Worse headache and weird nighttime things

[Flosmum04]

Hi everyone,

So.. it’s 9 months now since the accident and since Saturday my headache has got worse again. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m tired or if I should check it out with a doctor. Problem is it’s such an effort to speak to a doctor. Not sure I’ve got that in me. Also I’m waking up in the night and everything is rigid. It’s happened a few times but last night it was more than once. It wakes me up and I feel like I’m in the middle of a big stretch ans I’m holding my breath, then everything relaxes and I can take a deep breath. Any thoughts on what’s going on? Thanks guys x

[Suebedoo]

Hi Flosmum04 - can I ask whether you were a migraine sufferer before your head injury. My neurologist told me that because I was a migraine sufferer before I was assaulted that I would be more prone to headaches/migraines now. I have found that acupuncture helps quite a bit. I also find that the headaches/migraines can be triggered by a variety of things - moving my head too quickly, staring at a computer screen for too long and stress are my main triggers

[Pairofboots]

Hi Flo, any change is worth getting checked out, it settles the mind. It's probably nothing to worry about, but it is natural for things to grow horns and tails if we don't have an answer 🍀

[catrabb1t]

i have no experience of sleep apnea but I wondered if the breath holding might be linked to that?

[Painting-girl]

Hi Flosmum, definitely get checked out.

My days of continual headache are behind me thankfully, but they can kick off again if I'm overdoing things. I suggest you try and monitor this - keep track of the headaches on the excellent migraine buddy app ( free) and also keep a fatigue diary - log your fatigue level out of 10 three times a day and note what you've done inbetween - it can be really helpful to work out what things are more difficult post TBI. Keeping records on a migraine app means that if you try meds for the headache, you can tell if they are having any effect - consistently reducing frequency and/or severity.

Are you taking regular brain breaks?

[Flosmum04]

Hi, Thanks so much for your reply. I have spoken to my occupational therapist and made a bit of a plan. I think that ive been doing too much which is very frustrating. I try to get brain breaks, they definitely help. Ill have a look at that app, thank you xx

[DebFl]

Hi I am sorry to hear about your bad nights I have had many of those over the past (almost) 10 years. I had horrible pains in my head and neck. I still just give in and put the coffee on very often. It sounds like you may have had a panick attack. Quite often anxiety comes with head injuries. The fear of the future. I have found help with therapy . I use coping skills during the day. Over the years my outlook has become brighter. I also have a service dog who has made the greatest difference. I do hsleep much better Nighttime the boogyman can come out when our guard is down. Eliminating alcohol and limiting caffine helped me. I hope you find a peaceful place for your mind and get good rest.

[Flosmum04 in reply to DebFl]

thank you xx

[DebFl in reply to Flosmum04]

you are welcome. you may also want to look into taking magnesium supplements at night. I find they help with my muscle cramps and help me sleep. just a thought : )