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Chronic daily headaches & anxiety

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Posted 6/10/2014 7:12 PM (GMT 0)
I have just been diagnosed with GAD. I suffer from one-sided chronic daily headaches, migraines w/neck, face, and eye pain, especially when I move my eye (on the right side). The daily headache that developed last month is in one localized spot and is a constant, piercing pain that lasts most of the day with approximately 2 hrs of pain free periods in the whole day. Some days, there is no remitting, just constant pain. I just saw a neurologist that told me my CT scan is normal and prescribed me nortriptyline 10 mg. He said to give it 2-4 weeks and the headaches should subside. He completely suggests that when I had labyrinthitis last year for three months that it was normal to develop migraines and the chronic daily headache is associated with GAD.

Has anyone used nortriptyline for daily headaches? I've also been put on celexa and will begin the combination next week to include nortriptyline. I stopped tylenol three weeks ago and no pain killers. The pain for daily chronic headache that developed last month has been dull to moderate. Previous to the daily headache, about four months ago, I would have a moderate headache that was localized behind my right eye mainly that would last for one week once monthly. I've been experimenting with diet, but it seems like anything I eat doesn't make a difference. Any feedback from others would greatly be appreciated.
blush
Posted 6/10/2014 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hi RMB and welcome,

I am sorry to hear of your anxiety and headache issues that are currently making you feel unwell.:(

As you can see from having a look around here, you are not alone with these challenges.

It sounds like you are making good progress in treating your anxiety/symptoms, so keep going along with your pursuit of Rx's to help...along with dietary/lifestyle changes!

To add some new self-help ideas to your arsenal on anxiety management, check out these links. The one titled stress relief exercises has instructions for Progressive Muscle Relaxation that could help relieve any tension related headaches.:)

Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

 

http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/73076/34334/breathing-lessons/

http://www.healthyplace.com/

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

http://www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html

http://www.psybersquare.com/anxiety/panic_relax_I



Keep posting with us as well. We understand, care and are here to support!

Scaredy Cat

Posted 6/11/2014 9:28 AM (GMT 0)
i fully understand the migraines. had them severely as a teen. would have to spend days in a black room with no light, noise or anything. i would become violently ill so i understand. i had a scan and they did find something. don't know what but i was put on a drug called ergadryl. not sure of the spelling, but it intensified the migraine by ten, you would be sick etc then after 10 minutes you were fine. not sure about the med you are taking though. i just hope you feel much better soon. sorry i waffled on about me, sorry. know that we care and are here for you. healing thoughts to you.
Posted 6/11/2014 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you both for the feedback and useful links. I'll be sure to check them out. Sorry to hear about the many years of dealing with migraines. My ex-husband's friend said he would do the same thing, stop what he was doing, turn the light off and go to bed and use cold compresses. He said the pills didn't work for him. I know I need medication right now. I am 44 years old and never experienced headaches like this up until a year ago. Are migraines normal to develop at my age? Thought I'd be too old for this to be happening. confused
Posted 6/11/2014 3:39 PM (GMT 0)
keep talking with your doctor. some people can get them due to light-sensitivity, some foods, alignment issues with neck vertabrae. etc. and some like me had them early on in life but were due to a brain / nuero issues. touch wood it has been many years. i hope you feel better and get some relief. keep posting. healing thoughts your way.
Posted 6/12/2014 2:46 AM (GMT 0)
RMB.,

We are about the same age, and yes...peri-meno issues can bring on first time migraine experiences.

I started to get them just a couple years back now. My sister started getting them in her 20's with her first pregnancy...and my oldest daughter had her first migraine just days before her 1st period...

...so no one can tell me they are not hormone related!

Keep searching for your answers and relief...and keep posting.:)

S.C.
Posted 6/12/2014 5:56 AM (GMT 0)
Been suffering with these myself and they ARE incredibly disconcerting. Tend to think that anxiety does certainly contribute with muscle tension in shoulders and neck. These are "old friends" and I know what they are. Just wish I could afford a physio.

What has been new ... and disconcerting .. has been feeling lightheaded/dizziness. Had a CT which came back clear although a MRI would probably be more "assuring". GP did a few tests to check that I didn't have vertigo and whilst I do show signs occ of some orthostatic hypotension, that's not a full answer. I have digestive issues so NSAIDs are only on a "when it's really bad" basis. Was offered a script for Stemetil but the side-effects - yikes !

I'm older than you so you're certainly not too old to be having these issues. You have my empathy !
Posted 6/12/2014 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks all for the replies. My GP told me to go for a neck massage for the time being and so I booked one for next week. I believe my anxiety symptoms would be more relieved had they given me an MRI, but we'll see what the future holds. Daily headache still consistently there, no improvement, but not getting worse. The doctors said to give it a month anyways, so we'll see if these meds improve it. So far, I'm dealing with the side effects, they're mild compared to other meds I've been put on, but I'm at a low dosage for both celexa and nortriptyline (the new one for the headaches).

Similarly, I can relate to the fees they charge for massage and physio and this will be limited for me due to that too. Interesting, that I too have GI issues that began in February. I've had to alter my diet quite drastically. Gaviscon and pantoprazole 20mg helps when it's bad, along with always having small healthy meals. They gave me an anti inflammatory when I was at hosp/emergency last month and it helped, but my doctor said that's asking for trouble re: stomach issues so interesting how I find we have similar symptoms and I'm not alone.

Just wondering how this daily chronic headache was brought on, through migraines? overuse of tylenol that caused rebound headaches? I don't think the doctors are quite sure either, but I'll have to relax and put trust into the situation at hand. The hormone thing and menopause, yes! Interesting, you mention that because that totally crossed my mind a few months back, but my mom didn't have her symptoms until 55 years of age so I didn't hold on to that thought too long. I've stopped the use of tylenol a few weeks ago incase this is a rebound headache as I've heard that when you stop it could take up to several weeks before the headache resolves if in fact it is a rebound daily chronic headache.
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