Headaches

[cyberfraggle]

I keep getting a really bad headache. It's like a stabbing pain in the right temple, it can last for a matter of seconds but it's very intense and painful. It feels a little better if I rub it, then it just feels a bit strange for about 15mins. I'll go for a week or so without getting it, then when I get one I seem to get lots, about 3/4 a day for a few days. Just recently I have been getting them more and a bit more intense than normal, but I have had a very stressful start to the year (with the dog going missing, my grandad having a fall, the car failed it's MOT (and was expensive!) and finally had quite a big exam) - So i'm putting down this increase to stress.

Just wondering if anyone else gets this? I have a doctors apt on Friday and I was going to mention it, but I'm a bit worried about what it might be, The doctor told me last year it was migraines because I was getting flashing lights but I thought migraines lasted for a long time not a matter of minutes? Any ideas?

[LazyGun]

Have a read of this wiki link on migraines, fraggle. Based upon your description, it does sound more like a stress headache than migraine, but it is difficult without more details/history etc.

Best to go see your GP and discuss it further. As with any chronic or recurring illness, it is best to keep some sort of diary to record frequency, duration and symptoms, together with a record of activity and foods eaten etc if possible.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Migraine

[cyberfraggle]

Thank you, I'll take a look

[Eve]

Definitely check with your doctor but just a thought, are you on any medication etc... which could be making things worse.

I get migraines and at one point was getting awful headaches daily, turned out the pill was on, dianette, was making them worse and coming off it made things a whole lot better.

Also have you had your eyes tested recently as esp if you spend a lot of time on the computer or reading etc... it could be eye strain.

Also do you drink a lot of caffine as that that do funny things to you.

Just in case it sounds possible, don't come off any medication without checking with your doctor first.

[cyberfraggle]

I used to be on the pill but was taken off it when I started getting flashing lights, I'd been on it for about 9 years with no probs till then, since I came of it the lights have stopped but these headaches seemed to get more common.

I've had my eyes tested and they referred me to the doctor because they couldn't see anything wrong, again this was for the flashing lights. I never drink caffine, but I do drink alcohol and I believe that can make headaches worse? but I've seen no pattern. nm, I spose I'll have to wait and see what the doctor says, because when I do get them even though they only last for a couple of minutes at the most they are pain like no other!

The only other medication I'm on are inhailers and antihistamines.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[katie1978]

Hi,
I have been having headaches for at least 5 years. I have been told that I had migraines or stress. I used to have them few times a week and sometimes for 24 hours. I was not able to go to work as I couldn't see and was throwing up. The only thing that was helping was 4head. I don't know if you have heard of it. You can get in a pharmacy / Boots @ �6. www.4headaches.co.uk I have recently been told that my headaches are being caused by a high blood pressure which I have been diagnosed with.

[cyberfraggle]

Thanks for the ideas, I've seen the doctor now and I've got a mis-firing nerve, basically hurts when it wants to, lasts not long and then dissapears again so by the time I've taken a tablet it's gone, but that forhead sounds like a fab idea, don't you put it directly on your head? So it might work quicker than other things. I'll give it a bash, thanks for the advice.

[Solarjunkie]

I'd strongly suggest visiting a cranial osteopath, they can work wonders with tension, headaches and general mis-alignments.
It's not just things like whiplash that can cause prolblems, just the little mishaps of life can add up to discomfort, especiallly when you're feeling stressed anyway.
Good luck.