Is this pain a headache, or a problem with my eyesight?

[jofeb04]

I've had a really severe pain just over my right eye (along eyebrow) and around the eye socket type area. The pain comes on about the same time every day (which makes me think it is only a headache), and lasts for about 5hours. Painkillers does not help me at all (so thinking about eyesight).
I rang my doctors today at 2pm, waited all day for a telephone conversation, and still haven't heard from them and obviously won't hear from her now!

So, is it a headache (if so, how can I stop it coming on) or is it my eyesight?

Thanks

Well, I doubt anyone here would be able to confirm it for you.

Book an appointment with an optician and he will be able to confirm either way.

I know I should go to the optician really, haven't been for a number of years (about 11!).

Is it best to go to optician's first and then the Dr's, or vice versa?

My DH had a similar thing, turned out to be migraine, his was a touch involved as it all started after an epileptic type incident, but he takes a tablet every day and has'nt had one for over a year. Your GP should be able to put you right.

Could it be this ?
I would say go to the doctor first.

Thanks for that Jangly, but I don't think it is that.

Ivor, my dh thought it might be migranes, but I wasn't too sure (saying that, I don't suffer with headaches normally, so I do not know what I migrane actually feels like iyswim)

How old are you? It could be cluster headaches - although they normally come with changes in the season, spring and autumn - I think they normally start in people in late 20s. The pain can be severe for an hour or two, then still achy after that, so not sure about your five hour thing. I think you need a doctor not optician.

I'm with Bekks. I suffer from cluster headaches and they can be hell. Mine always appear over my right eye and when there's a significant change in temperature quickly.
My doctor put me on co-codamol for the pain.
Getting your eyesight checked would be a good idea as eye strain can set off a headache or make it worse.

My DH did'nt get headaches before, he said it felt more like a panic attack, he got floaters (strange things in front of his eyes) and a stabbing pain above his eyes. He thought he was loosing it and it was all down to stress! Took some convincing to get him to go to the doctors, but thats him allover But like I said if it is a migraine, its easy enough to treat. Go see the vet, they'll sort you out.

Becks,
I'm 25, and the pain is what I am feeling. It seems to come on suddenly, is really painful for 3hours, then takes time for it to go.

A visit to the doctors is needed!

jofeb04, sounds like a cluster headache which is related to migrane - it may be worth having your eyes tested anyway to rule this out, but then follow it up with a visit to your GP. HTH

My ex gets them. In the meantime you could try Midrids, which you should be able to get over the counter - they are regular pain killers (though not very well known) - but you have to catch it really quickly. He often woke up with it. Obviously have a word with the pharmacist or read the label! He also has stuff as a preventive measure to try and stop them happening, but only takes it in the change of season cluster period. There are also sprays / injections etc.

You may find that the doctor doesn't know anything or much about them. They are called cluster headaches because they come in clusters for a week or two, and then they'll go away and you'll get nothing until the next cluster. It's not clear what causes them - latest theory is that it's a bit of extra grey matter in the hypothalmus (I think). My ex's started when he was 25 too.

There's a website called something like ouch which is used by people who get cluster headaches and this should give you more info.

Hope this helps. They are horrible, but can be managed, and if this is what it is, you are probably half way through your cluster.

Take care.