DH feels like head about to explode - really worried

[summerholsdreamin]

Have made DH make an emergency GP appointment for 1st thing in morning but would really appreciate any advice in the meantime.

About a week ago he started complaining that the base of his skull felt bruised. The pain continued and he started finding it difficult to turn his head after a few days.

Last night he couldn't sleep for the pain and today he left work at lunch as no painkiller (even co-codamol) was touching it. By this point the pain was radiating through his whole head.

He has finally fallen asleep after clutching his head for the last 2 hours but I have a feeling that as soon as the pain relief wears off he'll be in pain again.

Initially, he thought it might have been a trapped nerve but now the pain has moved not so sure. I suggested it could be some sort of migraine but I suffer and at worst the pain is only there for a couple of days.

Any advice gratefully received as really worried - obviously will take action if things develop further overnight

At the end it may turn out to be a neuralgia type migraine but all other things need excluded first. I would refer that up as an emergency if you came to see me and it would not be unreasonable to contact out of hours if it comes back again tonight.

I would call out of hours to be safe

I had a very similar experience a few weeks ago. The doctors prescribed pain killers while they investigated (bloods etc). Everything came back clear, it went on for almost 3 weeks and the doctor could only suggest a virus. My symptoms were an 'inside' pain at the top of my neck/bottom of hair line, pounding headaches (most days a dull progressive ache but some days I was confined to bed). Whole thing was very odd. Lots of fluids, painkillers and a heat pack on the back of neck all helped. Hope he feels better soon.

I almost never comment on medical threads but can't leave this one. With those symptoms I'd be calling 111 for advice and not waiting till morning. Hope your DH feels better soon.

Disclaimer: am a HCP but not a doctor and this is not my area.

How has he been otherwise? Any cold/flu symptoms?
I would think he needs seeing in A&E as could be meningitis or a leaking blood vessel.

Hmm, I get headaches like these & they start mostly at the base of my head. In my case they are caused by the top two joints in my neck. They feel very like a migraine and when the joints are very stiff the nerves can become very irritated too. It's a horrible pain but Physio/ dry needling can be very effective.

However, that's just me and really only you & your DP know what's best to do!! Better to be cautious than sorry I guess.

Hope things improve💐

"With those symptoms I'd be calling 111 for advice and not waiting till morning."

Same here. I am not an HCP, but have experience of this happening to a family member. She is fine now, but she needed urgent medical treatment. Please don't wait until tomorrow.

I'd want his blood pressure checked as a matter of urgency. 111 at least, and I say that as a migraine sufferer.

I would get this checked.
Dh had something like this 4 years ago, it needed urgent attention. He's fine now, but you don't take chances with heads and unusual headaches.
(Not meant to worry you though, chances are it's fine, but I'd still want it to be checked.)

On second thoughts I would seriously consider just going to A and E with him unless 111 sort out some kind of assessment for him tonight. Even if he seems to be sleeping comfortably it sounds as if he should be assessed and BP checked.

As I said, I have only ever commented on a handful of health threads and do not advise 111 / A and E lightly but I really wouldn't leave this one. Hopefully all is fine but I would get some real life advice now .

I've had similar before. I had trapped the occipital nerve and I had an agonising headache for several days. Literally nothing would touch it and I just wanted to die. It went on its own accord. Hopefully it is nothing serious but definitely worth getting it checked out!

Have spoken to 111 clinician who initially advised GP appt in morning but when I kicked off a bit she said she'd refer to an OOH GP who "should ring back in a couple of hours but wont come out to you"!

DH finally asleep now so will see how things progress. He says pain is coming up from behind ear and over his head.

Giant cell arteritis would be a possibility. Glad he's able to get some sleep.

So, after going through it all again for 4th time, they've agreed to send an OOH doctor within next 2 hours.

Right, which box set can I watch to keep me awake!

Hope he gets sorted out quickly op x

holy shit Michaelsheen just read up on giant cell arteritis!

Google is not your friend...step away from Google!

Glad you've insisted on someone coming out as he needs checking. If you're still not happy then go to a and e as he could need an MRI

The pain at base of neck is similar to what I get when a migraine is beginning however it's unusual for migraines to last more than about 48 hours

Hope the doc is out to you soon. It does sound bad to have been going on so long.

Hope your DH is seen and is ok and soon on the mend

So glad you called. It's better to be safe than sorry

Hope he's been seen by someone now and you're not still waiting.

Did he get seen?

How is he? Hope the pain is settling

Hownis your dh op..hope ok