7 years

[Sansealy]

I've had a constant headache for 7 years. At first I thought it was stress. OTC meds worked for a little while but would come back. Then, I thought maybe it was sleep deprivation seeing as I usually got about 3 hours a night. It's now gotten to the point that no meds work. I hear a constant ringing in my ears, and sometimes sound disappears as if I am under water. I was prescribed Fiorocet, but that still doesn't work. It will slightly lessen the pain, but it has been too constant. I know my biological mother had a clot in her brain that caused headaches but I dont know if it is hereditary or not...

[Frodo]

You really need a referral to a specialist headache practitioner/neurologist. Also full blood tests to check out/rule out other illnesses that may be causing your headache and ear problems.

[troy04]

Sansealy Your doctor needs to try finding a prophylaxis (preventitive). Fiorocet is not the permanent answer. It is not easy to find an appropriate prophylaxis as everyone is different and you need to give your doctors several chances. Most people start with Amitriptylene. This will help your sleeping too - why can't you sleep more than 3 hours? Do you suffer from insomnia? Or is it due to your profession? You have to sleep at least for 6 hours every night.

Amitriptylene may or may not work, but there are at least 10 other options and your doctor should continue trying until something useful is found. If your doctore is reluctant to try finding migraine / headache prophylaxis - change your doctor immediately. Lazy, unsympathetic doctors should have no place in society.

In the meantime, please see below thread where we have been discussing this type of issues:

healthunlocked.com/migraine...

[Clairenbrown]

I too have had a persistent headache but for 9 months with ringing in my ears. Mine also comes with a stiff neck, visual disturbances, balance issues and speech issues. I have just been diagnosed with hormone migraine without any exploratory tests to back up this diagnosis and I do not believe the diagnosis, the symptoms just do not match. Topiramate is helping to keep a lid on the head pain but is not help with the tinnitus and other issues. I hope you find your answer, I am desperately seeking mine!

[Sansealy in reply to Clairenbrown]

I hope you find yours as well. Good luck 😊

[Lala1211 in reply to Clairenbrown]

I'm reaching 4 months :((( although the squeezing stopped since they put me on gabapentin but I always feel something and the sore scalp and burning ect 🙄🙄🙄 this is unbelievable. I guess livable but sucks!