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        New Message Board Archives >> 2003 Posts >> Newbie w/a ? about type of headache I have
        
(Message started by: troyash on Feb 13^th, 2003, 1:03pm)

Title: Newbie w/a ? about type of headache I have
Post by troyash on Feb 13^th, 2003, 1:03pm

Hi! I was searching the web to try and diagnosis what type of headache I am having, but have not come up with any answers. I thought maybe you guys could help.

I am a 25 year-old pregnant female. At the beginning of Dec. I had a sudden sharp pain on the right side of my head. It lasted only about 3-5 seconds but felt like a needle was being stuck in my head. I could point out the exact location where the pain was. It went away quickly but happened again the next day. I was a little concerned but since there were no other symptoms, I ignored it. It didn't happen again till the beginning of Jan. And then it stared up again. I had these sudden pain attackes off and on for about three days. Some days were worse than others. At that point I called my ob/gyn and asked if I should be concerned because of being pregnant. She just said to make sure I am getting enough to drink, enough sleep and eliminate stress. All those things I needed to work on. So the headaches went away again for the second time. I thought I was free of them. Well, a month later, two days ago, they came back. I am having them more often now and they wake me up at night. There are still no other symptoms, but the pain seems to start at the top/side of my head and travel to either my face or down the back of my neck. It has been over two days now since this episode began and I am really beginning to worry. I did go ahead and make a doctor apt. with my family doctor, but I thought maybe I could get some "diagnosis" here too.

Is it my pregnancy, can you have an irritated blood vessel that flares up when you are under stress, or am I looking at this to be something more serious? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Ashley

Title: Re: Newbie w/a ? about type of headache I have
Post by Hound_Dogg on Feb 13^th, 2003, 2:02pm

I don't think anyone here would try to actually "diagnose", what you are having. I can tell you they don't fit the "perfect" mold of Cluster Headache due to the length of attack and their timing. Also for whatever reason, I've heard mostly reports of Cluster Headaches going into remission during pregnancy. But none of these are definite.

Please, go with your first inclination. Go right to your Doctor. In the meantime...keep a very accurate diary of where, when, how painful, what time, and how long your H.A.'s last. So the Doctor can better diagnose and or refer to a Specialist.

Good Luck, Keep us posted.

Jim

Title: Re: Newbie w/a ? about type of headache I have
Post by echo on Feb 13^th, 2003, 2:21pm

Must are with Hound dogg, they don't appear to fit the classic cluster mold from this initial glance. Get with your primary provider to get a referal to a neuro.

BTW -- congratulations on your pregnancy. How far along are you?

Title: Re: Newbie w/a ? about type of headache I have
Post by Margi on Feb 13^th, 2003, 2:30pm

Hi Ashely,
What you're describing sounds more like CPH (Chronic Paroxysmal Headache) than cluster, because they are short in duration like that. Usually 100% responsive to Indocin as a treatment, but I doubt you could take it, being pregnant. Ask your doctor about CPH, better yet, go see a neurologist, they're usually much better headache doctors. Ask for a referral if your family doc doesn't help.

Title: Re: Newbie w/a ? about type of headache I have
Post by troyash on Feb 13^th, 2003, 4:06pm

Thank you all so much for your help and advice. I am seeing the doctor tomorrow. I sure hope I'll find something out.

Thanks!

Ashley

P.S. Oh, I am 5 months pregnant!

Title: Re: Newbie w/a ? about type of headache I have
Post by boonie on Feb 13^th, 2003, 5:12pm

I believe you have Tic doloureux more commonly called ice pick headaches they are annoying but not cause for alarm 30 percent of clusterheads suffer from these. I had these for 10 years before the onset of clusters. They become more prevalent when I am in cycle.

Title: Re: Newbie w/a ? about type of headache I have
Post by Charlie on Feb 13^th, 2003, 5:57pm

Ashley, I hope you find it is not clusters, but if they are, you're welcome here and there are a lot of things you can do.

Cluster headaches will wake you out of a sound sleep and you won't be able to sit still. It's as miserable as it can get.

Good luck and I hope you'll let us know how you do.

Charlle

Title: Re: Newbie w/a ? about type of headache I have
Post by Bob P on Feb 13^th, 2003, 6:10pm

Here's some light reading for you:

http://www.clusterheadaches.org/ihs/diagnost.pdf