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Migrain?Tension Headache? Something else?

For over 2 years I have suffered from terrible headaches. There was no particular trigger that I can think of that began this concurring issue, just waking up one day and never really having it permanently  leave. My symptoms are as follows:
1. Terrible head pain. The funny thing is, it never stays in one spot for too long. Sometimes I feel it in the back of my skull. At others on the top of my head. Still it will shift from left temple to my forehead. My jaws sometimes get tight, but no clicking noises on opening or closing them.
2. Sometimes lightheadedness comes with these headaches. Not always. Its more like a brain fog after waking up from a nap.
3. Some times I wake up with the headaches, other days I wake up feeling great for about 30 minutes.
4. Sometimes there is relief from getting up and moving around. Sometimes moving makes it worse or triggers it. It shows up with rest, or sometimes with physical activity.

There is no great pattern to this. Sometimes doing an action such as going for a jog will take away all the pain and I feel great, and other days it just is too unbearable to exercise. Pain meds don't really do a whole lot in terms of helping me. I have had CAT scans, blood work, PT, and so much more. I really have no idea where to even go from here. The headaches aren't always present, more like 80% of my day. I work out 6 days a week, even if the pain is there or not. It wasn't always that way, the first year of my headaches I didn't want to do anything and gained some unwanted weight, but I came to the conclusion that I can be fat with headaches or in shape with headaches. I work in the military, so half my day is at a computer and the other half is pretty physical. I am 33, male, 5'7" 155 pounds. I love life and would not call myself a victim of depression, although this headache stuff is getting pretty annoying.  I would love some help if any is available. Thank you for your time
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Avatar universal
Hi and welcome to the Migraines & Headaches Community.

The best thing to do is see your doctor because to effectively treat migraines you need both preventative meds and meds to take to stop one that has already begun. Sorry to say there is no fast and quick fix. Treating migraines is a marathon, not a sprint. Here are some over-the-counter tips that have helped me along the way...

1. There are several symptoms of migraines and what causes the pain of a migraine is the blood vessels in your brain become dilated. So, sometimes it helps it you put a bit of pressure on your head. I am sure you have already been doing this unconsciously with your hands from time to time. So, get a bandanna or a cloth headband and wrap it snugly around your head.
2. If you rub Mentholatum across your forehead and on your temples that helps relax those tense muscles. You can do this with or without the wrap, depending on if you like the heat or not.
3. Try either a cold or hot pack, whichever is more comfy to you.
4. The best OTC meds that I have found that works is Excedrin. It is a combo of Aspirin, Tylenol and Caffeine and that happens to be an excellent combo for migraines.
5. I mentioned caffeine before...well, drink coffee, Mt Dew, take Vivirin...sometimes a mega dose of caffeine will stop it in its tracks.
6. If you get nauseous or dizzy get some Meclizine from the pharmacy (the stuff behind the counter) you can take 25mg three times a day as needed. Yes it works on both.

These steps may or may not work until you can get the preventative drugs. Also, since you mentioned waking up with them sometimes, I suggest changing your pillow. That is what I had to do. I got a memory foam pillow and have now stopped waking up with migraines.

Keep us posted.
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