How do I get rid of this? - Headaches & Migraines Message Board

boundangel · 08-26-2005, 12:01 PM

Hi all!

Im hoping that someone can give some advice on a headache problem. Ive had a history of migraines and tension headaches since I was little as well as a myriad of other physical issues. About a month ago I got a whopper of a headache that wasnt similar to the ones Im used to (tension = across forehead pain usually shortlived, Migraine = 1 sided blindness, change of sense of smell/taste, extreme pain and oddly pretty geometic shapes lasts up to 2 weeks for me). Its at the base of my skull along with a very stiff neck and photosensitiity. Theres a stabbing pain in my left temple and a patch of numbness/odd sensation down from my temple across my cheek and with the usual nausea and dizzyness.
Eventually it passed but the numbness remained for a few weeks afterwards. My GP reckoned it was just a migraine and prescribed Naratriptan.

About 5 days ago it happened again, the same stabbing sensation and patch of numbness on my left hand side. About 2 days ago I suffered a seizure (Ive had them about 2 years now, undiagnosed) and it became blinding. The pain has calmed down somewhat now though.
My GP is playing the wait and see game and has quadrupled my longterm pain meds (codydramol).

On the main I can deal with headaches and pain but this patch on my face is driving me batty!

I keep reaching up to brush whatever it is from the side of my face and theres still nothing there.
Does anyone know what would cause such sensation on the face and what I can do to make it stop so I can get some sleep?
Thanks

SRMom · 08-26-2005, 12:40 PM

Sounds like a massive muscle cramp in the back of your neck from a migraine that could be pinching a nerve and causing numbness? When I get migraines at the base of my skull, I can feel a really hard knot that leads me to believe it is a muscle spasm. I have muscle relaxers I take in that case (Soma), along with Relpax and Vicodin. Sometimes the headache will come back after the meds wear off and I'll have to take more, but they usually go away with one dose. My husband will rub my neck and that helps a little and I also use a heating pad if I think it's a cramp (otherwise I usually prefer cold packs during a migraine).

The seizure thing sounds bad. I don't know anything about those, but I bet they cause a lot of muscle tension. I hope you can get a diagnosis. Good luck.

SRMom

Mz Migraine · 08-26-2005, 12:50 PM

Quote:

About 2 days ago I suffered a seizure (Ive had them about 2 years now, undiagnosed)

Your GP never referred you to a Neurologist?

Quote:

My GP is playing the wait and see game

Waiting for what?

How old are you?

boundangel · 08-26-2005, 02:15 PM

Hi again,
Thanks for the replies. It could be muscle cramp - it feels incredibly stiff and Im having problems moving my neck. Ive tried a hot water bottle but its too painful to let other half touch.

Mz M - Im 22 yrs old (getting on 70

). Ive been refered to various different specialists over the years for a lot of my physical probs but because theyre so complicated I just got passed from doc to doc and department to department until I had enough. I was sent to a neurologist when the seizures first started about 2 yrs ago especially as there is a lot of epilepsy in my family (my dad being the closest) even members who have to remain permanently sedated due to it. I had started having 'blank' episodes where I didnt respond, didnt blink, and made movements unconnected to what I was doing. This was followed eventually by full on loss of conciousness and muscle spasms. These have continued regularly since then, even in my sleep.
The neuro doc took a blood test and did an EEG, told me there was nothing wrong and discharged me. Eventually it came to light when his letter arrived at my GP that he thought I was mentally ill as my blood tests are almost normal (non pernicious B12 anaemia). Non too keen to see more docs

My GP has basically told me to wait and see if the headache/numbness will go away by itself. I get the feeling that he hopes (as well as me) that it will just be a new symptom of my migraines that wont need dealing with.
Anne

SRMom · 08-26-2005, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boundangel

Eventually it came to light when his letter arrived at my GP that he thought I was mentally ill as my blood tests are almost normal (non pernicious B12 anaemia). Non too keen to see more docs

Anne

I get so frustrated with doctors jumping to this conclusion when they can't find out what is wrong. It sounds like you've had petit mal and grand mal seizures and they still don't think it's epilepsy? Maybe there is some benefit to your life to not have this diagnosis and the doctor is reluctant to classify you as epileptic. Good luck.