Headache + eye pain

[user666555]

Hello,

Posting on AIBU for traffic.

I'm going to make an appointment this coming week, however I was just wondering if anyone else has had any experience of this...?

I keep getting headaches on a daily basis. I'm also feeling the pain behind my right eye.

As I said, I will see the GP but any idea as to what it could be?

Thanks

How often are you taking painkillers?

There was an episode of an Irish show called "Doctor in the House" where a man had persistent, crippling headaches - it turns out that they were caused by his reliance on taking painkillers pretty much every single day.

Taking too many painkillers isn't good for you and can cause all kinds of problems.

I'd also have a think about your diet, water and caffeine intake.

I've booked an eye test for Thursday. Hope I get more of a detailed answer then.

In terms of anything that could be causing a tension headache, I don't think I'm doing anything new or different to cause one? Same pillow, same mattress - nothings really changed and I can't rectify anything until I don't know what needs changing.

Think going to the opticians will provide a better insight. My grandma lost her eyesight due to glaucoma so I'm happy I've booked the eye test.

I'm currently on maternity leave - whilst my job does usually require me to stare at a screen all day (with breaks ofc) I've not been working so don't think that's the problem. I've also reduced how much I've been on my phone to see if that helps - again no real difference.

Hoping it gets a bit better by Thursday. I've never had a headache quite like this

My cluster headaches sound like that. Does one tear eye tear up and droop a bit during it? That’s classic cluster headache.

Another update, so I had an eye test today. The optician said that the change in prescription is very slight so he doesn't believe that such a small change would cause headaches daily. He checked the general health of my eyes too and said he had no concerns. He said I'd need to go back to the GP in regards to headaches but I've not really found the GP to be helpful.

Still experiencing them everyday. Tried changing pillows etc but no luck

Could it be medication overuse headache? Are you taking painkillers often/at all for it? Do any painkillers help more than others e.g. if paracetamol doesn't help, does aspirin?

Go back to the GP and stress that it is affecting your quality of life. Ask for a referral to a headache specialist neurologist (they exist, apparently - I'm yet to see one, but I'm told they exist 🤣). You will be waiting a loooong time, so see if they're willing to refer you for a few of the standard tests in the meantime - CT, possibly MRI etc - to cut down the extra waits once you're through to the neurologist (my GP did this).

Are you drinking enough. I get pain behind one eye when I'm dehydrated.

You say you're taking painkillers - are you sure your headaches aren't medication induced?

What happens if you just stop taking painkillers for a period of time?

Sorry I forgot to mention I have tried to go cold turkey with the painkillers and I've still had a headache. Neither paracetamol nor Ibuprofen have helped. Think I'll probably need to go back to my unhelpful GP

Cold turkey takes a few weeks at least to take effect. You might need to be patient.

That’s good news. Now you can go back to the GP and ask to try some headache medication knowing you don’t have red flags.

Hi OP been a couple of months but did they eventually subside? I can't believe no one has mentioned hormones!