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what am i suffering from?

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Migraine Headache
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Posted 5/25/2007 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
I will keep this short.

I have been dealing with this constant head pressure feeling in my head for a few years now.  The intensity varies but it is always there.  It starts the minute I wake up until I go to bed.  The only time I really dont notice it, if I am laying down doing nothing.

It's not really a pulsating headache, but a pressure/full feeling.

I have recently noticed the back of my neck (right behind my ears) gets sore.  And what is really wierd, is that I notice this a great deal when I have my sunglasses on.  I actually have to take my sunglasses off once they have been on for awhile because they make that area feel sore.

It seems like alot of the times when I eat, the pressure gets worse.

Now, I cant even finish a workout because with physical exertion comes extreme discomfort where I feel like I want to pass out.

about two years ago, I had MRI, CT, blood work, Inner Ear surgery, you name, I had it done, and everything came back normal.  But still this problem.  It seemed to subside a bit, but this past year it is back full swing.

I am curious from anyone on here if they have any insight on what this might be.  Tension-type headaches are not supposed to be worsened at all by physical activity.  Migraines are more of a pulsating feeling.  I am neither of those, and extremely confused.

Posted 5/25/2007 8:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hey there --- Have you ever tried taking Flexeril?
Posted 5/25/2007 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
Not all migraines are pulsating. They can be squeezing pressure like you describe. From what I've been told it especially appears in pressure behind or around the eyes.  My neurologist told me that that condition (the pressure feeling, whether in the neck, face or forehead) is ideal for treatment with Botox injections. If you haven't explored the idea, I encourage you to look into it. I myself did not receive any relief from it, but I've spoken with many people who have.
Posted 5/25/2007 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
I am on Topamax now.  I am taking 25mg twice daily, but I have only been doing that for a couple days.  My doctor told me I could go back to just 25mg at night because it is making me feel wierd all day so I think that is what I am going to do.

 

Posted 5/25/2007 9:13 PM (GMT 0)
I've found that Zonegran is a good substitute for Topamax without so much of the zonk effect.

(Edit re: post below): Yeah, unfortunately a lot of the time you have to go through a lot of drugs before you find which one works for you.  Also, keep in mind that side effects tend to mellow after your body becomes more acclimated to the medication.

Post Edited (korbnep) : 5/25/2007 3:19:07 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/25/2007 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
Topamax does have a varied plethora of side effects that are experienced with it. I've often found that the old anti-depressants (known as tri-cyclics, such as -- Elavil, espeically) have been really helpful for patients who suffer from the type of migraines that you experience (and help with sleep).

Hope this helps!
Posted 5/28/2007 3:34 AM (GMT 0)
I am not diagnosed with migraines but I believe I had a migraine aura the other day. Other than that, I constantly have that pressure feeling in my head. I feel as if my head is a bobble head and full of water sometimes. It's more intense when I bend down or sit down. I never paid any attention to it until now that you mention it on this forum. Maybe it is related to migraines?

Please let me know if you find out anything further that could possibly help me out!
Posted 5/28/2007 5:41 AM (GMT 0)
From a PubMed article abstract: "Among non-responders, 92% described a buildup of pressure inside their head (exploding headache). Among responders, 74% perceived their head to be crushed, clamped or stubbed by external forces (imploding headache), and 13% attested to an eye-popping pain (ocular headache)." Ignore the numbers and the responsiveness (in this case it was to Botox), but note the different types of migraines. With this terminology, it seems like you experience "exploding headaches". Migraines can vary immensely in their manifestations; what's important is that, if you're experiencing strange, frequent, head pain or discomfort, you really ought to see a neurologist.
Posted 5/29/2007 2:00 PM (GMT 0)
ckgMD,
Everywhere I read, it says that tension-type headaches should not get worse by physical activity, but no matter what physical activity I do, the pressure in my head gets worse! Why is this?

Is taking Topamax for tension-type headaches a waste of time?
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