Chronic Headaches

[aprilm1980]

I have been dealing with migraines and chronic headaches for a long time. I am an otherwise healthy 27 year old female. They are always on the left side and basically go from my temple to the back of my head. It has gotten to the point now that I have them EVERY day and the intensity seems to be getting stronger. My last neurologist said that the headaches were hormonal so I have tried several different birth control meds with low dose hormones and it hasn't helped at all. I know its not rebound headaches because I don't take any over the counter meds for them cuz it doesn't work anyway. I have tried numerous meds for preventing the migraines but nothing has seemed to work.  Of the long list a few of these meds are Elavil, Neurotin and BP meds. I have had spinal taps, numerous CTs and blood work and everything seems normal. I have never had an MRI done and I wonder if there could be something that nothing else could pick up.

I have been to several different doctors and they can't tell me why I have them or how I am supposed to be able to function when this is a daily ordeal. I have a 9 year old and a 2 year old so I can't take meds during the day that make me 'high'. If anyone has any suggestions PLEASE let me know. Do you think I could benefit from a MRI?

[jcverive]

It sounds like you are suffering from occipital neuralgia/neuritis. The greater occipital branch runs from just above the base of the skull to just over the top of the head, on either side of the head. The lesser occipital branch runs over the ear on up to the temple area.

You probably need a good pain doctor in a pain clinic setting to treat you properly. Keep in touch.  I have been dealing with occipital neuralgia since 1978.

Jeff

[Manhattan]

I know you feel like giving up on the whole preventative medicine treament, but don't! There are hundreds of drugs and combinations and you just need to find the one that's right for you. You just need to see a doctor who knows headaches in and out and how to treat them. Someone who will work with you on a monthly basis until you can control them. I see a headache specialist now and it's made a huge difference for me. There are many other drugs... Topamax, Cymbalta... to name a few. There is also Botox, which my neighbor swears completely controls her headaches. There is hope for you, just be persistent.