To freak out about headache

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I have had a bad headache since yesterday. I was perfectly fine this morning but it has developed again throughout the day. Prior to this I had a few days of a weird feeling in my head but not pain as such, perhaps a bit of vertigo and sensitivity to light. I even went for an eye test but everything was fine on that front. It is localised to the right side.
I have never suffered with headaches and am now convinced it is a brain tumour and I can't sleep at all. My DM passed away from a brain tumour which isnt helping.
Stories of weird headaches that turned out to be nothing would help. Thank you so much

I've had migraines very similar to what you are describing, have a Google and see if you feel your symptoms match up.
Try not to fret because the stress will probably make it worse.
Easier said than done I know.

I’d never had headaches before, but after a few stressful life events I get migraines now. The symptoms are exactly as you describe, I also feel physically ill and tired. Sometimes the pain can feel like a pressure behind my eye on one side.

A strong painkiller like the over the counter codeine from your pharmacist and lots of rest in dimly lit areas, avoiding screens helps until it subsides.

Sorry about your mum, it’s worth going to the Dr to have a check. They can reassure you and possibly offer medication to help prevent migraines in the future.

Sounds like a migraine but also a symptom of covid.

You have classic migraine symptoms. The weird feeling, light sensitivity etc is the the prodrome stage of the migraine. Pain on one side is also indicative of a migraine.

The headache stage that you’re at now can generally last up to 72 hours so don’t panic if it hasn’t gone tomorrow. Take anti inflammatories...ideally aspirin but only if you’re ok to take that. Paracetamol will do nothing. Stay hydrated. Rest in a quiet, dark place and wait it out.

Don’t be surprised if you feel like you’ve been hit by a bus once the pain goes. That’s the postdrome phase, often called the migraine hangover.

I’m unfortunately very well versed in migraine; they are the bane of my life. I totally understand with the history of your mum why you are worrying about brain tumours. I just wanted to reassure that I read your post and it really does present as classic migraine symptoms. We’re all living with chronic stress and have a lowered window of tolerance right now so even if you’ve never suffered from them before, we’re all a bit more prone if that makes sense? Plus lying awake in the middle of the night, in pain, can take your mind to some darker places so it’s only natural for you to be thinking about your mum and worrying. If it continues then definitely go to the GP and get checked out but I definitely wouldn’t panic yet.

Hope you feel better soon.

Aspirin does nothing for my migraines but paracetamol helps.

Try something cold on your forehead op. I find that really soothing.

It's vastly unlikely to be a brain tumor but there's no harm in getting checked if you're still suffering tomorrow.

You are so kind thank you so much. Can migraine pain be quite mild? It is bad compared to not having a headache, but is bearable in that I I haven't felt the need to take painkillers. Ithought migraines were usually very debilitating. I will try to be positive and get some sleep. I have definitely been more stressed lately so hopefully it's that. But then I also see that personality changes are a sign of brain tumours and i have definitely developed anxiety over the last few months which wasnt usual for me before. Argh

My DM’s brain tumour was discovered 10 years ago. It’s was mostly removed and the remainder is slow growing and she’s doing absolutely fine now. However it’s always played on my mind. Last year I was going through a difficult time as my Dsis young son was extremely ill. All of a sudden, I started getting right hand sided migranes. I’m 29 and had never had them before. Sometimes my head felt weird and sometimes the pain was horrific and I was violently sick for hours. I was getting them every day or every second day for the whole month. My gp referred me for an urgent mri. I was convinced I had a brain tumour because of what happened to my DM but thankfully the scan was clear. Looking back I definitely think it was stress induced due to the worry I had for my nephew. I have only had 1 since. There is so many reasons for getting migranes. Bodies react to so many things. Try and not worry (easier said then done). Maybe you’d feel more reassured speaking to your gp. Take care Op

Yes it can be mild pain. Think of it as a scale of 1-10. 1 can be very mild or even no pain and 10 would be incredibly debilitating agony.

Yes it can be mild pain. I have had migraines for years, with a badish pain that can last all day and feeling nauseous. You may have to test a number of pain killers to help, I use pink Migraleve at the first sign now and go to bed to try to sleep with a cold flannel on the forehead, mostly it does the trick, although sometimes I do have to take extra tablets throughout the day, yellow migraleve or paracetamol, aspirin does nothing for me

If you are still worried go and see the gp

If you had a brain tumour the eye test would have picked up swelling/pressure behind your eye.

It sounds like you have health anxiety, could you try some mindfulness? ... book a GP if you're feeling no better in a couple of days

Thank you so much, I did manage a few hours sleep. No headache this morning but still the weird feeling on one side of ny head, though it might just be because I'm obsessing over it. most sites say brain tumour pain tends to be worse in the morning so fingers crossed, sleep definitely seems to sort mine!