Please read - I'm desperate for answers. - Headaches & Migraines Message Board

jkls10 · 10-12-2008, 01:31 PM

A very close friend of mine has been suffering from severe ice pick headaches that have now turned into cluster headaches. He also has shortness of breath, muscle pains, occasional panic attacks, and chest pains which have been labeled as growing pains by his doctor. He is 16 years old and a twin. He has only been to one doctor who has given him an MRI, bloodwork, a 48 hour EEG, and similar tests. She prescribed him medication that has given him unbearable symptoms, so he had to stop taking it. She's basically giving up and his pain is getting harder to deal with every day. It's causing him to be irritable and his mood to always change. Please help if you have any ideas or suggestions, I have no idea how to help him. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

dolysods · 10-13-2008, 06:11 AM

has he been to a neurologist that specializes in migraines?

leahmarie · 10-13-2008, 11:47 PM

Have you tried to ask for a second opinion? Does he has any allergy to medicines that cause that symptoms?

snakefan · 10-17-2008, 12:38 PM

He definitely should see a neurologist. Some of the meds given for ice pick migraines (from experience) are pretty strong at first. They take some time (a few weeks) but eventually they will help. I am in the process of coming off the meds. I've found a mix of a good chiropractor and accupuncture that is working for me. My neurologist's office has a dr. there who does accupuncture in the same office. Your friend definitely should see the specialist soon. You are a good friend! Hope he feels better soon. Hugs.

LynnF · 10-25-2008, 02:02 PM

I agree with the recommendations here...but are those headaches on one side only and is his temple very sore to the touch? I'm just wondering about a condition called giant cell arteritis. It might be worth asking the neurologist to look into this.

And this is for Snakefan...I would like to ask you about ice pick headaches. I just started having what I think are ice pick headaches, very scary. Do they flip sides? I never get a left sided headache, but the first time this happened, it was my left side. Last night it's on my right side, still here today. That area feels swollen and is tender to the touch. I appreciate it!