A headache that won't go away

[prefernot]

I've had a headache for almost 2 weeks now. It's over my forehead (makes my eyes feel very heavy), occasionally thumps on the top of my head and is generally like a pressure around my whole head. I gave up smoking 2 weeks ago and thought that it might be connected to that but now it's gone on so long I'm not sure. I'm very tired with it too. I've had a blood test for thyroid function done but had no results yet. Could it just be a stress / tension headache or should I panic?

does it go away if you take any tablets - ibuprofen etc?
If you are worried why not call your duty doctor and see what they say, they may tell you to book an appointment or they may reassure you. You could ask a pharmacist as well.

That sounds miserable. I think you should see your GP. Not because I think it is a horrible life threatening condition. But, two weeks of pain is more than you should have to endure.

I would call GP and ask for an emergency appointment and tell them you just can't take it anymore.

I'm taking paracetamol, 2 4 times a day and they do help take the edge off the pain but I still feel very dull and heavy in my head. I'm allergic to aspirin so can't take Neurofen. I already did see the GP who tested my blood pressure (quite low), did a blood sugar test and sent my blood for a thyroid test but basically told me it was probably a lingering viral thing. That was a week ago and I don't think it is viral after all this time, plus I have no other sypmptoms.

I'd call the GP and say that it's not gone and see what they suggest.

Taking paracetamol regularly on a long term basis can give you side effects of headaches as well. Could it be that?

have you tried any alternative medicine, say chinese herbalist, reflexology etc?

How long have you been smoking for? The lack of nicotine can cause big withdrawal symptoms in some people, including long headaches. Did you go cold turkey or use patches, might be worth trying low dose patches to see if that helps. Defo go back to gp and insist that they give you more help.

Try taking syndol, it specifically for tension headaches but I take it for mine and its great. It sounds like a tension headache you've got. I've been suffering from headaches everyday for 4 years now, and the doctors are finally sending me for a brain scan. Try syndol though for the pain, it does work. You'll have to ask over the counter for it.

WK, I've been smoking on and off for over 15 years but much less since dd was born 2 years ago, 5-10 a day. I gave up 10 years ago for 2 years and was smoking 20 a day at that point and didn't have a headache like this though.

That's interesting lou but I've only been taking the paracetamol since I've had the headache so I don't think it's caused it. I also try to go as long as poss. before downing another dose.

happy1, Syndol - what kind of medication is that? NO no no, not a headache for 4 years!! You poor thing. How have you coped? do you take painkillers every single day then?

To be honest my GP thinks I'm a total neurotic because I had a long-term depressive illness a few years ago, so going there is never much good. She tries either to patronisingly reassure me that I'm 'imaging' things or just seems annoyed that I'm there.

Ignorant patronising GP. I agree with Happy1 about trying Syndol if your test results haven't revealed anything worrying, Prefernot.

Syndol is for tension headaches and is available over the counter. I used to get very bad headaches which left me feeling nauseous with a bruised feeling to my skull! I found the only things that cleared it were Syndol or Paramol or Solphadine.

I'd say try Solpahdine first since it is somewhat less strong than the other two which are high dose painkillers. Solphadine works for bad headaches and is available in capsule form on the shelf at Boots.

With the other two drugs, it was recommended to me by my GP for use only when the headaches got "have to lie and don't move me please" debilitating (I'd had a brain scan which was all clear) since they are very strong.

I hope that your headaches do go away and please do persist with your GP on the matter if it doesn't clear up in the next two weeks. Or demand to see another GP and get a second opinion.

shot in the dark, but you haven't recently started taking the contraceptive pill, or changed your pill? I had the worse headache that lasted for about two weeks before I was told it could be related to the pill. I came off the pill and the headache went immediately. Just a thought. Hope you feel better soon

Thankssf, will go to chemist thismorning. No, bonnie, not on the pill. I've no idea what started it...