Constant headache
For the past week I have had a pretty bad headache. I have seen a doctor who examined me for GCA . He didn’t think it was so prescribed co-codamol. At night I wake the pains in the head and under my tongue almost like a cramp. If I take a pain killer I can last till the morning .
I have never suffered headaches before . My PMR has nearly gone would appreciate some advice.
Do you have any other symptoms at all? Does it go away in the day? Did the doctor say why they thought it was GCA or give an alternative diagnosis.
Once before I had jaw ache so I was referred to a consultant. The pain is mainly in the front. But at the moment my throat feels tight and left eye feel sore. Doctor said probably stress but I’m very relaxed so doubtful it’s that
Hi Flrchrs 😊
I do sympathise, the possibility of GCA can be such a worry, I know.
Did the consultant you saw do any investigations? Did they also rule out GCA? And currently, do you have jaw pain during the day, especially when eating, or talking for any length of time? And if so, does it resolve when you stop eating/talking?
I really think a doctor should take this situation seriously. Whatever this is, it’s something, and you need to know what. Another thought….do you grind your teeth? Could this be TMD? (A disorder of the jaw, sometimes caused by osteoarthritis).
Do keep seeking a diagnosis, and remember we’re here for you, so let us know how you get on xx
PS This link may be helpful, but I still think you need a medical diagnosis.
healthdirect.gov.au/temporo...
No real tests just rubbed temples with fingers and ask the usual questions.not sure what’s going on in my doctors surgery as no patients and only one doctor working. Tried to get through today but to late by the time the call was answered Thank you for your thoughts
If it’s like my surgery, most of the docs are working from home. Seems to be only one there (for emergencies?), plus a couple of nurses doing blood tests and other similar things. I popped in yesterday to pick up meds (there’s an on site pharmacy as it’s a rural area) and I thought what a miserable place it must be to work! No sign of any sense of purpose at all…..very low-key. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no one there at all sometimes.
Anyway, back to you. If nothing's improved I think you need another appointment and some tests.
Good luck 😊
I anymore wondering what tests he did to rule out GCA. Did he do a biopsy, PEat CT Scan or an ultrasound? Tongue symptoms can indicate GCA. You might need to be a squeaky wheel and get some more investigations. This article mentions it hopkinsvasculitis.org/types...
If it responds to an ordinary pain killer it suggests it is less likely to be GCA - but constant headaches of that sort need proper investigation. Was this the GP who examined you for GCA? Not sure what they would establish ...
May sound like an odd question but have you had any dental work done recently or do you feel like there has been any change in your mouth or teeth?
Sometimes we can start grinding our teeth at night and not know it and this can cause a similar pattern of headaches and pain in the areas you are describing.
the stress caused by the added head and mouth pain can also sometimes cause soreness in the face and the ye on the side of the mouth being affected.
It might be worth getting a dental check to rule out this as an issue , they may give you a mouth guard to wear at night to help.
My headache started on Thursday I had a dental and hygienist appointment on Friday. So guess that’s clear . The pain is still there .last night my jaws ached like cramp but constantly not whilst chewing. Took co-codamole seems to help
Thank you for advice.
As PMRpro says any new headache must be investigated- you’ve already ruled out somethings- but further appointments /tests are required.I know you’ve been to dentist, but does anything in here ring bells - hopkinsmedicine.org/health/...
Have you tested for Covid. Headache was one of the only observable symptoms I had. Just sayin...Kindly, Jerri
Yes twice as thought it might be that.both came back negative. It could be as Dorset lady suggested TMD..will book an appointment on Monday if possible. Dentist was routine .on a lighter note it could be the shock of be charged £140 for the dentist
Quite! £140. Enough to give anyone a headache,
Or a heart attack!!!
😳
That’s no treatment just check up and clean . These treatments used to be free. They are talking about stopping free prescriptions for over 60 till you reach retirement age. Just turned 60 so go my free prescription last week .may have to pay again in April☹️
When dentists decided to stop taking NHS patients my then dentist made us an offer I found only to easy to refuse - private cover for £120 per year that included 2 check-ups. This was over 15 years ago! OH was ready to pay, I said no and set out to find someone still taking NHS. I didn't mind paying for something that could be done better privately but the £120 covered nothing else, just a 10% discount! I found a practice in a local fairly deprived rural area - and got 2 far better dentists to boot. One was a part-time lecturer at Newcastle dental school. As he said to me - who here could afford private fees - I'd have no work at all.
Prices here are a bit eye-watering - just waiting for another cermaic inlay to replace a 50 year old gold filling that had to come out before xmas because of caries underneath. But the guy is superb - by far the best dentist I have ever had.
Managed to see my doctor . After a thorough examination came to the same diagnosis as you suggested. TMJ . Also ask for bloods to be done . Thanks 🙂
Good, let’s hope you can get it sorted.
Oh my goodness! Solid gold they used, did they?!?
They did in Germany anyway - not sure about England.
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