Diagnose me - Headaches - almost every day

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Replies

  • evileen99
    evileen99 Posts: 1,564 Member
    I haven't read all the responses, but a headache every day was my only symptom of sinus problem. I went on Flonase and hey presto! No more headaches.
  • ckemmis
    ckemmis Posts: 51 Member
    I suffer from a severe migraine disorder. Seriously, that was the "technical" term that the neurologist and neuro surgeon gave me. Starting last March, I was getting mild to severe migraines everyday that would last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, my longest one lasted for 37 days. I saw my GP, I saw my gyno, I went to the ER several times and finally saw a neurologist. After several MRIs, I found out that 1. the hole where my brain stem connects to my spine is smaller than normal, causing pressure. 2. While I have normal spinal fluid flow in the front of my brain, I have significantly reduced to no spinal fluid flow in the back of my brain ( this was something I was born with, apparently). For me, my migraines can be paralyzing if I don't take my meds everyday. When I do get a migraine anymore, maybe a couple a month, my face, back of my head, neck, and sometimes my arms get a tingling/numb sensation, I've had this since day one. If you have them frequently, I suggest seeing a neurologist. My other doctors put me on several different meds that didn't do anything, but now, I can actually function.
  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    Sinuses
    too much caffeine
    certain foods can make me feel ****ty
    have you had your eyes tested?
    Blood pressure ok?
  • kw1452
    kw1452 Posts: 113 Member
    I am reading a book on nutrition, and it could be a lack of nutrients in your diet. I have headaches alot too, and am trying to improve my diet for a variety of health problems. The book im reading says alot of health issues can be curbed and prevented by eating a diet that focuses on veggies, fruits, beans, and nuts, with making meats, grains, and dairy only a small portion of your life. I have not started eating this way, but I am trying juicing to add more micronutrients into my diet, and I am trying to make better nutrient choices. I am not giving you a diagnosis - just something to try out. Check out juicerecipes.com if you want to try out juicing.
  • jennvergeer
    jennvergeer Posts: 3
    You mentioned stress, even though you don't think it's much, it could be. I'm a high level functioning stress person myself!
    After doctors/neurologists, MRI's, CT's and many, many meds, the thing that cured me was massages. Cranial/Sacral massages and full body massage. First I went every week for a month, then every two weeks, now once every three weeks.
    Yoga and deep breathing in the between time. It's a lot of money, but worth every penny!
  • Praying_Mantis
    Praying_Mantis Posts: 239 Member
    Like others have already posted, along with tracking your food, track the onset of your headaches. You might be surprised what you find.

    I had headaches with regularity; some included the "floaters" you were talking about. There were many culprits for the various types of headaches I have including:

    * missing meals

    * change in barometric pressure -- to this day, I can anticipate a weather pattern change 3-days out. I get a certain type of headache, and I know "oh, it's going to rain in 3 days"

    * MSG in food

    * fake sweeteners, including aspartame

    * standing up too fast

    * standing stationary for too long -- think washing dishes, hands in hot water, not shifting weight from foot to foot

    Try the tracking method and see if anything clicks for you. And of course, seek medical attention if symptoms get worse, change from your 'baseline' of typical-type headaches, or you just know something's up. Your body could be telling you something. Best of luck!
  • waxwingdesign
    waxwingdesign Posts: 17 Member
    I was going to say the same thing about the migraines as someone else mentioned. I had them for years and recently did some food allergy testing to see what I was having a reaction to. WoW. Let's see: Caffeine (including dark chocolate!), yogurt, citrus, avocado, bananas, strawberries (raw not cooked), etc. Also, triggers were EXERCISING and drinking too much or not enough water. Also, not having a regular sleep cycle. You can go to an allergist for this test, but it might be a good idea to start keeping logs of what foods you have eaten shortly before you get a headache. Just because it's a good/healthy/natural food doesn't mean you can't be allergic to it. Also, google FOOD TRIGGERS for migraines, you will see a HUGE list...
    Best of luck!:smile:
  • jennfer71
    jennfer71 Posts: 38 Member
    Floaters are actually dark spots that move through your vision. Sparkles & flashes of light should be reported immediately to your eye doctor so he/she can verify you are not having a retinal detatchment. Sparkles, auras, & squiggly lines could also be indicators of optical migraines. Hope this info helps you.
  • jennfer71
    jennfer71 Posts: 38 Member
    Have you visited a Chiropractor for your headaches? I was a frequent HA sufferer also until I started getting chiropractic care. Several types of HA actually are the result of your cervical spine (neck) being out of alignment. I personally went from taking Excedrin daily to only needing occasional (about 10-12 weeks apart) chiropractic adjustments. There are also a few who suffer hormone spike HA at certain times in their cycle. Have you noticed if the HA come at the same time of the month? Best wishes on finding your solution....HA truly suck!! :p
  • dakotababy
    dakotababy Posts: 2,407 Member
    I suspect brain cancer.




    Seriously - see a doctor.

    I'm not saying that's not an option but there are dozens of people telling me similar headache stories and what they found the cause to be. None of them mentioned cancer. Is there any reason in particular that you suspect cancer?
    I think she's joking.:smile:

    Not a good joke, though.

    I would talk to your doctor more, though.

    Actually, headaches can often be a sign for having a tumour in the brain/eye area. I highly doubt it would be that, but the point is - it can be anything, so seeing your doctor is your best option.
  • NataBost
    NataBost Posts: 418 Member
    1. no one here is a doctor so we can only give you suggestions.
    2. Food sensitivities can be triggers. My husband has soy that causes him trouble.
    3. have you tried a chiropractor or osteopath?
    4. check your ergonomics at your workplace & home.
    5. check your thyroid. I had a wicked headache until I got that sorted.
    6. TMJ
    7. Sinus blockages/congestion

    Good luck.
    Yeah. This. I highly suggest #3 and #4. I suffer from headaches, but they tend to be around and above one particular eye. I now see a massage therapist and my chiropractor at least once a month, and got a supportive pillow. This along with managing my seasonal allergies has helped immensely.
  • Ctrum69
    Ctrum69 Posts: 308 Member
    Here are my suggestions.

    See a chiro (a good one, not a quack.. they should not want to see you for more than a few months if they are good at their job, and will also probably give you exercises to do at home to maintain proper alignment).
    Check your shoes for uneven wear.
    Pay attention to your sitting and sleeping. Do you tuck one foot under you? Do you sit crooked to one side? Do you sleep with a huge pile of pillows under your neck, which is cranking it forward or backwards or to the side?
    Humidity levels. These can play a HUGE role in headaches, especially if you have sinus problems you are unaware of.
    Many people are allergic to sulfites, especially in wine, which can manifest, even from a half glass, the next day in a wicked headache.

    Also, an elimination diet may help. Start with the most common trigger foods, and eliminate them.

    Also, environmental factors like the type of light. Some people have serious issues with the frequency emitted by flourescent light bulbs (and they are also in computer displays and flat panel TVs).

    Good luck, chronic headaches can really suck, and i've found several of the things above to help dramatically with mine. (Especially the chiro/neck issues)
  • TheRealCammerz
    TheRealCammerz Posts: 1 Member
    I didn't bother to read anyone else's replies as there are so many so I don't know if anyone may have said this yet, but you should read The Migraine Miracle by neurologist Josh Turknett, M.D. I did and it has changed my life. I have suffered from migraines since I was about 4 years old (I am now 41). I had them at least two or three times a month, with many smaller headaches throughout an average week. I have been on his food plan since mid-December and have only had one small headache since then and that was because I went off plan the day before (naughty naughty, I know). Read his book, you won't be sorry!
  • laurahamm96
    laurahamm96 Posts: 46 Member
    Diet soda gives me horrible migraines. I have also found the if I have too many pillows at night my neck gets all screwed up and I end up with a headache.

    Good luck, I had one for a month last year, oh god it was the worst!
  • virginia65us
    virginia65us Posts: 106 Member
    Migraines run in my mother's side of the family. We've recently discovered that it is caused by food allergies/intolerances. I had what was essentially a year-long migraine until I had a blood test done for food intolerances. I've since cut out the foods that popped up on the test and I haven't had a migraine (or other very nasty symptoms) since, unless i ate some of those foods again.

    You may want to look into getting a blood test done yourself.
  • Boingo1
    Boingo1 Posts: 205 Member
    My true story.

    I had chronic headaches for years, but they started getting worse and turning into true migraines and more frequent, so I went to my doctor multiple times for help. I was put on all kinds of drugs for it over the years. Some would work for a while , but then the headaches would just come back.

    I finally decided to get off all meds, and do something someone recommended for headaches. The Whole30 diet for 30 days. You eliminate lots of foods including dairy, all grains, and more. You basically eat whole fresh veggies, whole fruits, meats without additives/preservatives. (You can find all info online if you google whole30 or whole9). Then, if you want, you can add back one food group at a time and see if you have headaches.

    My headaches went away! Even my plantar fasciitis pain went away.

    I do believe it was the preservatives/ chemicals in foods that were my culprit.

    I continue to eat this way , and feel a million times better.

    You really have to want to do this and really want to get rid of your headaches. I am very happy to control my pains with diet, instead of medications. I hate taking medications.

    You're welcome to message me if you have any questions.
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    I too suffer from chronic headaches. Went through the gamut of tests and various preventative medications with a neurologist and migraine specialist. Gabapentin at night greatly reduces their intensity, and the effect is two fold I think. 1. It lessens the amount I clench my teeth at night and 2. It is a good general pain medication. I ran out of it awhile back and woke with a pounding headache every morning of the two weeks I was out. :sick:

    I still almost always have a headache and photophobia, though it is generally tolerable. I wish I had a better answer for you!
  • Velum_cado
    Velum_cado Posts: 1,608 Member
    When was your last eye test? If I don't wear my glasses, I get headaches. Especially when I'm using the computer under fluorescent lights.
  • Artificer22
    Artificer22 Posts: 68 Member
    Dont know if anyone had posted about this, but i used to get terrible headaches. Got so bad sometimes that i couldnt see straight. Went to the doctor and they told me to take ibuprofen. Didnt help. Went to my chiropractor and he found a vertebrae in my neck had slid and was pinching a blood vessel going to my brain. Got an adjustment and the headaches went away. Just something easy as getting my neck adjusted fixed mine.
  • jenbob555
    jenbob555 Posts: 36 Member
    So I actually do work in neurology (I'm a PA) and granted I can't diagnose you without actually talking with you, examining you, etc, I can say that daily headaches happen for a huge amount of reasons so it's often really hard to pinpoint what is going on. The most common cause of daily chronic headaches I see in my practice are related to taking too many over-the-counter pain medications - i.e. you have a headache so you pop Tylenol, the headache comes back so you take more, ad nauseum until not taking something causes the headache. Tylenol's the worst (and products with caffeine), but any pain medication can do that. They're called medication rebound headaches. Again, not sure if you're taking anything, but just limit the medication the best you can and taper off of it. Headaches get worse before they get better, but your doctor may be able to give you something to deal with it.
  • sunnyside1213
    sunnyside1213 Posts: 1,205 Member
    Migraines run in my mother's side of the family. We've recently discovered that it is caused by food allergies/intolerances. I had what was essentially a year-long migraine until I had a blood test done for food intolerances. I've since cut out the foods that popped up on the test and I haven't had a migraine (or other very nasty symptoms) since, unless i ate some of those foods again.

    You may want to look into getting a blood test done yourself.

    This. ^ If you open your food diary, it would help to answer your question. How clean are you eating? Lots of people are allergic to processed foods.
  • knittnponder
    knittnponder Posts: 1,953 Member
    Myself, my 19 year old and my 14 year old all get migraines from eating anything with gluten in it. Food intolerances can result in headaches so you might want to consider that after having whatever medical tests you're looking into.
  • Chizakura
    Chizakura Posts: 29 Member
    Admittedly I didn't read through all the posts, so someone might've suggested it already, but maybe focus more on the walks rather than the elliptical. Try to do a daily walk (even if it's short) outdoors. I had the same deal as you, but I've found that daily fresh air made the headaches stop. Or, I would have a headache, go for a walk outdoors and then it'd be gone.
  • imtheonly1
    imtheonly1 Posts: 3
    Did u quit caffeine cold turkey? sometimes that can cause headaches. I hope u find the reason soon. Good luck.
  • ell_v131
    ell_v131 Posts: 349 Member
    I have had them, found a headache specialist and was diagnosted with migraines. Had them 15-20 days a month. I have medication now to stop the migraine when it starts, as well as prophylactic drug that I take on daily basis and got down to 4-10 attacks a month.

    I recommend finding a headache specialist. I had to go private but the money I spent was well worth it

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