Worried about severe headaches.

[Headache Girl]

I have been having severe headaches for about a year now. They are interrupting my life. The headaches are happening at least twice a week and sometimes up to four times a week. Sometimes they last for up to hours to days. I usually can tell one is about to happen and I really can't explain how I know, but I feel it. The headache is at the top of my head and at the temple areas of both sides. The headaches are so bad that Lortab hasn't phased them. One doctor thought it may be a pinched nerve or migraines. I am beginning to be worried about them. It is really painful and I am a single mother of two boys who need their mom to be able to function. I hate complaining but I need help. I have health insurance and don't know what my next step is in getting help and relieve.

I have recently noticed that sometimes I get a real hot feeling that comes up on my face leaving me feeling on fire and looking flushed. Could this be a clue to what the problem is or is it another problem? I am 35 years old and had a total hysterectomy about seven years ago. I take a hormone pill twice a day now, Estrace 2mg twice a day.

If you can help me I would appreciate it.

[Hityty]

I'm so sorry you're going through all that. I would try seeing a neurologist. I wouldn't know about the "flushing" but I'm sure you'll get more answers about that, like Pum's. Have you had your thyroid checked?

Do you see an "aura" or lights before the headache appears? If you can "sense" it coming, you can try a tip that was given to me years ago by an eye doc for migraines. He said as soon as I see the aura to breath into a bag, like you're going to hyperventilate, just don't hyperventilate. :) He said to do this until the aura is gone and it could keep the actual headache from coming. Do take a breath of fresh air if you feel lightheaded doing this. But who knows, this may be helpful. It helped me almost every time.

Also did you start taking any med's or supplements when you started getting the headaches? Or change in diet? Check if anything you're drinking or eating contains Aspartame or Sucrolose or ANY other artificial sweetener. A lot of people say that its a myth that they cause reactions like migraines, but more people say its very real, I personally know 3 people who've been to the ER with severe headaches, each unrelated, ALL due to sweeteners they started using. (Check all ingredients, they are listed as different things and mislead a lot of people. They put it in toothpaste, OTC med's and even children's aspirin, and don't let the "It's made FROM sugar" claims fool you.) Keep us posted, K!

[Pum]

What is your blood pressure like?  There is a rare tumor of the adrenal gland that causes headaches, sweating, and high blood pressure. Facial flushing is also a symptom.  It is benign and fairly treatable.

Of course migraine is way way more likely.  Try and keep a diary to see if a food is triggering it or bright lights or something similar.

Good luck.