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What Causes Headaches?

Posted on Thu, 3 Apr 2014

Question: I have a headache question for a neurologist I had some headache symptoms that started August 2012. I went to my internist and he sent me for a Head Cat Scan and all came out normal. I also had a Head CT in 2008, 2011 and 2012. All were compared and were the exact same and no changes. My headaches went away for all of 2013 and came back around Nov 2013. These headaches seem to be in the same area. They start in my neck and move to my eyebrows or temples. I can push on the muscles in my neck and pain shoots to my eye. I have some serious tender spots in my neck. I have kind of a burning feeling in my neck as well. Should I be worried since I have had clear CT scan a year and half ago? How long are these good for? Didnt know if something crazy could have formed since then. These headaches are similar to the ones I got before in late 2012. I am taking 12 milligrams of amitryptiline for it and not sure if I am taking enough.

Answered by Dr. Eris Ranxha (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Daily headache Detailed Answer: Dear Mr. I am sorry for the health problem and glad you share it with us. First of all you have done a good thing with that brain CT scan which assure us that no brain problems product that headache. Your clinical explanation shows just a tension headache, daily one with no risky complications. So you don't have to worry. As for you neck disturbances it is recommended that you undertake a cervical MR to see if there is any minor protrusion causing that burning sensation. Anyway all your symptoms need medication (amitryptilin is a good choice, you should discuss with your neurologist about increasing dosage) to go way but no one of them isn't to be worried! You need to avoid caffeine products, no strong or difficult exercises! Hope my explanation with help you Best regards Dr Eris Ranxha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Eris Ranxha (30 minutes later)

So does it matter that the CAT scan was your half ago? I just worry about something bad forming in that time since. But I have read things take a long time to form that are bad. Do you recommend any other types of medications to take? How high would you raise the dose of amitriptyline? I did go to a neurologist back in late 2012 and she told me I have cervicogenic headaches. Is it common with tension headaches to push on the muscles in their tender and causes referred pain?

Follow up: Dr. Eris Ranxha (19 minutes later)

I meant a year and half ago

Answered by Dr. Eris Ranxha (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Just headache Detailed Answer: Dear, I would strongly reccomended you to talk to your personal neurologist about te dose of amitryptilin. In my opinion the actual dose is a small dose. Anyway Yhise tender neck point refer that it can be just a muscular problem, for insurance a cervical MR need to be done. The characteristics of your headache aren't those of a brain pathology. You can use pain killer to control the headache such as ibuprofen. Hope my answer had helped you Best regards Dr Eris Ranxha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Eris Ranxha (15 minutes later)

But is a CT scan good enough if it was a year and half ago? Does it rule out stuff? What would you recommend as a dosage for amitriptyline for tension headaches?

Answered by Dr. Eris Ranxha (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer: CT scan, normal Detailed Answer: Dear that scan were done for the same symptoms and it's result was normal so I don't see reason to do another one. The effective dose is 25 mg but you should consult your personal neurologist and discuss with him about my opinion. Wish you all the best Dr Eris Ranxha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T