New headaches

[Sgal]

Looking for some advise from those who suffer headaches.

I’ve been experiencing a prolonged persistent headache for 2 weeks.

My GP initially thought it was a migraine but talked me out of Triptans and prescribed me diclofenac. This did not help.

I spoke to another GP who thought my symptoms were more sinus related- prescribed me a nasal spray. She prescribed me some triptans but only to take of the nasal spray didn’t work after a week.

I presented to a&e as the pain wasn’t improving- they said it wasn’t a migraine or sinus headache but a tension headache. Gave me aspirin and sent me on my way.

The headache became more of a pressure in my forehead, worse morning and evening. Worse on exertion and lying down.

Contacted GP again- again feels it is sinus. I’ve been taking Sudafed for the last 3 days and the forehead pressure is gone, but now I have a throbbing pain at the side of my head. This has moved from left to right.

I am wondering whether I should take the triptan?

I have been taking cocodamol and ibuprofen but the pain remains.

Thanks

[DRunnerchick]

Did it come after getting vaccinated or after a viral infection?

[Sgal in reply to DRunnerchick]

No

[DRunnerchick in reply to Sgal]

Your doctors have prescribed triptans. It’s worth a try since so far, nothing else they have suggested has worked. Triptans are an abortive. You take one and see if it works. If not, you can take one more, usually 2 hours later. (Follow directions per your doctor) but you can only use them once (2 tabs in a week).

Hope it does the trick. They have worked wonders for my atypical migraines. 💐

D🏃🏽‍♀️

[Sgal in reply to DRunnerchick]

Thank you. Was a little worried about side effects. Do you know how long the side effects last?

[DRunnerchick in reply to Sgal]

I never have much in the way of side effects. Usually the headache warrants the gamble. I took the triptan at home the first time so I wasn’t driving or anything, just to make sure. If need be take a nap.

[Sgal in reply to DRunnerchick]

Thank you. Hopefully they work

[Onthemove1971]

Just curious if you discussed preventive medicine? The Triptan are taken when the pain is bad, but it is a good idea to avoid them.A few pointers, drink lots of water, do not skip meals and when you feel it coming on treat- do not wait.

I take magnesium glycinate 3x daily and 200mg Feverfew to avoid migraines. The non dose of magnesium is what really helps me.

Also there are 6-7 different Triptans, it is important to not take to many or you can cause migraines.

Good luck at taking care,

[Sgal in reply to Onthemove1971]

Hi. Thanks for your reply. I’ve never had migraines previously and the GP wasn’t sure if this was a migraine or a sinus type headache. We did not discuss preventive strategies I guess for that reason and that there is no definitive diagnosis as of yet. I do need to drink more water, I work in a hospital and it’s hard at the minute with the busyness and also that we are wearing masks full shift. I have been taking magnesium tablets for a while for other reasons but I think they are different and will look for the glycinate ones.

Thanks for the advice

[DRunnerchick]

Onthemove1971 had pointed out overdoing the triptans. What it causes is called rebound headaches. It can also be caused by taking analgesics too often which is why you want to work with your doctor for proper diagnosis so you get the right preventative that works for you.

Typically this is done through a neurologist who is well versed in sorting it out- whether they are hormonally triggered, stress or ? Typically there is a hereditary component. Triptans are powerful but they work with the blood vessels so you don’t want to stray from directed course. If something isn’t working, Tell your doctor! There are plenty of options.

D🏃🏽‍♀️

[Cat00]

Ibuprofen is a nasty drug, cocodamol you can't be on that long, if you are prepared to take these I don't understand why you wouldn't take a triptans? If it works it would indicate you're having a migraine and so would be helpful I that way.

Do you have a history of migraine? Can I ask what the doctor said that "talked you out of triptans"?

[Sgal in reply to Cat00]

I think you need to know individual circumstances before you can pass judgement. I have never had migraines before and asking for some advise from those who have experience.

[Cat00 in reply to Sgal]

I'm trying to understand your level or risk not passing judgement.

[Chleo11]

Hello Sgal. You're saying that you're wearing a mask all day long because you're working in a hospital. This could have something to do with your headaches. The mask puts pressure on the face, especially on the sinuses (the bridge of the nose and the cheeks) and cause tension headaches because you don't hold your head 'normally' as you can't see as well as without a face mask. Unfortunately, I know that you can't change things but may be worth talking to your GP about this.

All the best.

[Sgal in reply to Chleo11]

Thanks, something to think about. We have however been wearing the masks for over a year now and this is the first time I’ve had this type of headache.

[Jonjo2020]

Hi, I definitely think it’s a migraine, a migraine can last from 3 days or more and location often moves from left to right. Go and see your GP and discuss the use of suitable medication...not Sudafen

[Sgal in reply to Jonjo2020]

Thanks. I can see why the thought it was sinus related as it was initially very frontal and pressure in my forehead was so intense on movement. That has subsided following the use of Sudafed. I took the triptan last night and it didn’t seem to make any difference last night. Today however the headache is less intense, it’s a ache at the side of my head and temple region that keeps changing sides. I have been able to carry on with day to day life today so here’s hoping it may be coming to an end. I will speak to my GP again this week.