Daily headaches

[Painface]

I am suffering from daily headaches.  They started about 4 years ago.  When they first started they lasted about 2-3 weeks at a time which i thought was bad. Since Oct 06 they became daily with little relief.  I've had all the scans done MRI of the brain and neck. CT's  & bloods too. I've tried acupunture and have seen an Osteopath who reckons i have abnormalities in my neck and skull and he has been doing re alignment work.  This has given some relief but nothing permenant.  I went back to see the neurologist an d tried teling him about the Osteopath but in Ireland they do not recognise Osteopaths work.  He wants tme to try beta blockers and if they don't work then Idon't know whats next.  The Osteopath wants me to continue with him.  I am so uncertain as to what is wrong with me and then I am listening to conflicting advice.  To describe my pain, it is usually focused around my right eye, above it and my temples.  I get pain across my forehead, a pulsing out the top of my head and also a containstant pain in the back of my head and my neck.  I have alot of muscle tension which i have tried to get relief from through massage and even electric pulses.  It is really affecting everything in my life, my socail life is non existent.  WORK is a disater i have had so much time off i am afraid of loosing my job.  I do not siffer from dissiness or nausea but you can see the pain in my face.  hence my nickname Painface my partner calls me.  He is very supportive but i don't think he or anyone realises what i am going through.  Can anyone with similar problems offer some adivce?

[claire77]

Hi, I suffered from daily headaches for years, and migraines but am now on beta blockers and they have made a world of difference.

[LisaNP]

I had the same problems that you are experiencing. My neurologist prescribed me Pamelor and it has helped a lot. I use to have headaches everyday all day long.. tension headaches that felt like a tightening in my temples. Now I only have mild headaches a couple times a week. Pamelor has bad side effects though. I have gained 30 lbs and I am moody and tired. It is worth it now because I am working, going to school, and completeing my internship so the side effects are worth being headache free for now. I may try to go on Topamax though because it is suppose to be great.

[Manhattan]

People do get chronic headaches and there are many medications that can work as a preventative. From experience I can tell you that it's very important to go to a headache specialist. If you can't find one, than a neurologist can help as well. Drugs like Topamax work miracles for many people, but you just need to find the right one for you. You just need to try one after another until you find one that helps. Another possibility is going on an "elimination diet" to see if you are eating something that is triggering your headaches. you can do a google search on "elimination diet migraines". I tried it and although I did not find anything to be a trigger, many people do. Bananas, tomatoes, cheese, wine, coffee, chocolate etc.. can trigger headaches in some people. Good luck!