Horrible head pain :( help advice please

[lucyfluff]

Hi just wondered if anybody had advice for me?

I started getting nasty headaches about two years ago which have been very infrequent (every few months) until now. The GP prescribed Amitriptilene every time which eased it a little but its still a dull ache.

However from about 2 months ago my headache is there every day, on one side of my head, starts off behind my ear and then gradually gets horrific. I have had dizzy spells, numb face, feeling sick(but not been yet), tired and generally not feeling myself.

I have had an eye test/blood test which only showed low iron.

Do you think I shold push the GP again as I am really struggling with 3 children at home too. Even to the point I think it could be something serious.

Thanks Lucy

Yes definitely go back and explain that your struggling with 3 children you poor thing. Is it like thunder clap headache? Can you see that it's been brought on by anything you eat or stress or more in the mornings of evenings? X

I have an apt next wed so will go to that and try to explain how bad its got. Its like a dull ache constantly and then occasionally I will get a stabby pain but its always on one side :(

I could see that being tired affects it (my youngest is only 7mnths) but this isnt a normal headache it really feels wierd.

Its there as soon as I wake up, all day really x

I think you need to see a DIFFERENT GP urgently.

I had migraine for which Zolmatriptin was prescribed. I had much the same symptoms although less frequently than you.

I went to a different GP for something and mentioned I needed a repeat from my zolmatriptin and she started quizzing me extensively on symptoms (like face numb etc). She thought it was very serious and basically refused the zolmatriptin. With her help I now virtually have no headaches - (i needed to change contraceptive pill to a POP). Her view was I needed to treat the cause of the headaches not try to dull the symptoms which were possible signs of a stroke.

Don't want to alarm you but I would go ASAP.

I am seeing a different GP next week. Could I just ask what POP is? I tried swapping the patch to pill last month and this didnt help. I am now sticking with the patch as this agrees with me.

I dont think these headaches are contraceptive related x

Sounds a bit like something my mum has called trigeminal neuralgia. Basically the nerve goes straight to the brain so painkillers don't really work. I think it can come and go and get better and worse, but the numb face would suggest to me a nerve problem.

I would push for an MRI scan if I were you - not that I think it's anything serious, but it will help rule things out so you can get to the bottom of it.

Do you have any problems with your hearing? Ear infections? What about neck tension on that side? I was having terrible headaches, loss of hearing and facial numbness then (after having lots of tests) went for a deep tissue massage and it all went away.....

Thanks messykitchen. Yes my neck on the same side seems quite tight. I also have scolosis of the spine so wondered if this was all linked in some wierd way?

Im just so low with having this everyday, I feel so out of sorts. My ears are fine though.

I was thinking of getting an emergency apt tmrw but do you think the doctors will take a while to refer for a MRI?

I get migraines like this, went for MRI and all fine with it. Beta blockers are the daily route that can be helpful but I have a nasal spray that really helps.

I'd really push for an MRI if I was you, particularly if your headaches are worse in the mornings or in the middle of the night.

While you are waiting, check out Syndol tablets

It might be linked but I am not a medical bod so I really can't say. I'd say get to a different GP and ask if it could be linked - I think at the very least they should give you an x-ray.

I can't remember how long it took for my MRI scan to come through, but I was referred to ENT first, and then by them for the MRI.

I think you should definitely push to have something further done - whether it be a scan, x-ray or a referral to a specialist. Make a point of mentioning the numbness too - might get you a referral to a neurologist.

Hope you manage to get to the bottom of it and try not to worry - it is far more likely to be something harmless than something serious but always best to get checked out .

Thankyou everyone for the replies.

I panicked last night rang the duty GP and spoke to him, he prescribed Tramadol and an increase in Amitriptilene until next wednesday. I told him I was getting very concerned and wanted a scan. So I have to discuss this next week with the possibility of a neurologist referral. He did also say that because these headaches have been ongoing over two years it wasnt anything serious but I just want peace of mind really.

I woke this morning feeling a tiny bit better but will see how the week goes on these new tablets x

I'd still demand an MRI if I was you...

My 83 year-old neighbour had her Carotid arteries Ultra sounded and they found one on the left side of neck was " rather furred up", and as that can be a risk of a stroke, they cleaned it out for her. You have 2 carotid arteries one on the left and one on the right side of the neck. Not that she had headaches, but that can cause them.

My dad had headaches for years until they discovered high blood pressure and went on the tablets, and his headaches disappeared.
A narrowed vertebrae in the back of the neck, is a common cause for women, which causes problems when sleeping in bed, as the nerve gets caught and i used to get the pain in the mornings. Also causes dizzy spells.

Migraines with sickness my sister has had for decades but usually once a year at the most, now.
It can be many things.

Oh, and POP is progesterone only pill

I think it's great that you are feeling a bit better on the painkillers, but you need to really be persistent with the GP to get to the bottom of the cause of this, otherwise you are going to end up dependent on painkillers forever. If you do manage to get an x-ray or MRI and it shows up nothing, then you might find help with an osteopath of chiropractor, as well as physio or sports massage. What sort of treatment do you get for your scoliosis? Have they ever discussed surgery?

And FWIW, although digerd makes a good point about the carotid arteries, this really only affects older people. You can get a free scan to put your mind at rest but only if you are over 40 (sorry you don't say how old you are).

Thankyou again for the replies.

I have just turned 30. My back is not bad enough for surgery, I basically have a weak spot on my spine that always 'goes' and then I have anti-inflammitories. I was referred for physio and given daily exercises but tbh my back hasnt felt bad its more the top of my neck.

The painkillers are numbing the pain, but its still there, and its definatly making my right eye feel a bit strange. Im going to push for a scan next week even if I have to cry at the GP because its not going away and I really dont want to live on tablets.

Hopefully I will get to the bottom of this!! xx

I get similar headaches, start behind right ear, gradually move up around right side of head. I went to a private neurologist & got an MRI which showed muscle spasms in my neck and shoulders. Had 3 mos of physio & dr also said to swim and do Pilates at least once a week. I can't begin to describe the difference this has made. I'm stronger & feel better in myself, and I don't get debilitating headaches anymore. With 3 children it's probably difficult for you to get time for exercise so I don't know how helpful this advice will be!

I think it sounds like Trigeminal Neuralgia too, I hope the neurologist can help.

Just a quick update from the docs yesterday...

She has referred me for a x-ray on my neck to see if that is a cause of the headaches. She also upped the amitriptilene to 50mg a night and said she was pretty sure it is a cluster of headaches that needs to be under control with the correct medication. She checked BP/my eyes/blood results and said there were no 'reg flag' indicators to suggest anything nasty.

All positive I guess, have to go back in two weeks to see her again. I feel like she may be right about the migraines, just would still like a head scan for peace of mind so if the x-ray comes back clear I will ask for it I think x