I've had a headache for nearly 3 weeks - what could it be?

[IwishIwasmoreorganised]

It started as a normal headache, then went just to the right side of my head. As the day went on it got worse and worse until my vision was affected and I had to lie down all evening. I was feeling nauseous and hot/cold intermittently.

Next day it was much better, vision fine no nausea no hot/cold but still the pain on the right side of my head.

The pain has stayed at variable intensities for nearly 3 weeks now, and for the last 3 or 4 days, I feel a heavy type of sensation around my right eye and side of my nose. The inside of my mouth feels slightly numb. A couple of times the pain has woken me from my sleep.

I've tried taking some decongestants thinking that perhaps my sinuses were a bit bunged up, but it's no better.

I've been to my GP, who has said it if carries on for 3 more weeks then he would consider referring me on (he wouldn't say who to - it would depend on the symptoms at the time).

I've been good and not googled my symptoms as I'm sure it would tell me that I have something awful!

Does anybody have any idea what could be causing this (apart from a brain tumour which I'm slowly convincing myself is what it must be)

A few questions might help:

You mention normal headache, what is a normal headache to you.
And how often do you get them?
And what do you take for them?

You mention a "heavy" sensation around the eye and nose.
Is your lid swollen?
Is your eye red?
Is your nose blocked or running?

Perhaps you need glasses?

Sounds like cluster headaches

I hope they ease off for you.

Thanks all for your positive posts.

Pixie Yes it's still here now (unfortunately). My face isn't completely numb, and I saw my GP this morning, no mention of stroke etc, so I'm not concerned about that

DBennett A normal headache to me involves all of the head, not just one side. Lasts a few hours and is usually ease with paracetamol or ibuprofen. I get them once a month or so, usually when I'm most tired.
There's no redness, drooping or swelling around my eye, nor is my nose blocked or running.

Monty I already wear glasses, and had my eyes checked about 6 months ago, but will try to get an appointment with my optician asap to be checked.

nottirednow thanks, I'll try raising my head. He was quite adamant that I should only go back to the Drs if things get worse or are still the same in another 3 weeks

sorry thingumy Thanks for your post too, but I really hope you're no right. I've heard of cluster headaches and they sound really awful.

have you been checked by a dentist too?

Hmmm, not really sure what to suggest I'm afraid.

It's almost certainly not linked to glasses. There is little evidence that glasses are linked to headaches (as opposed to eye-strain) and they certainly don't follow these symptoms.

I confess not to being convinced by the possibility of headache attributed to rhinosinusitus, there should be more nasal symptoms.
But there is a lot of variability in these things.

The first incidence has most, if not all, the characteristics of a migraine.
There are a lot of things that can cause a headache like that to go persistent in the manner you described but you need specialist input to work through them.

I think you need a neurology referral to investigate them.

nottirednow I've rung the GP this morning to ask about antibiotics, he's not keen as he doesn't think it's sinus related. There's no swelling or redness on my face at all and I've not noticed that it's worse in the morning or leaning forward.

I've got a load of Lymecycline upstairs for a recurrent groin cyst - would that do or not?

I agree that he's trying to avoid an expensive referral, but they know that we have private medical cover, so surely that shouldn't be an issue?

DBennett You sound well informed, what kind of things can cause symptoms like this? I don't want to Google and scare myself senseless!!

I seriously am sure I have read about someone having pain like this caused by a dental abscess, so I would also consult a dentist (I also work for a dentist).

Hope you get it sorted out anyway.

The things that are most likely are all primary headaches, that is they are not being caused by some other disorder.

They do all have physiological mechanisms underlying them of course but I don't think you're meaning that.

P.S. Dental causes are linked with facial pain but don't fit with the initial attack or subsequent persistence. Possible but unlikely.

yes, I don't think it's the MOST likely cause either but surely worth a quick X-ray to rule dental causes out?

I have to disagree with DBennet regarding glasses and headaches. I always suffer from headaches when I need new glasses. I spent a month earlier this year thinking I had a brain tumour, until I figured out it was just that I needed a new prescription.

Get a referral now, the GP is not a specialist, you can insist. MY CM had something like this and finally got a referral after being messed around for months by her GP , she has private medical cover aswell.

She saw the consultant and he took her straight to hospital and operated the same afternoon, she had some kind of cyst that could have burst at any time.

Not saying that to worry you on purpose, but, if it doesn't feel right to you and the GP has no explanation then insist on a referral asap.

You have every right, if the GP refuses a referral then speak to the practice manager. Those people who make a fuss (who are not hypochondriacs) will get better care than those who don't.

@plumm

There is a paucity if good evidence on this issue but the British Association for the Study of Headache don't think it is (page 15) and although the Headaches Associated with Refractive Error is still included in The International Classification of Headache Disorders it accounts for only a tiny proportion of diagnosis.

I didn't say impossible.
But it is highly unlikely.

ealingkate I know deep down that perhaps I should insist on a referral immediately, but I also am quietly hoping that it will go by itself pretty soon. This, combined with my respect for my GP and belief that he is acting in my best interest (at least I hope he is!) is stopping me from going back just yet.

I work for the remainder of the week, so it'll be pretty tricky to go back unless things do deteriorate. I'm going to the opticians though, and am doing my best to get a dental appointment sorted.

Any thoughts on the Lymecycline?

It's a bad idea to take left over antibiotics.

Not least because you're unlikely to be able to muster a full course thus raising the possibility of a stronger rebound problem.

I had something similar and was diagnosed with benign paroxysmal hemicrania it responds well to aspirin and other anti inflammatories You need to see a neuro though to diagnose

No, I've got loads of them - could do at least a 10 day course qds if necessary!. I'm to self start them when a cyst thing in my groin flares up, and if it's not settling within 3 or 4 days then I have to go to see the Dr. Oddly enough, it's not flared up since I've been prescribed the ab's for self start!

Are they the right sort though, or for a completely different thing?

noddy - will I get scared if I google that?!

No!

Oh good! I'll have a look later.

End of lunchtime MN time now - DS2 has woken up!