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its like a headache but ive had it for like 3 months.. im kind of scared of going to the doctor and finding out its a tumor but if i dont go it could be too late... what should i do?

2006-10-27 16:04:44 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health Diseases & Conditions Other - Diseases

14 answers

Go to the doctor. A headache shouldn't last three months.

2006-10-27 16:07:10 · answer #1 · answered by DavidNH 6 · 1 0

I would say : highly unlikely , because:
Having only headache as a symptom for brain tumor is rare, a study in California concluded that 11 000 people with ONLY headache(no other symptoms) would have had to be brain scanned before anything significant abnormal structural could be found in one of those 11 000
. Then, IF you would have ONLY headache as a symptom of a tumor it would not stay the same 3 months, it would most likely grow worse unless the tumor would be very benign . If the tumor would be such that it would cause headache it would likely be pretty large or be in a strategic place-and then it would start causing other symptoms also such as visual problems, thinking problems-serious that is, seizures .... depending on where the tumor in the brain would be and how it would grow.
The most likely cause of headaches behind the ears are tension type of headaches where the muscle insertions in the base of the skull are tense and tender on touch -try massaging them and see what happens?
But why not go to the doctor -why on earth spend energy on worrying about something that is so unlikely? CAT scans take 10 minutes to take and are cheap even if they are somewhat more inaccurate than MRI scans, a brain tumor that would cause headache would almost certainly show on a CAT scan.
In many headache patients I have seen we have made an agreement -after clinical history taking and exam have shown no serious signs -that we will treat the headache like with physiotherapy/massage/medication and if the headache does not get better -THEN do mor exams. But you need a thorough clinical encounter before the doctor can decide to take this course.
You told so little about your symptoms; what I have written above is based on the assumption that headache is your only symptom . A doctor would have a lot of clarifying questions to make both of the headache and other symptoms -so go ahead and visit her/him -and belong to the 10 999 out of 11 000 which is most likely.
Stop worrying -do something!

regards

mary a

2006-10-27 16:41:10 · answer #2 · answered by marya 3 · 0 0

REVISED POST

Adam, I would definitely recommend going to a doctor. My husband did and they did find what is called an Acoustic Neuroma, which is not exactly a brain tumor, but a tumor that feeds upon the auditory nerve. He only had hearing loss and head pain on one side of his head.

The good news is that by going to get this checked out, they can treat it. By avoiding it, you will only have pain.

I'm concerned about why you are afraid to go to the doctor. What is the worst that will happen? You will either find out that you have something that is causing the pain or they won't find out something. If they do find out something, it may very well be that it is something minor. Not every headache is caused by a tumor and many are very treatable without any type of surgery.

In my husband's case, he was referred to the Michigan Ear Institute in Southfield, Michigan, which is one of the top ear clinics in the world.

Your doctor may very well order additional tests. But first, they will probably attempt a prescription medication. If they do prescribe medication, ask how long the doctor wants you to remain on the medication if it does not work. If it does not settle down with medication, then they probably will need to do an MRI. If that shows anything unusual, then the doctor will refer you to a specialist.

Now if you do get referred to a specialist, then you want to do some research and arm yourself with understanding the various treatment options. Besides surgery, there are various types of treatments, such as gamma knife, and stereotactic radiation which can be directed directly onto the site of the tumor without surgery.

But if I were in your shoes, I would not just sit around worrying about it. I'd make a plan which included speaking with the doctor.

Make sure you document specifically the symptoms you have before going to the doctor.

Another possibility is temporal arteritis which another person I know has, they were able to treat this with medication and no surgery was required.

I know that my post is very long winded but I hope it helps.

2006-10-27 16:20:41 · answer #3 · answered by Searcher 7 · 0 0

I was diagnosed with an ABNORMAL PITUITARYwhich in english is a BRAIN TUMOR the doctors monitored it for about five months in size it was only a couple of milimeters BUT IN PAIN any time I went to the emergenzy room because it was after hours and the Nuerology clinic was closed they would ask me how I rate the pain I would tell them it felt like five men {cause I assume they have the most strength } with timberland boots on was partying in my head But the doctors decided based on the pain, fatige and the fact that I had to get out of bed for my three children ranging in age from 3 to 15 and the 15yr old was a girl she started doing disappearing acts and there was nothing I could do cause I was always in bed sick head hurt-cant move so my doctor decided they would take it out but when they took the M.R.I IT WAS GONE! YES I went to two other Nuerologist for oppions and they agreed . But look now Three years later and Its back Doctors hear say It couldnt have ever been gone "BURNT OUT?" IT DOSENT HAPPEN that was in 2003 in catskill N.Y Now I live in charlotte N.C and Ive had the same symtoms since September 05 went to the Dr.'s right after the holidays and they took One M.R.I since then but tryin to tell me that none of my symtoms even the most current ones arent related to the tumor I would think I should no Im the one that had one before and when the symtoms left the tumor left now the symtomsback headache's constantly sometimes low sometimes HIGH but never not From the minute I close my eyes at night and back when ever I open them again That was always constent now I have aromas seeping into my nose sometimes it smell like gas and no one elese smealls it Somedays My eyesight worse than others I had a car accident 'WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR and then theres my memory Its so sad cause in the beginning before I realized what it was I would think my children were conspiring against me hiding things on me or lying to me when I know "I did not do that!" I am scared and searching hard for a good nuerologist here in N.C Ive lost my oldest daughter to the streets due to this illness I'll be darn if Im gonna lose another GO TO THE DOCTOR!

2006-10-27 18:59:38 · answer #4 · answered by betterbodi 1 · 0 0

You should go to the doctor, yes. Do I believe at all that it could be a tumor no. I say that without a doubt because you said "ears". If the tumor was so large to hurt behind both ears, you would probably be dead.
My Mom had brain cancer. (glioblastoma). She didn't even have headaches. She had other symptoms but even they weren't anything most would expect from cancer. Coming from a family, including my self of cancer sufferers. I can tell you this. In most cases...cancer is painless and sadly that's why it is usually found too late.
Good Luck and see a doc about the headaches..
~T~

2006-10-27 16:12:09 · answer #5 · answered by ~*bUtteRFy~*~kISSeS*~ 4 · 1 0

Its probably not a tumor. I know I had the same thing happen to me but is for only a couple of weeks. I didn't go to the doctor as quick as I should have. But I found out that it was a sinus infection that had spread to other parts of my body. I was fortunate. Alot of people say "Ohhhh its only a headache or Ohhh its only a sinus infection" but sinus infections are just like any other infection. If you don't treat it, you could die! So you should see a doctor as soon as possible. 3 months is way way way too long! I hope you get better!

2006-10-27 16:30:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Headache is a pain in the head, scalp or
neck. Headaches can becaused by minor problems like
eyestrain, lack of coffee or moreserious reasons like
head injury, brain tumors, encephalitis andmeningitis.
Taking painkillers continuously can have harmful side
effects, so it is better to modify your lifestyle. More information
available at http://tinyurl.com/q8696

2006-10-28 05:56:43 · answer #7 · answered by DAZY M 3 · 0 0

I had what sounds just like the equal factor a pair occasions. The neurologist known as it Occipital Neuralgia. I had injections in my neck which fairly did not do so much, however what DID paintings was once going to a chiropractor who makes use of laser accupuncture. It does not harm in any respect and makes the anguish quit. Find a fairly well chiropractor and preserve going till it stops. Sometimes it'll take a couple of visits, however it'll be SO valued at it!!

2016-09-01 03:46:32 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0 0

Use your brain now (before it's too late) and go to the doctor. If it is something serious then you will be glad to catch it early.A neuro exam and CT scan will help figure it out.

2006-10-27 16:12:53 · answer #9 · answered by twildman22 4 · 0 1

it could really be anything.. just got the drs and tell him what's wrong.. they will do and mri and a cat scan.. it could be something as simple as your wisdom need to come out...or you have lock jaw.

its always scary to go to the drs.. but i think its more scarier not knowing at all
you can go to the link i provided and type in and it will probably give you a list of things.. just got get it check out .

2006-10-27 16:08:26 · answer #10 · answered by dee luna 4 · 1 0

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