Hi all, I am new to the forum, I found it after searching for any information online.

I have been having headaches for about 1 week now, not really headaches but brain stabs, that is the only way I can describe them. It is a sharp pain in the back of my left side of my head and continues around to behind my eye. It feels like someone it picking my brain with an ice pick. It is not a constant pain but come in short quick stabs, about 2-3 a minute, sometimes more.

I am 36 years old, female with a very crappy family history. :) My sister, 40 years old in perfectly good health, or so we thought, died from a brain aneurysm on May 20 of this year while leading her class in a pep rally. So as you can imagine I am freaked. I haven't told my mom because she is still dealing with my sister's death and I don't want to stress her out anymore, but I am scared.

I went yesterday for an MRI, the doctor had ordered an MRA but the lab did an MRI instead so I have to go back tomorrow for the MRA. It really freaked me out. My doc did give my some Xanex (sp?) to help with the anxiety.

I guess what I am asking for some information of any insight to what I may be going through. I am really not handling this well trying to deal with it alone and any help would be greatly appreciated. Sorry this is so long.

Well, I had the MRA done on Friday. I took a Klonopin and it seems to take any anxiety away and the test was O.K., I didn't freak out when the tech clamped the hockey mask thing over my face. Still having some brain stabs but they aren't as severe since I have been on meds, Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, and Darvocet. I take a klonopin in the mid morning a Xanax or Valium at dinnertime and a darvocet at bedtime, which is usually about 1-3 a.m. Now mind you with all these meds, my head is not cloudy or dysfunctional at all, that bothers me as well since they are some pretty heavy duty meds.

Hi there,

Ive been geting these stabbing head pains for a few years now, and still not really sure what it is but it hasnt got any worse and Im still here so it cant be serious. I also get pain behind my eyes, Im starting to wonder if this some kind of migraine pain as it can manifest itself in so many ways. Really sorry to hear about your sister, that is so sad and no wonder you are anxious about these pains. Im sure that if your MRA comes out okay there is nothing serious to worry about though. That does seem like a lot of meds to be on so be careful as some can be addictive and hard to get off.

Take care,

Chris

Got a phone call today from the radiologist, there was too much movement to read my scan!! How in the heck can there be too much movement when they strap my head into a hockey mask looking mechanism???? I am beyond frustrated. I am not anxious about taking the test again today, I am angry so I guess I won't have to worry about being scared......... I feel like this guy :bouncing:

Anyway, thanks for your input Chris. That was one of the first things the doctor said was that it may be a type of migrane but with my family history he wants to rule out the serious first and work backwards.

Yes, that is a bit annoying, sounds like they are at fault somewhere. Hope it goes ok this time. Im getting annoyed at having to keep going back to my docs for blood tests as they either keep coming back abnormal or dont take enough blood. I have had 2 abnormal blood clotting tests come back and have to have another, dont know how many they need before they will do something about it. Grrrrrrrrr

Hope you get the results back quickly and that everything is ok to put your mind at rest,

Chris

Whoo Hoo!! I have an "unremarkable" brain!!! :D

I have my results back from my multiple MRI and MRAs and luckily no appearance of circle of willis and my brainstem and cerebellum appear "unremarkable". I have never been so glad to be told my brain is unremarkable!!! Let the lawyer jokes flow..........lol

Ok, now onto the next step and why am I having these stupid headaches. They are not as bad this week as they were last week. This week they are dull and more of an annoyance.

Well thanks to all who read my posts and Chris for responding. I cannot tell you how relieved I am feeling. Good Luck and God Bless to all.

Hi there,

Im so pleased your brain is unremarkable LOL!! Seriously though that is good news and Im sure has put your mind at rest. I am looking into migraines at the moment and trying a migraine diet next week to see if it helps with my head pains and dizziness,

Pleased things are ok with you,

Chris