What kind of headache is this?? And how can it be treated??

Question

It is behind, above, and in between my eyes, and sometimes goes to the middle of my nose. I get it for long periods of time, and no medicine I have tried has helped. I will get rid of it for a few hours, then it comes back. I will have it for a few days at a time, get rid of it, and then it comes back again. It's driving me crazy!! Please help!!

Answer 1

Given the information you have provided, there would be no way for anyone to diagnose the type of headache or appropriately recommend treatment.

I understand that the headaches are bothering you, and may well be quite severe. However, diagnosis of headaches is not a matter of saying it hurts here so what is it.

I have had migraines for many years and I also specialize in headache management for that reason. Here is what I will tell you...

Headaches are complex problems and there is no easy solution. It is best to find out the source/cause of your recurrent or chronic headaches.

The easy things normally work for the bulk of people Paracetamol/Acetaminophen/Tylenol or aspirin (I prefer Excedrin personally) go to a darkened quiet room and lie down. Avoid bright lights and prolonged computer use.

In Excedrin Migraine there is 250 mg of Aspirin, 250 mg of Tylenol, and 65 mg of caffeine in each tablet. Aspirin has a ceiling effect at 800 mg so taking 1000 mg does not help but does increase the risk of gastric bleeding. Tylenol is generally effective at 650 mg, so if you are going to exceed the bottle directions take no more than 3 tablets at a time, any more just waste your money and risk side effects for no medical benefit.

If you are having recurrent or chronic headaches you need to see a health care provider. They can pick the proper abortive medication for the acute headache and possibly prescribe a preventive medication if your headaches are too frequent. There are numerous medications out there, but as they are prescription, and as you need to know all about the headaches to select the proper medication, that should be left to the physician, nurse practitioners or PAs.

If you feel you need to see a doctor, I recommend that you go to the following site prior to your visit:

http://www.headaches.org

In the consumer area, see the educational resources tab.

Print and fill out the headache diary as shown.

People say there are several causes for headaches and/or migraines, and this is not thought to be the case. The actual cause is not proven, but there is a current consensus theory. What people often say are causes are actually called triggers, they do not cause the headaches, but they can trigger the effect. There are activities and foods to be avoided, however, each person's triggers are individual. This is the purpose for the diary noted above. It helps you to discover your triggers so they can be avoided or eliminated.

See the How to talk to your headache doctor page. This will help you know what information is important to report so the doctor can properly diagnose and treat your headaches.

I also recommend the pages on analgesic rebound, and diet.

Do not take Imitrex of any one else’s migraine medication without a health care provider’s approval. I have seen patients with severe hypertensive crisis bordering stroke and cardiac problems due to taking a medication which was inappropriate for them. Also there are some types of migraine which are not recommended for the new migraine wonder drugs, ie. Hemiplegic and basilar artery migraines.

There are many non medication methods which are beneficial also, such as biofeedback, and acupuncture. I also feel that chiropractic can be beneficial for some forms of migraine, but in some forms it can cause permanent disability and possibly death. I advise you have a diagnosis of the type of migraine and be clear to try chiropractic before trying any alternative techniques.

Seek the assistance of your primary care clinic and if no improvement a specialist in headaches.

As a fellow headache sufferer, I wish you the best.

Answer 2

I am not sure about yours but I have problems with headache myself. When I eat too much sugar, I get migraines across my forehead.

Menstrual headaches are so persistent and they want to keep coming back too.

I find if I keep myself hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, it helps to keep those types of headaches away.

Have you tried ice packs to your head. For me, sometimes it's the only thing that will help. That, and taking long showers letting the water hit the area where the headache is, and also shampoo your hair with and massage your head for quite a while. It really helps to relieve the pain. I heard that smelling Peppermint helps to relieve the pain. YOu could try to find an aromatic shampoo (with peppermint oil) for massaging your head. What could it hurt?

I really don't like to take a lot of aspirin, advil, tylenol, etc. it's not good for your liver. I've taken so much of it already. I'm trying to use more natural treatments. I know, it's hard. Tell me about it. Ugh.

Answer 3

Can be a combination of a sinus with a migraine or cluster headache I suffered from the same thing and I just had surgery for a severe deviated septum go see your doctor you may also need to take some sinus medication I used nosonex and took claratin and some excedrin also rest I know its hard good luck to you

Answer 4

sounds like a sinus headache. these types of headaches will appear around or behind the eyes, in the cheekbone area and around the nose.

doesn't sound like a migraine at all (i get them frequently). migraines occur on one side or both sides of the head (the temple area) and will be a severe pounding. you will have sensitivity to light or sound (or both), and nausea/vomiting might be present too.

have you tried taking over the counter or prescription allergy medications? these will help relieve sinus pressure and nasal congestion brought on by allergies which is probably triggering your headache.

sudafed pe works great and comes in non-drowsy form. you can get it at any local drugstore-try it first.

if that doesn't help then you might want to consider talking to your family dr about getting some allergy meds from him

good luck!!

Answer 5

It sounds like a migraine to me. Try Execedrin Migraine and other medicines specific for migraines.

Answer 6

look up "cluster headache" and see if it is what fits the description