HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Suggest Treatment For Daily Headaches Inspite Of Using Pain Killers

Posted on Thu, 12 Jun 2014

Question: Help:/ I've suffered with migraines for 23 yrs now. In the last year, I've had at least 345-350 headaches. I've tried gabapemtin, atenol, propranolol, depakote, topamax, imitrex, treximet, maxalt, & relpax. These headaches wake me up. I am often unable to sleep & send can I be or even feel constructive. I've seen tons of neurologists, even facets in neck and epidural in spine - did not work:( Is there ANY WHERE in North XXXXXXX where they may be able to put something on my head and maybe they can see what's going on? Also, is there certain kinds of blood work I should request? I'd sincerely just like to have a few days headache free to enjoy life & spend time with my family. This pain is excruciating & depressing at first. Thank you for your time.
Please note, I know all about eating correctly, staying hydrated, exercising, etc. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sweta Singla (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
you have chronic daily headache.

Detailed Answer:
As you mentioned you approximately had daily headaches last year you appear to be having chronic daily headache. And stress either physical or psychological that perpetuate daily headache . Meditation , deep breathing exercises and tricyclic antidepressants has always worked wonders in my patients and avoid pain killers as much as possible because they might lead to rebound headaches many times. It is difficult to control but not impossible. Deep breathing should be done at least half hour daily.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Sweta Singla (9 hours later)

I currently take Cymbal take 120 mg. I've been on it for 9 years. I was diagnosed with OCD in 1999. I took Zoloft from '99 to '05. I know better than to try pain pills as I've seen & felt the rebound headaches. My pain begins in my neck, STAYS in back of my head & often travels to front of my head into one eye. The pain travels into my left arm to a point that I often drop anything I'm holding with my left arm:/ I also take XXXXXXX 350 mg as needed to help with the tight must muscles in my left shoulder and neck. And, xanax .5 as needed for anxiety (I have panic attackss). You can literally feel the knots in left shoulder and left side of neck. I've had many deep tissue massages which help a "tad bit." The headaches become so severe I get sick to my stomach, often see black zig zags or dots & have to lie down in a quiet, dark room.

My question is: Should I be seeing a psychiatrist as well to help me find the "right" antidepressant medication? Maybe I'm on the wrong medication? In short, if I were being seen by you, exactly what would you prescribe? Would yoga be of help? Should I continue to see a neurologist as well?

Thanks so much for your help. It's truly saddening to NOT be able to tell anyone the last time my head didn't hurt. I'm extremely tired of having to "accept" this is how my life will remain...it's very disheartening.

Answered by Dr. Sweta Singla (45 hours later)

Brief Answer:
you need anti depressant

Detailed Answer:
Exactly my point. You are telling me your diagnosis your self. You have been diagnosed as having OCD. I definitely try amitryptaline and sertraline. They both are anti depressants and they should help in your case. Yoga and meditation will relax you and decrease your stress responses including headache. Yes you should go to a psychiatrist for help. He may be able to help you more than a neurologist.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj