, or so excruciating that I vomit from the pain. I have tried taking Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and even Excedrin Migraine, none of which even touched on the pain. The only time there is relief is when I am asleep, but once I wake up it comes right back. It is hard to concentrate or really even function with this constant pain. I called to make an appointment with my Dr. last week but they couldn't get me in until this Tuesday. I am a 25 year old female in otherwise good health. Any help would be appreciated, thank you!

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How was your MRI? If you do not respond well to the prescribed medications, inform your doctor for proper management. A change in the medication or dose may be indicated. With regards to your history of trauma, post traumatic headaches, which may occur long after the injuries can be one differential. It would also help if the old results of your CT or MRI be compared to your recent MRI. Take care and do keep us posted.

[fadenaway4]

And Dr. Santos, in response to what you said about previous trauma to my head, I have had 3 concussions in my lifetime, I actually had a hairline fracture on my left frontal bone and my skull is still deformed from it (there is a bump) I am not sure if these could have anything to do with the headaches because none of them were recent.

[fadenaway4]

I am still having the headaches. I went to the Dr. on Tuesday and she diagnosed me with migraines and gave me a prescription for Midrin and Maxalt. I have been having weird reactions to the Midrin so I'm going to stop taking that, and neither of them seem to work. I am scheduled for an MRI this afternoon, one with contrast and one without so I am really hoping that they figure out what is really wrong because nothing seems to help. Thank you for replying and I will post once I get the results of the MRI.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Were you able to check with your doctor regarding your chronic headache? If there was no previous trauma to your head, this could be from primary headaches such as migraine, cluster or tension headaches. Your medical history and imaging modalities such as CT scan may help. Take care and do keep us posted.

[fadenaway4]

Thank you for the response. I actually haven't been taking any pain killers because they don't do anything so I figured it was a waste lol. I have been drinking plenty of water and i'm just hoping I am able to finally get some relief when I see the Dr. tomorrow.

[dame_wilbur]

Sounds like you're dealing with a serious migraine right now. One thing I can suggest is that you STOP taking any painkillers. I know that sounds weird, but if you've been taking them for over a week, you need to give your body a break from them or else you can end up getting rebound headaches from them, and trust me, you don't want that.

Good call making an appointment with your doc. Until tomorrow, drink lots of water as dehydration can be huge. Ice packs or heating pads can help, depending on what feels better. That and just stay lying down as much as possible and don't stress your body.

Good luck and keep us posted on what your doc says!

~Dame