Base of the skull pain

[mollerk]

I had a headache last night that was extremely intense.  I have had it many times over the last 5 years or so.  I am a 51 year old female.  I have a history of a fractured vertabrae in the lower spine as a teen, suffer from arthritis in the knees and hips, and degenerative disc disease in the spine.  I had other types of headaches through my 20's and 30's that were classified as migraine and tapered off in my forties. The headaches I get now are either sinus related or severe headaches at the base of my head/neck always starting while sleeping.  I find some relief only after taking an anti inflammatory and applying heat to the back of my head.  Usually these headaches last 4 hours or more.  I am not able to move my head left to right or to bend over without feeling like my head is going to explode.  Laying down and sitting seem worse than standing.


This discussion is related to Chronic Headache, Popping / Fluid Noise in Base of Skull.

[mollerk]

Update:)

I have not been to a NL to date:(  I travel for work three weeks a month and do not have opportunities to see a Dr often.  However, a little history:  I spend a great deal of time driving (10 to 14 hours a day), or on airplanes,  and often at the computer.  Besides the arthritis, I also have psoriasis, allergies to alcohol and some foods (hives, face rash, tiny red spots on skin almost looks like tiny sand fly bites).  High reactive c-protein (inflammation and found by dermatologist after an allergic reaction of some kind).  I do not know my blood pressure during the headaches.  My normal BP (anywhere from 102/65 to 115/75) is low for my weight (5'4" 190 lbs and dieting).  I think my cholestrol is high but I haven't had a physical for a long time.  This week I have experienced when I turn my head to the left, it hurts slightly on the left shoulder area closer to spine and a recurring throbbing pain in one arm or the other, intermittent.  I have not had a cervical spine or brain MRI.  I run one mile/day three days a week and fast walk 2 miles/day five days a week.  I have walked/ran for about two to three years.  I am interested in learning more about CSF issues and your thoughts.

[selmaS]

Hi...do u know what ur BP is while u feel like this?

Have u had a cervical spine MRI or a brain MRI?

DDD is a normal  progression, but those with autoimmune issues tend to develop these issues sooner.

Do see a NL to do testing to determine what is going on,

Since u have positional issues it could be a CSF issue...low flow or too much.....and like I mentioned ur BP may be involved as well.

DO post an update : )

"selma"

[selmaS]

Hi...have u ever been involved in a MVA or a fall that u could have been jolted or injured?...have u had a MRI of the area?

Since this is a reoccurring issue, I would want to have it looked at more closely.

"selma"