Awake and panicking about headache

[MummaPI]

Just needed to talk.
Had a headache for 5 weeks, had a couple of days each week where I haven't. Seen GP, said it could be migraines, hormones or arthritic neck. I have tried not to worry as no red flags but I've woken up and its hurting again. I'm in a panic as I know this is a red flag. I really want a brain scan to put my mind at rest.
Anyone awake who can chat with me please?

I'm on nights so I'm listening. Did the headache itself wake up up? Any neck stiffness or photophobia?

I would call 111 (NHS Direct 0845 4647 in North Wales) and get assessed by a nurse advisor. He/she can go through your symptoms and advise you on what your next step is.

No I went to bed with yet another headache and woke in the night with it still. Its throbbing and I'm now up as I cant sleep. I'm really worried but I don't think its emergency type thing. I have a tight neck from arthritis.

111/NHSD isn't just for emergencies. It's a nurse advice line too. Now it's almost morning, ring your GP surgery and get an appointment. Be assertive about wanting these symptoms investigated fully.

Thanks I will

Seen the GP. She said blood pressure slightly raised so monitor that for a week. Both her and optician looked in my eyes and said they look fine. Going back in a week for a possible referral to headache clinic. She didnt seem to think it wa anything sinister.

Urgh, I feel for you.

A couple of years ago, I had a migraine for 6 weeks. It was awful.

I ended up in A&E after hearing popping in my head.

They gave me a neuro exam, looked in my eyes and recommended my GP book me in for a CT scan.

Had the scan and nothing was seen to give me the almighty headache.

It went after 6 weeks - it was truly awful. It was there day and night.

I've had an MRI in the meantime for something else and that was fine too.

No explanation as to why it happened either.

Good luck xx

Are you taking anything for it?

Forgot to say, the doctor thought the popping noise in my head was my sinuses.

Thanks for your replies.
I've been told to take ibuprofen 3 times a day for a week and then go back. I've tried lots of things before that but the only thing that worked was syndol and I slept for ages with that!

Neck issues and headaches are, unfortunately, very closely related. I suffered vile headaches for years after getting severe whiplash after a car accident. Still get them but not as bad.

Where abouts in the head does it hurt? And what type of pain (stabbing/sharp/throbbing/constricting etc?)

That's the thing, I can get then anywhere. Can range from a throb to a dull ache. I very often get a tight neck with it so I think this will come down to my arthritis in the end. Really do appreciate all your replies folks

Sorry I’m late replying. The reason I asked earlier was because I developed migraine mid 30’s but didn’t think that’s what they were so I just took paracetamol and ibuprofen. It got to a point I was taking tablets 4 days a week. The headaches where almost every day and were driving me to distraction and despair.

After a stroke (embolic not haemorrhagic so not headache related as such) I explained the headaches to my consultant who diagnosed analgesic induced (rebound) headaches. Apparently I did have migraine that lasted a couple of days but the daily headaches were from regular OTC meds. Give it a google for a much better explanation.

Just thought I’d mention it in case you’ve been taking painkillers for more than a few days and could actually be having rebound headaches.

Thanks, it could be that. I'm worried it's a warning sign for a stroke