Constant headaches

[BergamotAndBlackberrys]

For the past 8 weeks or so I wake up with constant pressure type headaches which go for a while during the day but come back and are usually present most of the time. No other obvious symptoms. I have a few stresses in my life and am a carer which I find hard. I had cancer 4 years ago but all scans since have been good (touch wood). My GP has referred me for a ct scan under the two week rule and I’m terrified about what may be found. Has anyone had this and it been ok? My blood test results came back today normal, but would they be testing for cancer/tumours with that? Just after some rational reasons behind the headaches…my mind isn’t being rational.

Have you had your blood pressure checked ? Eyes tested ? X

Blood pressure was checked and was fine and I have my eyes checked regularly due to an existing eye condition… but thank you for the suggestions.

Have you bumped your head fairly recently?

DS had headaches 10 weeks after bumping his and it turned out to be something called an arachnoid cyst. Had an operation last year and is fine now.
It is something you are born with but he'd never had any symptoms until after the bump and he's in his 30s. Not a headachey person normally.

Thank you @Mosaic123 . I haven’t I don’t think, no. I’m glad your son is now doing okay. It does give me hope that there are various reasons for headaches, which I guess I do know but I don’t feel very rational. Thank you though!

If you are under stress could you be biting down or grinding your teeth in your sleep? I've had constant dull headaches in the past from this.

Thank you @Planesmistakenforstars . I guess I could be subconsciously, I hope so. My husband hasn’t sad anything about it but I will ask him.

Sleep apnea?

It's good you're getting other investigation.
In the meantime time look up bruxism. I had this with no other symptoms other than an excruciating headache every morning and often all day. It is associated with stress, menopause- all the usual!
I0mg of amitriptyline each night has helped alot.

I'm very prone to headaches. I've had a terrible one all day. There are many things that set mine off.
You say you've been stressed. Stress definitely gives me headaches. Other triggers are:
Not enough sleep/sleeping too much
Dehydration (are you drinking enough?)
Sinus issues
Perimenopause (are you perimenopausal?)
When I need new glasses
When I've been looking at screens for too long
When I'm stressed and I unconsciously tense my jaw

I've thought of another trigger - when I have too much caffeine or when I'm reducing caffeine!

Do you take a lot of painkillers for it? That can cause overuse headaches and you can get into a vicious cycle with it.

Highly likely to be stress, anxiety or muscle tension. Once you start worrying about a headache you tense up even more and create a vicious cycle.

There are loads of other benign reasons for headaches including dehydration, sinus issues, virus, jaw clenching, hormonal imbalance, allergies etc. Good that you're getting a scan to reassure you but try to focus on the high probability that there is nothing seriously wrong. I know that's easier said than done!

Under stress it could be coming from your neck. After your CT scan comes back hopefully with no problems, you could consider seeing an osteopath to see if you are carrying tension in your spine.

I also wonder if it could be caffeine. I had horrendous unexplained headaches at times for years. I felt fuzzy headed and generally under the weather and it was only after giving up normal tea and coffee that they stopped, after a few days. Now I only drink decaffeinated tea and coffee but if I accidentally drink caffeine I know the next day as I genuinely feel as if I have flu, with a nasty headache. May be worth a try.