May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Headaches Horrible one side headache that has lasted two months
Horrible one side headache that has lasted two months |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: Hi, I am a 27 year old female and I have had a headache on the right side of my head everyday for almost 2 months now. It is in the front and back of my head and just on the right side. It's there when I wake up and lasts all day. It literally feels like my brain is crashing into my skull. Any movement makes it worse. My brain feels bruised (if that make sense). I have tried every OTC medicine I can find and it still won't go away. Also, my nose gets very stuffy when it is at it's worse. (Usually in the afternoon and at night). I am on the depo shot and Propranolol (10 mg 2X day). I also smoke. I have occasional headaches but nothing like this before. Also, I have not had any head injuries. Is this maybe sinus related, stress related, or is it something my doctor needs to check out? I don't know how much more I can take. Thanks for your help. Dear Jennifer: Your headache seems to be cluster headache, which may be triggered by smoke, stress, alcohol, certain medications etc. These headaches tend to occur for weeks, months or a year almost daily, followed by long symptom free periods. You need to note down the foods or activities that trigger your symptoms and try to avoid those triggers to prevent symptoms of cluster headache. Propranol is often used for the treatment. Breathing a 100% oxygen may also relieve your headache symptoms. Other medications used for its treatment include sumatriptan, indomethacin, valproic acid, verapamil etc. You may consult you doctor for change of medication, if propranolol seems to be less effective for the control of your symptoms.
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| Last Updated ( Sunday, 08 May 2011 ) |
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