Localized and Persistent

Hi all,

I am entering into the fifth month of a persistent headache. It is localized in the back left side of my head, about two inches back and slightly above my left ear. If feels like the size of a quarter. There is a throb. The throb intensifies if I'm on my feet for some time. It also has the feeling of pressure. I can pull a baseball cap down against the area and it seems to help. It is there from a few minutes after I wake up until I go to bed. It seems to ease up when I'm sitting or lying down. On a few rare occasions, my vision has been affected. I can put my finger on the exact location and, if it weren't for my skull, I feel like I could rub it.

I've had the MRI/MRA and CT scans, which were all OK. I'm scheduled for an eye appointment in December. I have a subscription for Elavil, but it doesn't help. I've read articles about New Daily Persistent Headache but I don't think I match the symptoms.

Anybody else ever experienced something similar and what treatments did you use?

Hi Rob,

Just want to welcome you to Healing Well. Sorry you have this persistent headache. Have you seen a Neurologist? If not, you may find that being referred to a Neurologist who is a Headache Specialist would be very helpful!

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on, take care

Ann

Hi Ann,

Yes, I've seen a Neurologist. He called my headache an atypical vascular headache. My appointment with him was mostly an interview, with a few reflex tests and a quick eye chart reading. He was the one who prescribed Elavil. He wants me to see an opthamalogist, which is my next appointment. I've recently moved and am in the process of finding a local neurologist.

As I research the internet, I'm finding that my headache resembles what is described as the New Day Persistent Headache. From what I see there is no treatment other than for the pain.

Hi Rob,

It sounds like the neurologist you have seen already is being very thorough. A first visit to a Neuro will be rather like the spanish inquisition with so many questions and a Neurological exam such as you had. Sometimes it doesn't seem like they are taking you seriously but they usually are! They have to gather all the clues they can - that is why there are so many questions - and piece them together to find the best way forward.

As you have moved it may be a good chance to find a Neurologist who is a Headache Specialist as that would give you the optimum chance of receiving the very best treatment. Please be careful of self-diagnosis from the internet. Please let us know how you get on, take care

Ann

Thank you, Ann, for reminding me about the internet and self-diagnosis. I understand, also, about the neurologist and the questions. I guess I was hoping for a quick fix.

I'll keep you up to date.

Rob