migraine or just headache?

Question

my headaches last about 24-48 hours. sometimes i have it once a week sometimes it will go away for a month or more. i get sensitive to light, may have some dizziness, too. i took 4 ibup (200mg) yesterady afternoon, then two tylenol sleep aids b4 i went to bed and woke up at 1 or 2 am took 4 more ibup. got up this morning and took 5 more ibup. it usually is over my eye right on the socket. doc gave me something but it don't cut it. i'm tired of taking pills.

Answer 1

I suffer from migraine type headaches. My hands become cold and clammy. I get photophobic- sensitivity to light and sound. The headaches get so severe to the point I get nauseous and vomited. I also get very dizzy; more like a vertigo type where the room spins around me. I'm a totally wreck and an emotional basket. I just have to sit in a dark corner. My headaches sart from the base of my neck and around to my temples.

Eventually, I was sent for a Cat Scan. Two nasal polyps were discovered. After a sinus drainage surgery, I felt so much better. The EENT surgeon mentioned that I had diffused nasal polyps. He sent it for biopsy and it came back negative for CA.

Now, I take daily Vit C and antihistamincs for my chronic sinusitis. and allergic rhinitis. Maybe, that's the the cause of your migraine type headches. Another cause could be some middle ear infections or meniere's disease. Or it could be some vision problems. As the eye, ear nose and throat are closely related to one other.

You're taking quite a bit of NSAID. This can cause GI distress.

understood, some researchers think migraines may be caused by functional changes in the trigeminal nerve system, a major pain pathway in your nervous system, and by imbalances in brain chemicals, including serotonin, which plays a regulatory role for pain messages going through this pathway.

During a headache, serotonin levels drop. Researchers believe this causes the trigeminal nerve to release substances called neuropeptides, which travel to your brain's outer covering (meninges). There they cause blood vessels to become dilated and inflamed. The result is headache pain.

Migraine triggers
Whatever the exact mechanism of headaches, a number of things may trigger them. Common migraine triggers include:

Hormonal changes. Although the exact relationship between hormones and headaches isn't clear, fluctuations in estrogen seem to trigger headaches in many women with known migraines. Women with a history of migraines often report headaches immediately before or during their periods, and this corresponds to a major drop in estrogen. Others have an increased tendency to develop migraines during pregnancy or menopause. Hormonal medications, such as contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, also may worsen migraines.


Foods. Certain foods appear to trigger headaches in some people. Common offenders include alcohol, especially beer and red wine; nuts, aged cheeses; chocolate; fermented, pickled or marinated foods; aspartame; overuse of caffeine; monosodium glutamate — a key ingredient in some Asian foods; certain seasonings; and many canned and processed foods. Skipping meals or fasting also can trigger migraines.

Stress. A hard week at work followed by relaxation may cause weekend migraines.

Sensory Stimuli- bright blights and sunglare can produce head pains. So can unusual smells -including pleasant smells such as flowers and perfumes. and unpleasant odors such as paint thinner and secondhand smoke.

Changes in wake-sleep pattern- either not enough sleep or too much sleep may trigger migraines in some individuals.

physical Activity- intense exercise even sex can trigger migraines.

A change in the environment-- a change of weather, season, altitude levels; barometric pressure or time zone can promote migraine.

Medications some meds have headaches as side effects.

High blood pressure can also cause headaches. so will hypoglycemia or hunger.

Answer 2

I get cluster migraines. I start to get them by losing vision, my left eye goes blind and the pain is excruciating. I have particular medication to take that knocks me out. I'm generally back on my feet in 6-8 hours, but if I don't take anything I will be screaming for 12 hours. I take Naramig in combination with Codeine Forte. I find that an ice pack will sometimes help, but definitely have to be lying down in a dark room. I'll get a series of these over a period of six weeks, then won't get them for a few months. You should really see your GP about getting some stronger medication, because Tylenol never cuts it with me..

Answer 3

First of all, back off so many OTC meds. You could be getting rebound headaches.
With your light sensitivity, these could be migraines. See a good doctor, if you don't like the one you have, get a referral to another.