Headache for 9 weeks

[myheadishurting]

Hello

I’m looking for some advice and guidance !!

I have had a headache for 9 weeks now and it’s got to the point where I am really starting to struggle mentally with it !!!

I have been to the doctor twice !! First he suggested cervicogenic headache related to tension in my neck and I have been doing exercises etc

On the last visit he suggested migraine and gave me some triptans but nothing appears to work. The doctor said he was reluctant to send me for a scan and that he wasn’t overly concerned but 9 weeks !?! It’s not right !!

The headache is on my left temple area but have also experienced pain across the top of my head that feels really tight !!! Today the pain is particularly bad .

Has anyone got experience of pro longed headaches ? and any advice or ideas ?!

I’ve read an article today that talks about New Daily Persistent Headaches and in that articles suggests that the condition is rare but some sufferes have had daily headaches lasting years and years !! The thought of which petrifies me as it’s seriously effecting my quality of life !!!

[bennevisplace]

Your GP is guessing. He/ she should send you to MSK to verify cervicogenic headache if suspected, or to a neurologist. I know, waiting times for an NHS consult are ridiculous. Go private if necessary. Migraine symptoms vary but go beyond headache, and chronic migraine usually develops over time from episodic migraines. Triptans are only useful to head off a migraine attack.

If headache persists undiagnosed, you will need a brain scan (MRI) just to eliminate tumour. Neurologist would normally order that.

I have been through these steps in a different order. As a victim of chronic migraine I sympathise. Best of luck.

[Onthemove1971]

If you have migraine you could look into the following resources: Head's up podcast and world migraine summit.

If you were given a single dose (usually 50mg) pill of Imitrix that may need be the dose or method that you body needs to stop the attack.

Migraines are treated differently in people.

I agree with the above poster. You should request seeing a Migraine Specialist, All they do is treat people that have migraines.

The 2 UK doctors on the head's up podcast are amazing.

Once in a migraine cycle, like it sounds like you are it in it is very hard to get out. The most important thing to do is not get in a "cycle".

For me I take 1500 MG magnesium (3x a day 500mg) glycinate daily ( there are 4-5 different magnesiums you can try) and feverfew 2x daily.

I make sure I eat every meal, with protein and treat every tinge of head pain.

I drink hot ( could be cold) peppermint tea and or drink cold can of Pepsi with medication, yes the Neurologist told me to do this.

I start with 2 over the counter migraine pills. If within 15 minutes it is not gone, I move to the next level of pain treatment, lots of water and 1 tablet of 100mg of Imitrix. If not gone in 20 min. I inject Imitrix, I also make sure I eat or snack on something like almonds. If I am still in pain I head to a hot shower and a dark room. If not gone I call.the doctor for a stronger injection.

I have recently discovered sleep or lack of sleep really impacts my migraines.

I hope this gives you some ideas that could help.

Be careful with Triptans you can only take so many in a month or they can cause migraines.

Hope you find what works.

[bennevisplace in reply to Onthemove1971]

For the benefit of UK readers: Imitrex is a brand name for Sumatriptan, which GPs often prescribe for episodic migraine. I never heard of its subcutaneous injectable form being prescribed in the UK.

[Onthemove1971 in reply to bennevisplace]

Having an injectable ( just like an Epipen) has preventive me from going into the hospital. Life changing. Dosing has a lot to do with helping migraines. If you ask for a higher dose it may stop your migraines.

[Wolf23]

This is very poor from your doctor,he should refer you to a neurologist for assessment and treatment. I was lucky my doctor was persistent and got me an appointment with neurologist,it took six months but now I know what's happening. My point is tell your doctor your not happy with his response and tell him you want to be referred and be persistent with him .

[AMG26]

Hello, I would strongly recommend visiting A and E/ER (not sure where you are based), as migraine that last for 72 hours and over is called status migrainosus. You really need something to help break the pain.

I really hope you get the relief you need soon. I have chronic migraine and usually experience pain every day, so I completely understand your frustration and worry x