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Chronic Headaches / Pressure......Please Help!!

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Migraine Headache
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Posted 1/15/2007 2:31 PM (GMT -7)

I am new to this and am looking for some help.  I am 23 and for the past 2 years have been experiencing daily headaches.  I have a headache from the time I wake until I go to bed.  It is very severe in the mornings and doesn’t really get any better throughout the day.  I have been to a neurologist, ENT, and an allergist.  They have done numerous tests including MRI, CT, MRA and blood test…all of which came back normal.  Yet, I still have this constant head pain/pressure all day, everyday.  Obviously something is not normal or I would be fine.  My doctors have had me on all kinds of medication ranging from migraine meds to blood pressure meds.  They believe that it is a vascular type headache, yet none of the medication has worked the least bit. 

Nothing helps the headache; however alcohol makes them much more intense.  Alcohol, even in the slightest amount makes my head hurt so much more to the point I cannot have a drink anymore.  I have never had problems with alcohol in the past, but now it is terrible.  That is the only thing that makes the headache much worse. 

On a regular day I wake up with a splitting headache, like my head is going to pop off my shoulders.  I am always nauseous throughout the day also.  I don’t understand why if it is a vascular headache, why none of the medication has worked even a little. 

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions regarding what I should do next or medications that my have helped them or will help me. 

-Thanks    

Posted 1/15/2007 3:08 PM (GMT -7)
i always suggest this, and i knwo it seems too good to be true, but if you're anxious your headaches may very weel be from extreme muscle tension in your shoulders. i get headaches all the time from that, and a good massage is really the best thing i've found to fix it. i used to have to go about 3 times to really get all the tension worked out and my muscles relaxed, but it really made a difference. it sounsd like its not vascular if none of the meds are helping. my neurologist also suggested i try flexeral, but i haven't tried it yet, although i would imagine it might work too since its a muscle relaxer. so basically my advice is to find a good massage therapist and see if its related to muslce tension. can't hurt, might help :)
Posted 1/15/2007 3:22 PM (GMT -7)
I didn't go into all the detail, but I tried that route and it didn't help. I feel as if I have been to everyone and they still do not know what is going on. The doctors think that it is vascular, but I don't understand why the medication does not help at all and alcohol makes them so much more intense and I get so sick. It makes sense as to why they beleive that, but still cannot find a way to make them go away or less severe.
Posted 1/16/2007 6:15 AM (GMT -7)
Hi Harb,

Welcome to Healing Well. Sorry you are experiencing these awful headaches, although Hopeful is absolutely correct in saying that anxiety can perpetuate a headache and indeed in some cases cause it, and you may still find that anxiety plays a part when you finally find a med that works for you.

First of all, you have established that alcohol causes the headaches to be so much worse and can make you really quite poorly, so cut it out, it is not helping you!!!!! Secondly, what meds have you tried? What preventatives have you tried and for how long? What abortives have you tried and for how long?

Sorry I am asking so many questions but I need to get a clearer picture of your situation. Take care

Ann
Posted 1/16/2007 7:11 AM (GMT -7)
I really do not consume much alcohol because how much worse the headaches and nausea become. Although it is nice to have a drink with friends now and then, I really can’t anymore. This is taking over my life and it is hard to get through a day.

I have been on numerous medications, none of which has helped the slightest bit. (many anti-inflammatorys, prednisone, imitrex, gabapentin, depakote, nortriptyline, topomax, vrapamil, percocet, lexapro, omeprozole).

Like I said before, the doctors think it is vascular headaches and I believe also. I just do not understand why none of the medications has even taken the edge off. I have watched my diet and see no correspondence with the types of food I consume and the headaches. I have a headache and am nauseous from the time I wake up until the time I sleep.
Thanks for your help!
Posted 1/16/2007 10:02 AM (GMT -7)
Hi Harb,

Thank you for the list of meds but unfortunately you did not say how long you tried the preventatives for. I must confess that from a personal stand point I would have thought Imitrex would work if this headache was vascular, but in what form did you take the Imitrex was it tablet, nasal spray or injection? Sadly Imitrex does not work for all, but if you have not tried the injection it may be that it would work for you!

We are not Doctors here, and we can only speak from our own experience. Are you able to sleep well? It may be that the best way forward for you at the moment is to see a Neurologist who is a Headache Specialist as they understand 'Headache' so much better than a regular Neurologist.

I use the term 'Headache' as it covers migraine and many other types of headache which a lot of Neurologists do not fully understand!!!!

take care

Ann
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