I've had a headache for 8 months now. Any suggestions?

Question

I've gone to my doctor, had 2 MRI's, seen a neurologist and tried over 5 perscription medicines. Excedrin works sometimes, but my doctor told me not to take it because over time it would stop working and make other medicines not work. Any suggestions would be great.

I have gotten my eyes checked within this time twice. The MRI said I had a small cyst, but my doctor said it shouldn't have anything to do with the headaches.

I don't have a job or boyfriend at the moment. My normal doctor says it sounds like a mix of a tension headache and migrain, but my neurologist just thinks it's a migrain. He gives me different medicines to take every month, but none work.

I'm allergic to the Vicks Vapor Rub stuff. It just clogs my nose. The cyst is in my head. I was thinking about acupuncture, but I'm not really sure. It needs to be covered by the insurance i'm under too.

Answer 1

You could research an herb called Corydalis. I'm not recommending it because I am not a health practitioner, but I know my acupuncturist recommends it for headaches. Also, I do recommend acupuncture and massage therapy for headaches. Acupuncture has been proven to reduce pain and increase blood flow to the brain in MRI studies.

Answer 2

I've found a couple of methods to reduce or eliminate a headache without using dangerous or narcotic medications.

1. For sinus headaches, I place a little Vicks on my forehead and across and under my nose. Then, I'll take a wet washcloth, heat it in the microwave (not too long; you don't want to get burned!) and place it over my face for a few minutes. Repeat as necessary, usually about two or three times will do the trick.

2. For tension, use Aspercreme or Tiger balm like the Vicks, and instead of a hot towel, use a bag of ice in a washcloth across your face and another behind your neck. Works wonders for me!

I hope this helps!

Answer 3

I used to get monster headaches when I drove for long periods of time. I knew I needed new glasses, so I asked my eye doctor for the kind that are very reflective-- like the ones the Man with No Eyes wore in "Cool Hand Luke." I thought the reflectivity would help, but the doctor told me those were not the right kind to wear. It turns out my headaches were caused by the muscles in the band around my head that make my eyes open and close were being overtaxed by me constantly squinting all day. He prescribed new glasses with ND85 lenses in them in a very dark, smoked color. I have worn those glasses now for 13 years. I do not get the headaches anymore since later November 1993. I continue to wear them even though the prescription is way out of date because I can't find replacement lenses that dark. I would look into something like the muscles in your head that make your eyes open a close being overused. You might find your answer there...

Answer 4

Sorry to hear. Someone I know has the same thing. However for her, it's been like 10 years and she hasen't found a cure. She's pretty much given up.
Her headaches are so bad, she can't work, or even leave the house. It's so Sad. I pray nobody has to live that life.

The most important thing is you Don't Give Up.
Continue to see different doctors and try all different kinds of treatment available.

Answer 5

Find another job that doesn't get on your nerves so much. I used to work for a lawfirm where there was a lot of stupid politics and annoying coworkers, so I had a headache, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar levels for 4 years until I had enough and quit. I'm sure your job is killing you.

I now work as an independent consultant and couldn't be happier because the people I work with respect me and don't play annoying politics like they did in the law firm.

Answer 6

You sound like me!! I have headaches just about everyday. I've had an MRI, CT-Scans, I've been to the chiropractor, I've taken every Rx medication possible for migranes and whatnot. They told me to see other doctors, I did and got the same results. They told me not to stress out, to change my diet, to sleep more, to relax, not to sleep so much, just about everything. They just never go away. I've found that Excedrin is my saving grace now and again, but it's just not normal. I don't know what to tell you though because I'm in the same boat and it sucks so bad, I know. You're not the only one. We need to figure this out!

Answer 7

Don't stop keep looking for a different doctor search the web for the best doctor on headaches sometime it can be lack of sleep or not enough vitamins in your daily diet check with a true vitamins store and try else that route.

Answer 8

My sister had a cyst in her head(a gum cyst,that grew closer to her eye).She didnt know about it,until the pain appeared all in sudden.They removed the cyst and now she's doing just fine.
My personal opinion is that the cyst causes it.I think you should consult another doctor.

Good luck

Answer 9

I'm a nurse. Sounds like you are under a lot of stress. You need to find a happy place. What I mean by that is finding something that will help you relax. It can be from relaxing in a dark room to relaxation techniques. Meditation is key. I hope you feel better soon. I would also try different OTC medications that will help you.

Answer 10

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