Dull throbbing pain on both sides of my head lasting 1 week!!! Aibu to go to a hospital?

[OrientalDaisy]

I am really worried at this stage. I developed an ice pick headache over a week ago which was just annoying and would strike out of nowhere and lasted a few seconds each time. It had happen quite a few times but then the following day I was back to normal. However last Tuesday so exactly a week ago I woken up with a very very heavy feeling in my head. I was exhausted. My head was hurting and spinning. I am still with this constant dull ache on both sides of my head (feels like its really really tight and the tightness is not going away ! ) . No painkillers have been helping tried aspirin with paracetomol one, paracetomol and Iboprufen. Nothing helps with the feeling. It is not as bad at night and I can sleep but it is always there. I am getting very worries as DH needs to be away this weekend and I will be with 2 kids. Any advice? Aibu to try and get emergency appointment tomorrow morning ,with GP? I've never had headaches/migraines before even with colds and flu so I have no idea if this even a normal duration for a headache. Any help will be very appreciated !!!

You could try 111 - they might at least be able to advise you of the next best step.

Try either 111 or your local walk-in centre of you have one.

Make sure you are really well hydrated.

I'd try this too.

I've always been drinking a lot and its definitely not that. Caffeine... not had more than 2 cups as I would normally have. Can migraine or a tension headache be this bad?? I've never had any headache that lasted more than 30 mins in my life and its getting on my nerves at this stage. I am in tears because it just wouldn't go away ☹

I am absolutely worried that it might be something quite sinister .

Yes, migraine can indeed be that bad - my worst have lasted weeks and the pain has been horrific.

You need to be seen by a Dr, but whether you see a GP or go to A&E is up to you. A&E is a terrible place to be with head pain IMO. An emergency GP appointment seems highly appropriate - do NOT let the reception staff put you off, it's definitely an urgent need.

How are you with bright lights right now?

I had similar, like a tension headache for a week. Docs did standard tests and my blood pressure was through the roof so maybe check that.

You just need to see a GP. Have you considered it could be hayfever?

Emergency GP appointment first.

Covid? Pains down both sides of my head was my first symptom, and it was an absolutely crushing headache for at least a week.

Does it feel like a hangover headache? And you said relieved when lying down?

DH had similar. I can’t remember the medical term but he had a leak of cerebral fluid from the spinal cord. When he lay down it felt marginally better. When he stood up it gradually came back.

he was due to have something called a blood patch and it resolved itself as apparently it can do.

if only I could remember what it’s called….

Cerebrospinal fluid leak - that’s it

Have you been taking regular paracetamol (within max doses) as it is most effective cumulatively? Take ibuprofen at different intervals so every couple of hours taking something.
111 or emergency gp and an optician appointment would be my suggestion.
Hope it eases for you!

I went to hospital with a migraine and was admitted. If your concerned just go. Yes migraines can go on for weeks

Also if it is migraine, paracetamol won't do shit. You need to see a Dr

@Mykittensmittens yes cerebral spinal fluid leak csf for short. I had terrible headaches like your husband that would get worse during the day always there make me feel sick. I didn’t have a leak at that time but had intercrainal high pressure (too much csf, fluid around your brain and in your Spain increasing the pressure in my head).
Developed a leak (from my nose) much later.

Yes tried taking something every 4 hours or so and nothing helped one bit. Called 111 and they advised to go to the out of hours but it is in the hospital and I cannot leave 2 kids tonight as DH still not back from work. Will probably call my GP early morning tomorrow and hope they can see me straightaway. I believe me getting worked up now made me more panicky and therefore everything feels worser.

The spinal fluid leak sounds really worrying. Yes , the pain is definitely better when I rest and lie down and gets worse throughout the day. Its like my head is squeezed tightly . 😟😟

@OrientalDaisy it probably sounds worse than it is I recall panicking! My DH did it playing rugby. Best to get a check - and be rid of the horrible headache!

Wouldn't know about high blood pressure usually got a low one so maybe that. Will try and get emergency gp tomorrow or call 111 again.

I believe I am also experiencing some vision problems can that be also a sign or a result of migraine. If painkillers don't help what usually does with that sort of headaches? 😟😟

There are migraine specific drugs available on prescription that can abort a migraine, I use sumatriptan which works really well for me, whereas normal painkillers do absolutely nothing.

There are also various drugs and some supplements such as magnesium, vitamin B2 and coenzyme q10 that can work as preventatives, reducing the frequency and severity of migraines.

Hope you can get checked out tomorrow and get some relief soon.

If you've never had a headache lasting more than 30 mins in your life, you've been quite lucky. Migraines can cause really extreme, severe pain and can last for days. I've had a headache for 3 weeks before, I've always been very prone to headaches. The worst migraines I've had are literally a 10/10 on the pain scale. The only thing that works when I have them is 2x cocodamol + 2x ibuprofen and laying in bed in the dark waiting for it to go away.

Don't worry too much initially - it's probably not something serious if you're not in extreme pain. I was told recently by a GP that if the headache gets better when you lay down and rest, that's a good sign. Also the "squeezing" pain you describe sounds like a tension headache.

Try not to panic. Book a GP appointment tomorrow morning. You'll be ok.

Going through this myself actually, I have had a headache for 6 weeks now, GP was great has given me Pizotifen and I have to back in 4 weeks time, To be honest I was very worried as my Mum died from a brain tumour but I don't have some of the symptoms associated with that according to my GP, also I have had severe bowel problems in the past that have not gone away and headaches can be associated with that as well so he is keeping an eye on that He was also impressed with my BP which is excellent (what ever that means )