Intermittent Pounding Headache

[Justin1967]

I have Intermittent Pounding Headache for the last couple of days.and all of sudden the headache happens.
I notice it more coming down stairs and I'm not sure what do..
I dont think it is a migraine as I would be seeing a visual disturbance..
I woke up in the middle night with a excruciating pain and then it faded away..  

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

This pounding character of the headache makes one suspect a vascular cause behind the headache. Migraine usually does not come in sleep. But what can come in sleep is a headaches due to any blood vessel abnormality. ( such as an aneurysm ) . In the REM stage of the sleep, blood pressure fluctuates. It can rise above the normal range, and can lead to a headache.

You will do well to ask for an MRI of the brain in this case.

Regards

[Justin1967]

Thanks for the quick replies..

What do you think the sudden headache that occurred in my sleep at 2am is related to?

I had previous occurance earlier that afternoon, but only for a brief second..

Should I be rushing to doctor to insist on a MRI scan or does this kind of thing happen with Common Migraine?

Regards

Justin

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hi.

The headache does not seem to be related to Levothyroxine. Since it increases on bending forwards, it could very well be a sinus headache.

You can try either of the two.

Regards

[Justin1967]

The only other thing I can mention is that I have been off my levothyroxine for 3 weeks, which  probably has made me hypothyroid.. I have started back on levothyroxine today..

I wasn't fully aware what was happening at 2am when this excruciating headache pain happened and was frightening..

I have a dull head pain which seems to get worse if I bend over..

Are you saying I should try panadol or disprin?

Jusitn

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

About migraines, it is not necessary that you should have visual disturbances. The "Classic Migraine" is preceded by the visual aura, but the "Common Migraine" is not associated with any visual disturbance.

As the headache increases when you come down the stairs, it is most probably related to a blood circulation disturbance. If you have a high blood pressure issue, you could get such symptoms. You should try some common analgesics and see if the headache goes away.

Do you have any other health issues; as such an isolated episode of headache is uncommon.

Regards