Migraine, headache, cluster headache? I just don't know...

I don't know what is wrong with me.

I've been having constant headaches for nearly as month. I've always been quite a headaches person but not like this. These headaches are severe and come in waves of intense pain on one side of the head but carry on with an intense aching on both sides of the head at the same time. Doc thinks it might be chronic migraines but nothing gets rid o them. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, ibuprofen lyseine and naxopren don't even touch the pain and even if they did I can't take them nearly everyday which is as often as I need them. The pain is unbearable though. I'm terrified. I've been to the doc three times and she said she isn't worried at all. What is this? She has given me amitriptyline but I don't want to take it because loads of people has said it has made them zombie like and unable to function. I've read loads of horror stories on here which say that nothing has worked for their headaches and they have had them for years. This makes me so miserable. I can't live with this pain daily. It's so bad.

Why won't my headaches respond to painkillers?

I was on the contraceptive pill for 5 years but same off that a couple of weeks ago just incase that was causing it? But they haven't eased up all so it can't be the pill.


Help

Hi Verity,

Have you tried any of the Triptans, like Imitrex, Maxalt or Zomig? OTC medications never helped with my migraines -Maxalt was a lifesaver for me.

For years my migraines were triggered by weather (barometric pressure) changes, lack of sleep, lack of food, alcohol (the smallest amount). Sometimes I'd get 2-3 a week, other times I'd go a month without one. Maxalt worked like magic, as long as I took it before the full force of the migraine started. Earlier this year, I discovered it was wheat causing the migraines. Ive been diagnosed as gluten sensitive, and I've cut out all sources of gluten from my diet and most dairy products too. I haven't had a migraine in 5 months.

Verity92, has your Neurologist performed an MRA (which occurs inside of an MRI)? You'll want to rule out an aneurysm as the cause of this pain (this is how I found out I have one, which is one of the reasons why I have 24/7 migraines). I am currently on Topamax 50 mg 2x daily, which helps some, but side effects are aweful. I want to go on Cymbalta instead. My vision suffers and headaches/stabbing pains are still terrible. I am really sorry you are going through this. One thing for certain, if your doctor is not addressing your problems, particularly pain relief, move on until you find someone who will as this health issue will (WILL!) escalate quickly if insomnia sets in. Don't feel guilty as this is your health, you owe it to yourself, ok?

Hi guys - no the doctor hasn't done any tests as she says I haven't for any other worrying symptoms. I've had a blood test whih came back normal and an eye test which was normal.

I don't understand what could be causing these headaches. They aren't dull aches they sometimes turn into stabbing pains. I also hve a constant dull ache 24/7 which intensifies throughout the day. It also hurts if I move my eyes around sharply.

Headaches do run in my family as my mum has had migraines and suffers from a lot of headaches but I don't want to suffer this way.

Doc has given me amitriptyline which is an old anti depressant but I'm too scared to take it as my mum took it and said she couldn't move the next day through fatigue! I don't want tha to happen. My mum also has multiple sclerosis so I'm scared I'm following her pathway with the headaches and am terrified ill also develop multiple sclerosis.

I don't know if these headaches are migraines or whatever. I don't know how I could identify whats triggering them if they are as try have no pattern?!

Painkillers don't help at all which scares me.

I don't want this to go on forever :(

I went to the doctor again and she has given me amitriptyline 10mgto take at night. She doesn't believe there is much wrong with me but I'm still worried about the cause of these headaches! I'm going to try the drug but I'm terrified it won't work!

I've also recently come off the pill as doc thinks it may of been contributor to headaches. Any ideas?

Hi Verity92,
How are you feeling after you've stopped taking the pill?
Angel99

Bl (before Lyme) I worked in the blindness/visually impaired field. Long story short I had an idea about my headaches. I don't want to scare you (too late right) but my symptoms sound similar. additionally, my eyeballs hurt (due to increased IOL-inter ocular pressure) and my visual fields were < slightly. I see Dr. J in DC and he put me on Diamox,vit c (the powder you mix with water and potassium. Completely solved my headache problem. I had seen an eye specialist who wanted to put me on steroid drops but we all know that steroids further damage the already weakened immune system. Are you seeing a Llmd? (Sorry if this info has been shared -I just wanted to quickly pass this info on. Take care - this journey can be managed but it is tough I know.
Jackie