Severe Head Pain

[magscash]

I was told I have neuralgia in my head. It's a stabbing pain every second or so very painful. What medicine I can take otc that would help this pain.

Thanks
Mary

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. The pain of occipital neuralgia begins in the neck and spreads upwards to scalp, forehead, and behind the eyes. The pain is due to irritation or injury of nerves, pinching of nerves by tight neck muscles, compression of nerves as it leaves the spine secondary to osteoarthritis or tumors in the neck.  Local inflammation or infection, gout, diabetes etc. you need to consult a neurologist who will do a detailed neurological examination, X-ray upper spine, eliciting tenderness over affected nerve, relief from pain after an anesthetic block will be needed to confirm diagnosis. Treatment includes massage, rest, antidepressants, local nerve blocks by anesthesiologist, and injection of steroids directly into the region. Take care.

[youngwife]

Did they not prescribe some Neurontin or Lyrica for your nerve pain?  The only thing I can think of would be Advil or Motrin, which would help with nerve inflammation.

If you are unable to take prescription meds, you might would want to look into reflexology or accupuncture.

Have you had an MRI yet?

I am very sorry that you are experiencing this pain.

Rebecca