Can't shake this headache...

[WK19]

I'm a 21 year old male, and for the last 3 weeks, I have had a sporadic headache that flares up at seemingly random intervals. I can usually sense one coming on, as my vision flashes dark around the edges. These headaches are accompanied by a tingling sensation in my hands, and seem insensitive to normal, over the counter treatment options (e.g. Tylenol). They also induce a feeling of heavy-ness, like my head is about to pop, as well as a throbbing/stabbing pain. I started getting them around Friday, July 30th, seeing a doctor the next week who told me it was a sinus infection. Neither or the two medications he prescribed alleviated the problem whatsoever. Just so I rule everything out, I feel it is necessary to say that I fell down some steps on Friday, August 6th, which re-aggravated an old back injury. My first tingling sensation on Sunday, August 8th, induced an anxiety attack, at least according to the ER doctor I saw. After I calmed down, my blood pressure and heart rate were both exceedingly normal. I had an EKG to make sure that it wasn't a heart attack or anything. Since then, I've been put on Darvocet-N and Diclofenac. It seems as though neither dulls the pain at all. There also seems to be no obvious trigger, as light/sound/etc. have no effect. Any ideas on what it could be?

Also, I have no history of headaches at all.

[WK19]

No, the doctor didn't refer me to a neurologist or anything. I really think it may be sinus pressure like the first doctor suggested, it'd just been exceedingly hard to get rid of. I can feel a sort of pressure all around my forehead, extending back to the temples. It is mainly focused on the front of my head, right above my eyes. That, combined with the fact that I have had a hilariously stressful summer (house burning down, back injury, etc.), and I think you have the makings of a horrible headache. Then again, who knows? I guess I should go see a doctor tomorrow, maybe get an X-ray of my sinuses.

[tiffany515]

Did the ER dr. suggest that you see a neurologist?  most neuro's are headache specialists, and they can either make a diagnosis based on your history and symptoms, or they can order tests to help make a diagnosis.  They can treat you for the pain, as well.  I have suffered with migraines for years, and I know how difficult they can be to deal with.  I have also suffered many tension headaches, due to neck pain and severe stress.  Whatever kind of headache yours may be, you need to see a doctor that will listen to you, and do whatever necessary to help you.  Best of luck......tiff