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Original poster

Head feels like it's about to explode! What is it?

44 replies

backmassageplease · 22/03/2019 10:34

I've never had it before. It's so horrible.

I'm a chronic migraine sufferer (the type where the aura symptoms are that of a stroke), and this doesn't feel like a migraine.

It just feels like my brain is being inflated and is too big for my scull.

What can I do? I've taken headache medication and I've had it since last night but it just keeps getting more intense.

OP posts:
spiderlight · 22/03/2019 11:42

if it's a new, different headache you need to get yourself checked out. It may just be a particularly nasty tension headache but speak to your GP to be on the safe side. I'm another chronic severe migraine sufferer and that's what my neurologist has always told me.

Original poster
backmassageplease · 22/03/2019 17:29

spider Thank you - I did want to book in with my GP but I can't lift my head off of the pillow, let alone walk over to the GP surgery (it's 2 minutes away) Sad

I've not moved all day. I've closed the door to the bedroom and let DS completely tip the room upside down. Luckily he's breastfed and comes to me for that.

I'm hoping he will be okay for DH when he gets in.

I've never known pain like it.

OP posts:
TiredTodayZzzz · 22/03/2019 17:33

I don't suffer from migraines but the one time I did it felt like how you describe. The only way I could describe it to the doctor's was like my head was trapped in a vice or like a contraction inside my head.

I had made an appointment with the GP who sent me straight up to A&E for a brain scan. I was kept in overnight but in the end they diagnosed me with a migraine and I've never had anything since.

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TiredTodayZzzz · 22/03/2019 17:36

Although you mention aura migraines, I'm not actually sure what these are but occasionally I suffer from blurred vision, where everything has an aura and people's faces are out of focus etc. A nurse I spoke to said it was migraine with aura but without the pain Confused

Babyfoal · 22/03/2019 17:38

You need to see your gp or ring 111.

TiredTodayZzzz · 22/03/2019 17:42

Ffs just read my post back and realised I must have accidentally deleted the paragraph that was the whole point of my post. Anyway , when they GP sent me up to A&E he let them no beforehand that I was on my way and gave me an envelope to give them. Of course I panicked and opened it, he had wrote the condition he suspected which I've completely forgotten but he was obviously concerned so I would call 111 just on the off chance it could be something more serious.

Jellyonawonkyplate · 22/03/2019 17:55

With pain like that and different to what you've previously I'd say you should seek advice asap.

Melroses · 22/03/2019 18:08

I used to get horrible headaches where I couldn't move without feeling sick. They used to start with my neck and teeth and move up. They used to set off if I felt the slightest bit thirsty.

Eventually, I worked out that it was an oestrogen withdrawal headache. They happened on a pill-free week (but irregularly which is why I took years to work it out) and got worse in peri-meno when my own oestrogen failed to kick in.

The only thing that worked was sipping water constantly, taking nurophen plus, and a good night's sleep.

I knew someone who was a soldier (male) who had exactly the same problem but never got to ask him about his hormones Grin We both tried dioralyte as a re-hydrator with little effect.

In your case, I would seek help from the doctor, as there is presumably no obvious trigger.

WholeL0ttaRosie · 22/03/2019 18:10

Does it feel better/ worse if you change position from lying down to sitting up? Sometimes sinusitis can give you an immense headache, like as if you're swimming under water and need to get to the surface.

Crunchymum · 22/03/2019 18:16

Its not that nasty virus going around? (I've got it again). Have sore ears, sore neck, head feels so heavy I can barely support it, sore gums, neuralgia, feel fuzzy and "not quite here".

MooominMamma · 22/03/2019 18:26

I had similar, turned out it was viral meningitis. Please get checked out asap. FYI pain got worse when Dr's raised my legs.

AfterSchoolWorry · 22/03/2019 19:17

And check for toothache, can feel unbelievably painful and pressurised.

Quartz2208 · 22/03/2019 19:25

Is it the same as the migraine you had before or different.

If the same then its a migraine

If different you need medical advice ASAP

MrsMozartMkII · 22/03/2019 19:34

Ditto getting medical advice soonest lass.

Moonflower12 · 22/03/2019 19:35

There is a nasty headache bug going round but please go and get checked out.

spiderlight · 22/03/2019 19:37

@backmassageplease How are you now? Have you seen a doctor?

Msgiggles30 · 22/03/2019 19:40

I felt this exact way last week although I had a bump to the head and this continued for 3 days so feel it may have been mild concussion. Felt like my head was in a vice. Could it be a cluster headache?

Awks · 22/03/2019 19:45

Get it checked out, especially if you start feeling or acting weirdly or feeling foggy. Encephalitis isn't common so am sure it's not that but your description does sound a bit like brain inflammation so best get that discounted if you're still feeling like that now.

Original poster
backmassageplease · 24/03/2019 08:43

Thanks all Thanks

I had a horrendous time. The headache finally disappeared after a big sleep yesterday afternoon. So I had it for over 24 hours.

However, today has come and it seems to be creeping back again.

I've got the headache that's starting to hurt like I can't move in a certain way, and the nausea is back. I haven't been sick though, yet at least.

I've taken I ibuprofen and hope it works.

Interestingly enough, I did try Tramadol twice when the headache was hellish and unbearable. It didn't work, it did absolutely nothing apart from enable me to lift my head up (although I was still in excruciating pain).

I sound dramatic but I'd rather have labour contractions than this headache.

OP posts:
OhYouBadBadKitten · 24/03/2019 08:46

If it's coming back I think you do need to get to an OOH doctors.

qwertyskirty · 24/03/2019 08:47

You still need to get it checked and if you cant go to the doctor I would go to an optician. (In fact you may be better off both in terms of access and knowledge in going to an optician first). I had something very similar to this. Ended up being a massive pressure inside my skull and was in hospital for more than 3 weeks.

Original poster
backmassageplease · 24/03/2019 08:51

I'll get ready and go - But this is my worry...

I'm terrified I'll have to remain sat up if I go to a walk in, out of hours GP, A&E etc etc

If it gets as bad as yesterday, I cannot do it. I cannot sit up. I'd rather lay on the floor in front of everyone.

I know I will most likely be made to sit up, but I can't do it. The very thought makes me want to vomit.

OP posts:
Imacliche · 24/03/2019 08:56

I had viral meningitis a few years back that started very much like this. I ended up at a&e and quickly dropped out of consciousness. Id be getting checked asap.

Imacliche · 24/03/2019 08:58

My head pain felt like my brain was swelling and getting too big for my head. extreme pressure, nothing made it better. Also light wasnt my friend.

babyno5 · 24/03/2019 09:03

@backmassageplease please tell the receptionist at a&e that you can't sit in waiting room. I had this at the start of the year and they put me in an examination room with a bed in the dark until a doctor was free to see me. Mine turned out to be a particularly bad migraine but at least they checked me out properly-brain scan and bloods. They also referred me to a neurologist so that I know have proper meds to take at the start of an attack.
At that time they gave me strong pain relief and anti nausea meds and kept me in until it had eased.
Get well soon 💐 xx

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