severe heahache base of skull

[Darmosiel]

I have an under active thyroid recently my doctor perscribed taking 50,000 mg of vitamin D for 6 weeks. The fifth week I developed a sharp severe headache on the left side of the base of my skull within a few hours of taking the vitamin D. I've had the headache for a week. I've been taking a migraine medication from a previous perscription. I also have swellings on both sides of the base of my neck connecting to my shoulders. When I told my doctor about this he shrugged it off. I also have night sweats several times a night. I am 60 years old.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
That's good to hear. Warm water, like ice packs can also be therapeutic as well. Indeed,  medications can cause severe side effects to some. You can also try complementary and alternative medicine such as biofeedback therapy, self-hypnosis or even acupuncture. These have also helped headaches sufferers whose medications do not work. The National Institute of Health have been conducting studies about these alternative forms of treatment and have had good results. Take care always and wishing you good health always.

[Darmosiel]

Thank you very much for your response. I did go to a doctor he said it was due to stress and the nerves in the back of my head were inflamed by the tension in the neck muscles causing the insane headaches and sensations of the pain shooting up the back of my head.  He advised the ice packs as you did. Ice made it much worse. I found standing under a hot shower whenever the pain got to a certain threshold and letting the hot water flow down the back of my head and neck for a while did the trick.  The drugs he perscribed btw did help me sleep but made me very dizzy and sick to my stomach which only added to the suffering of the headache.  While I am completely for seeing a doctor for any problem far too often drugs are the provided remedy when something more natural can easy be offered for a cure.  Thanks again.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How a re you? Can n you elaborate on the headache? Is it the same as your previous migraine attacks? Can you describe the swelling? Under active thyroid can be due to autoimmune, from surgical removal of the thyroid, from radioactive therapy, or chronic inflammation. What medications are you taking aside from the Vitamin D? Rest, ice packs and prescription medications usually help manage the headache. However, with regards to the swelling on your neck, I recommend that you have this evaluated further for proper management. Direct clinical examination is important. Take care and do keep us posted.