Localized and Persistent

Hi all,

I am entering into the fifth month of a persistent headache. It is localized in the back left side of my head, about two inches back and slightly above my left ear. If feels like the size of a quarter. There is a throb. The throb intensifies if I'm on my feet for some time. It also has the feeling of pressure. I can pull a baseball cap down against the area and it seems to help. It is there from a few minutes after I wake up until I go to bed. It seems to ease up when I'm sitting or lying down. On a few rare occasions, my vision has been affected. I can put my finger on the exact location and, if it weren't for my skull, I feel like I could rub it.

I've had the MRI/MRA and CT scans, which were all OK. I'm scheduled for an eye appointment in December. I have a subscription for Elavil, but it doesn't help. I've read articles about New Daily Persistent Headache but I don't think I match the symptoms.

Anybody else ever experienced something similar and what treatments did you use?

Hi Ann,

Yes, I've seen a Neurologist. He called my headache an atypical vascular headache. My appointment with him was mostly an interview, with a few reflex tests and a quick eye chart reading. He was the one who prescribed Elavil. He wants me to see an opthamalogist, which is my next appointment. I've recently moved and am in the process of finding a local neurologist.

As I research the internet, I'm finding that my headache resembles what is described as the New Day Persistent Headache. From what I see there is no treatment other than for the pain.

Thank you, Ann, for reminding me about the internet and self-diagnosis. I understand, also, about the neurologist and the questions. I guess I was hoping for a quick fix.

I'll keep you up to date.

Rob