New Pounding Headache

[Nancy041162]

I am a 45 year old woman who has had migraines since I was about 20.  I have gotten some relief from Imitrex.  I have now got one treatment of Botox Nov 24/07, which seems to help a lot.  Only 2 days of headaches in 2 months.  About 6 weeks ago I started getting a very painfull pounding at the top of my head whenever I stand or sit quickly.  Or when I laugh, sneeze, cough or stain to do anything at all.  It only lasts about 5 - 10 beats, but it is VERY painful and scary.  I almost pass out with the pain.  I am on blood pressure meds and have a perfect blood pressure now.  I also have been taking Effexor for anixity for about 2 years and it is really helping.  I just went for a CT scan and it did not show any problems.  I am not on some very strong painkillers for the pounding headaches and it helps a bit but at times it feel like my head will explode.  Does any one have any ideas what could be wrong with me???  Thanks

[Nancy041162]

Thanks for the suggestions.  I have had the usual "touch your nose, walk in a straight line" type of tests by a few different neurologists over the years, everything seems normal.

Do doctors get upset when you "suggest" different tests you would like to try?

What is "intercranial hypertension"?

I wil try to ask the doctor to arrange more tests.  Have you ever heard of any problems associated with the Botox treatment for headaches?  All the doctors I have asked say there should be no side effects.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Have you had a complete neurological examination by your neurologist?

A complete neurological exam including a funduscopy ( examination of the retina, eye vessels) may be needed. The examination may be able to help focus on any underlying disorder.You mentioned that the CT Scan was normal. Is there any plan of doing a lumbar puncture test?


Some headaches are due to intracranial hypertension of unknown cause.Maybe you can ask your physician about this. This may be associated with headaches aggravated by coughing or straining.

Do keep us posted regarding your progress. Keep in touch regarding your physician's advice.