Same headache for 4+ years... - Headaches & Migraines Message Board

ItsMeLuigi · 03-13-2009, 11:08 PM

Have had the same headache for going on four years now. When it first started I was working at a daycare and assumed it was stress related, but I haven't worked there for over two years.

I wake with it every morning, and it never goes away. I take over the counter pain medication like crazy and it has very little effect. The pain is throughout my forehead and behind my eyes. I would describe the pain as "pressure." Pushing up against my eyes or "crunching" my forehead relieves the pressure... for a moment.

In the last year I've had two CT scans, an MRI, an eye exam, done two sleep studies, seen an ENT, Neurologist, had a routine physical... no one can come up with anything. My scans show nothing... no tumors or other red flags. I haven't been to an ENT for close to a year now but at the time he said it was NOT sinus related.

One of the biggest quirks I've noticed is that cold air SEVERELY reduces the pressure, and the opposite is true as well... warm air INTENSIFIES the pain/pressure. I sleep with a fan blowing on my face, I have the air conditioner on in my car during the winter. Stepping outside on my breaks and lunches makes almost an immediate improvement during the fall/winter... until I go back inside.

Any chance this is ringing a bell for anyone? I've essentially had a headache for four years now, and I'm tired of spending all my time and money to hear doctors tell me, "I dunno what's wrong with you... go see this guy."

sunshine123 · 03-14-2009, 11:37 PM

I'm sorry about your headaches. I had daily headaches for over 30 years and was finally diagnosed with TMJ by a dentist. Do you think you could have that too? Do you notice yourself clenching or grinding your teeth? Is your bite even? You could check with a dentist, preferably one that knows how to treat TMJ. Have you tried muscle relaxers yet? Flexeril works well for me when I take it before bed. You could be getting rebound headaches from the over the counter meds. you've been taking. I hope you get some answers as well as much needed pain relief!!!!!

breaux0727 · 10-04-2009, 07:37 PM

I know exactly how you feel. I've been having these headaches with severe pressure behind my eyes for about 7 years now. I've had CT scans, MRI. Been to an ENT, Neuro, Chriopractor, and Massage therapist. No one has an answer. Do your eyes burn and really ache? Do you always feel fatigued? I dont know where else to go either, I can keep living like this! The pain is intolerable! I wish you luck, and if I find a cure I will let you know.

ItsMeLuigi · 10-05-2009, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by breaux0727

I know exactly how you feel. I've been having these headaches with severe pressure behind my eyes for about 7 years now. I've had CT scans, MRI. Been to an ENT, Neuro, Chriopractor, and Massage therapist. No one has an answer. Do your eyes burn and really ache? Do you always feel fatigued? I dont know where else to go either, I can keep living like this! The pain is intolerable! I wish you luck, and if I find a cure I will let you know.

Wow, you sound like me three years from now... I, too, have been to all of the specialists you mentioned with no luck. My eyes do burn, yes, and I could get 8-10 hours of sleep and still feel fatigued and want to take a nap. Last year I did two overnight sleep studies and slept with a CPAP machine for a month at home because they thought both my fatigue and headaches could be sleep apnea related. That ended up being a dead end though.

I wish you luck with finding a reason for your headache... and please, let me know when you find something out.