About DS headaches?

[Weathergames]

DS is 17, he has always suffered from headaches. Mainly (I think) because he doesn't drink anywhere near enough, he also drinks way too many energy drinks

He also suffers from a lot of nose bleeds. Have taken him to the GP a few yr ago and they said neither were anything to worry about but it carries in to come back.

Last week - 5 days he's had a splitting headache so today he went to the GP (first time on his own as I was at work).

After being reminded several times to mention the nose bleeds he "forgot" but was examined and given a massive box of co-codomal (which I am REALLY pissed off about - possibly as I myself have past addiction issues) and has been told to come back if it continues, and he possibly has a problem with his neck.

Surely that was him coming back as it is continuing and this should be further investigated?

Or am I worrying for no reason?

After a year that won't be considered 'coming back' however it does seem a bit off simply to hand out cocodomol. I would leave it a week and then go back, if possible with him. May need neurology ref.

What does 'always' mean? from childhood? through his teens?

Energy drinks look like poison in a can to me, I have no idea how people can drink so many. My brother and his pals drink them by the bucket load too. Is he aware of the health risks, have you had a look together at the contents of one of them? caffeine is not ideal for teenagers.

Yes we have had MANY discussions about energy drinks and caffeine - all of which fall on deaf ears.

He has always had them for at least the last 10 years, but recently got worse.

Apparently she asked if he'd be diagnosed as suffering with Migraines and he said no but she didn't offer to refer him on anywhere.

Ufff must be frustrating, OP.

Poor lad for having to suffer it, any way. Will he be moving out next year? if so, it's probably worth pushing a bit to get him to see someone who might get him to take it seriously. Doesn't sound as though he'd be inclined to on his own (and young men aren't great at that anyway).

Caffeine can cause migraines. Co-codomol gives some people headaches. How about about amitriptaline for preventing migraines and giving up caffeine ? Also keeping a food diary will help identify other migraine triggers.

OMG no I don't want him taking amiltriptulyne. My GP have me that once it was awful - and he spaced out enough!

Has he had an eye test? I've just went through the exact same thing with my 9 year old. He now has the correct prescription and his migraines have disappeared since getting new glasses and he was lucky to get one pain free day a week prior to this.

Did he actually tell the doctor about the energy drinks?

Bit hard for a doctor to help, if they don't have the relevant details.

I don't know as wasn't there ...

Hmm eye test might be a good idea - but you'd think the Dr would've asked?!

You take it at a low dose. I was prescribed beta blockers first but they spaced me out! I think (like most men) you need to go with him to the doctor's.

Cocodamol not great idea, can give "analgesic induced headache" .
Amitryptilline is good idea, a lot of people tolerate it well. But if it's migraine then he needs migraine prophylaxis. Agree stop caffeine and reduce energy drinks.

I would take the co-codamol over the amitriptyline.

But I think YABU. He is 17, I don't think you should be dictating what medications he is taking and projecting your own addiction issues onto him is not right either.

He should definitely ditch the energy drinks though, all that caffeine, sugar and other toxic nonsense can't be good.

He has been having energy drinks for 10 years?! What since he was 7yo?

I really hope not.