The Bug's Headaches

I've struggled with headaches for years. I have tension headaches, sinus headaches (rarely--more on that in a minute), migraine headaches, cluster headaches. The reason I say I have sinus headaches rarely is that for over 25 years, I thought that my head hurt because I had sinus congestion. I have only recently learned that the reverse is true much of the time--my sinuses were congested because I had a headache. This is especially true for the cluster headaches.

I have great difficulty identifying the type of headache I am experiencing at any given time. When I have a migraine, I don't have an aura, I don't get nauseated, and light bothers me only minimally. When I have a cluster headache, I don't get relief from oxygen. This makes my headaches very atypical. Both types of headaches were relieved by Imitrex, so if I used that, and the headache was relieved, I could assume that I had one or the other. Both are excruciatingly painful. Though the clusters are worse, they don't last as long at a time. There are occasions when I have more than one type of headache at a time. My MD calls these mixed headaches. I call them virtually impossible to deal with and treat successfully.

I experienced a phase where I had headaches every day. Sometimes they lasted all day, sometimes for only a few hours. I know part of the reason for this is the phenomenon of rebound headaches. This is caused when pain relievers (prescription or even over-the-counter) are used too often. More information on this can be found in the links below. The problem is that the only way to treat the rebound headaches successfully is to take nothing and just suffer with the headaches for a week or two. I wasn't able to find a time when it would be convenient for me to be completely miserable and nonfunctioning for two or more weeks.

My wonderful, patient doctor started me on Depakote as a preventative, and it worked very well, but caused me to have a tremor in my hands that eventually interfered with my ability to work! We switched to Neurontin, and it has been just wonderful! I have headaches once a week or less now, and get relief for most of them from Maxalt MLT. I occasionally have to use Tylox for relief, but not nearly as often as I used to, thankfully. I find that ice relieves my headache pain better than any other remedy I use. I have headbands with a gel inside that go in the freezer. Once I have one of these in place around my forehead, no matter what kind of headache it is, I relax and feel better immediately.

Below are links to some of the very best headache support site on the web. I have no great advice to give to headache sufferers. I can only share what has worked for me, and the links I've found, and hope you have some success from the information! Believe me, my heart goes out to people who suffer from chronic headaches. They truly interfered with my life for several years, and I'm very grateful to not be dealing with them daily as I did before. My husband and doctor both deserve a HUGE "Thank You!" for their patience and support.

Ask NOAH About: Headache
Extraordinary site with links to information about diagnosing different types of headaches, as well as information on treatment.

JAMA Migraine Information Center
Trustworthy site by the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Ronda's Headache Page
Much more than a page!! Extensive site for sufferers of migraines, including support, discussion, art, poetry, and even a chat room. This is a wonderful, affirming site.

Headache Hi-way - Head off Pain Advocators
This is a great site, with lots of information, links, and more!

Get Rid of Headaches
This site is particularly useful for it's list of medications commonly used to treat headaches. Go to the "what's new" section for the most recent information, as well as references to all the past issues.

Migraines Up Stroke Risk
Article about the apparent increased risk of stroke in those who suffer from migraines.

The American Council for Headache Education (ACHE)

National Headache Foundation

Excedrin Headache Resource Center

A Migraine Awareness Group

Patient Resources: Migraine

Migraines ~ You Are Not Alone

Migraine Resource Center - Web Sites About Migraines and Headaches

Headache Care Network for Primary Care

Headaches -- Help For Headaches -- Migraine Headaches

World Cervicogenic Headache Society

Cluster Headaches

Headaches: Find pain relievers, and other headache remedies