I have been experiencing some strange symptoms that sound a lot like a condition similar to a brain tomor. I haven't gone to the Dr. yet because I dont know if I should. I read an artical about Brainstem tomors and some of the symptoms I have been experiencing, such as personality change, but didn't associate that with the headaches I've been getting until I read a survivors story.

For the last 4 months, I have been extremely irritable and "moody." For the last week however, I have had severe headaches that are odd, I've never had headaches like this before. It's only on the left side and it shoots through my head and ends at the base of my head or upper neck and is extremely excruciating. I have had this for 4 days strait and every time I take IBprofrin, its gone within 15-20 mins but back again about 3 hours later.

Last night was the worst yet. I was at the gym and all of a sudden I got that shooting pain down my head and into my neck but also everything seemed surreal. I felt a little numb all over and cold and everyone's voices were echoing and I had to lay down immediately. I felt like I was in a dream or like I was on drugs or someting (which I wasn't =o) It took 4 more IB and about 10 mins for the pain to subside, but when I tried working out again, it started back up so I quit.

Today is day #5 and I got the pain back again and feel slightly nauseous. I am concerned, should I be? I cant just go to my Dr. and tell him I want an MRI or a CAT scan can I? Please provide any information that will help. Thank you. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
~Shae

"The only ignorant questions, are the one's that remain unasked."

Yes by all means go in to see the doctor but be sure to tell him all of your symptoms as well as what the Ibuprofen does for your headaches etc. I doubt it is a brain tumor but any headache that is unexplained and severe or continues needs to be checked out. As for asking for a CT Scan or MRI..........your doctor will decide if feels those are warrented at this time. You can ask if thinks those might be a good idea regarding your headaches but most likely he will either try to treat them and see what happens or refer you to a neurologist right away. Neurologists are usually the ones that order these tests for headaches.

Once again, Mlgable has excellent advice! When my migraines first started, I, too, thought I had a brain tumor. If your doctor doesn't immediately refer you to a neurologist, find another doctor!! YOU are in charge of your treatment and you are paying the doctor to help you. Try to remember that. So many people just do what the doctor says and they aren't right all of the time. It's crucial to learn as much as you can about your condition and treatment that follows; and work WITH your doctor. I know that numb, tingly feeling all too well. So many things are migraine related that you wouldn't even imagine! Don't be paranoid. It's always better to be safe than sorry!! I wish you the best of luck!!

OH - I forgot to mention your thyroid. Have you had it checked? I learned, the hard way, that my thyroid was low. It caused a ton of problems for me including personality changes and severe depression. If they tell you it is only "slightly" lower and that you don't need thyroid medication, do more research and at least keep that possibility in the back of your mind. In my case, it made a HUGE difference!!

Shae, by all means go to a doctor and have it checked out.
But keep in mind, that stress and anxiety can cause irritability and headaches.(Irritability is not a personality change).And if you think you have a brain tumour, you are adding to the stress!
See your doctor soon, and ease your mind. In the meantime, try to relax. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif