NC as outing. DS12 has had a constant headache for nearly three weeks. Has had previous episodes of headache over last three or so years, but none so bad or long-lasting. Had some vertigo with it for the first week (now stopped) and is finding it harder than normal to focus eyes (no constant blurred vision). Headache is mainly at front, with pain radiating in a band around head. Pain varies from mild to moderate, but never goes away completely. Present on waking and all day (waking occasionally at night but no worse at night). Has missed many days of school. Also feeling permanently cold and tired, with severe breathlessness once after exercise.
On one hand, NHS have been brilliant. Have had two urgent treatment visits, two GP appts, a course of ABs for possible sinusitis, an urgent paeds referral with two consultations, an ECG and two blood tests, all within a fortnight. Have also seen an optician and a dentist.
All results basically normal. Blood test showed low ferritin and neutrophils, but not crazily low - all else fine. Optician fine (no swelling). ECG fine. Repeated neuro checks fine (strength, balance, eye coordination etc etc). No nausea or vomiting.
All doctors have reassured us that there's no indication of a sinister cause (tumour etc). But I'm really unsure about the outcome. Consultant paediatrician has diagnosed migraine probably due to incipient puberty and stress, and prescribed Pizotifen for a few weeks/months to see if it helps. We gave DS one tablet tonight, but I've now done some more thinking and reading, and I really don't know whether to continue. I don't think the symptoms are like migraine (more like chronic tension headache). The coldness and fatigue seems to have been ignored. Although I realise we wouldn't necessarily know, I really don't think DS is suffering from stress. And it doesn't even seem like Pizotifen is the normal first line for chronic migraine any more. She also told us there were no side effects, which doesn't seem true! This seems like a big step to take after three weeks of unexplained headache with other symptoms which don't really fit migraine that well, as far as I can see. I'd really like an MRI, but I appreciate that the NHS doesn't want to fund this just to reassure me.
Questions - firstly, AIBU? Should I listen to the consultant and try what's been recommended in spite of my doubts? Second, if I go withy gut, am I OK to stop giving the Pizotifen? The leaflet says to never withdraw it suddenly - but is this OK after just one dose? And if I do, what next? I like my GP very much, but presumably her only step is to refer us to paeds - which she's already done.
I'm seriously considering a private paeds consultant. I just don't know what to do.