Headache :: Possible Occipital Neuralgia?
For nearly two years now, I have had a severe pressure pain at the base of my skull on the right hand side of my head. It has steadily got worse, often flaring up whilst I have been in the gym, but now, like tonight, it has been throbbing/stabbing so badly that I am unable to sleep.
I have been back and forth to my doctor about 5 times so far and every time she has sent me for a blood test and concluded that I have low iron and to take supplements for that. My whole family are susceptible to iron deficiencies and I am a regular blood donor who has never been turned away, so I am confident low iron has nothing to do with it.
I was getting quite frightened that I could possible have an AVM in my head, or something putting pressure on my skull, so after much persuasion, my doctor referred me for a CT scan that came up 'normal'. She called me and suggested that I keep taking iron tablets as this must be the cause of my 'headaches'.
I do NOT have a 'headache'!! I keep reiterating to my doctor that it is a constant pressure in that area, sometimes my head even hurts to touch, but she is insistent that it is a headache. Occasionally I get a pain behind my right eye and over the top of my head, so I am getting a lot better at wearing my glasses any time that I am reading or studying. I have looked online at my symptoms, and I think it could possibly be occipital neuralgia - does anyone have symptoms like this? I have looked on other threads but there seem to be a lot of associated physical symptoms, for me it is just the head pain.
If you would believe it, my doctor actually asked me if I wear my hair up at night as she thought having my hair in a loose ponytail could be causing the pain. When I said I wanted a scan, she told me she would 'have to make something up' that sounded worse than what I told her because if she sends a person for a scan and it's not serious, she gets a slap on the wrist, as scans are expensive and she can only request three per month.
I am going back this week to discuss occipital neuralgia with her (let's hope she knows what it is!) and to insist on maybe an alternative treatment to injections or meds - maybe acupuncture?
Neurology :: Headache Associated With Occipital Neuralgia?
I have had horrible migraines for 10+ years which have become chronic daily headaches, manageable, but daily. A year ago I started having horrible pains at the base of my skull on the right side, some days it is a horrible stabbing pain, some days it is just a dull ache, but it is always there. I saw my neurologist in May about the pain since it just would not go away, she really had no ideas for me, she thought it might be a pinched nerve but said she really didn't know, she started me on nortriptyline, after being on the nortriptyline for 2 months and no change, she switched me to gabapentin, I am now taking 1200 mg 3 times a day. Some days I notice a difference, other days no change at all. My Neurologist said to stay on it and it should be helping. About 3 months ago the same type of pain started on the left side of my neck, about 1.5 inches below the base of my skull, closer to the middle by the spinal cord than the outside of the neck, it felt like a muscle knot that wouldn't go away, for the first few weeks, thinking it was a muscle knot, I was trying everything to get the knot to go away, after no relief with heat, massage, ice, I saw my neurologist and basically demanded that we get an MRI to see what was going on, she said she didn't think that was necessary, but ordered it anyway. She said my MRI looked totally fine and that i should still stay on the gabapentin, but no more help than that. After that I decided to find a different doctor. I started seeing a physiatrist, specializing in neurologic issues. My first appointment with him was fantastic, right away he said from everything i am describing i have occipital neuralgia. He explained what it was, and that it is a tricky thing to get under control, and he really couldn't say what is causing it. He said that the gabapentin is what he would prescribe, and it probably is helping, just not taking the pain away totally. He did prescribe a cream to apply to my neck, that he said he has great results with. He said he likes to try this first before doing any injections. It is a special compound cream that is specially made at a pharmacy he uses, its a mix of baclofen, gabapentin, ketorolac, and lidocaine. Its hard to tell if the cream is working, kind of like the gabapentin, sometimes it feels great, other times the pain is the same...
My true issue and reason for posting is, I have had a bad headache on the right side of my head, it moves from the right base of my neck, around my ear to my front temple area. Throughout the day it is in a different spot and I can pinpoint exactly where it is, it feels like someone is stabbing a knife right in that area, but it lasts for hours, throughout the day it does get a little "better", but i can always feel it, when it gets "better" it just feels like a massive pressure in that area. I have been a headache sufferer for as long as i can remember, but this headache is different than any headache I've ever had, and it going on day 19. I have tried everything; my many different headache medications (including an injection i give myself), I've taken a dose pack of steroids along with some anti nausea medication my neurologist gave me, i have gone to get a DHE treatment from my neurologist, i have gotten a toradol shot, and pretty much anything else i could think of, and nothing is kicking this headache. After doing lots and lots of online research, it leads me to believe that this is related to my occipital neuralgia, not a "normal" headache. Has anyone has a headache like this before? Do you think it is related to the occipital neuralgia, or something else? Does anyone have any ideas to make it go away. Also, if anyone has any tips on dealing/treating neck pain from occipital neuralgia.
Shooting Headaches For Months - Occipital Neuralgia?
Does anyone have problems with occipital neuralgia? I have been having headaches everyday going on 7 months now that are dull and cause shooting head pain. It travels from my neck, to the top of my head, behind my ears, and behind my eyes. I have had MRI's and CT scans, and everything has come back normal. I have gone to PT for 4 months and had 2 nerve blocks. Nothing has given me relief. I went to a new doctor yesterday and he suggested that I may have occipital neuralgia. I am desperate to hear about what has helped other people and to hear about how everyone else copes with this/if it has gotten better.
View 11 RepliesVertigo / Dizziness :: Occipital Neuralgia Lightheadedness?
I had bad head and neck pains and lightheaded/dizzy days for about 18 months. Would last a day or two then feel fine in between. Held down a super full time career and ran a home really well. Was successful etc. But since xmas when I had a major headache/pain in the back lower part of one side of my head which started boxing day and went on and on I saw a neuro who thinks it is occipital neuralgia. On gabapentin and awaiting some procedures in theatre to help (I hope!) Anyone else have this out there?
View 10 RepliesVertigo / Dizziness :: Chronic Migraines, Occipital Neuralgia?
My friend has had diagnosed with occipital neuralgia. I am now living in my country of origin because I developed Parkinson at the age of 28. I kept receiving medication in the UK but opted out for DBS at this clinic abroad. They were so great that they offered me a job as I recovered. I told the doctors about my friend and they told her to come over for something called peripheral nerve surgery as they had a doctor visiting from the States. She initially exhausted all medication therapy and also nerve blocks, I think she used botox did not help her. Now she is migraine & headache free, happy, smiley person.
View 1 RepliesOccipital Neuralgia - Metallic Taste And Cheek Numbness
I was told by my neurologist that's what I have which is fine I have a lot of the symptoms (burning in head, ache, sharp pains, etc.) however I would like to know if anyone else experiences a metallic taste with theirs?
Or bitter taste? Hard to explain the taste exactly but I noticed I only get this taste when my ON acts up.
My right cheek also feels numbish when it comes along. I have a nerve test for neuropathy in a few weeks (to see which kind I have) and have had CT/MRI of brain which was clear so the taste may be related to the neuropathy but it just seems weird it comes when the ON comes.
Spinal Surgery :: Pain Stimulater For Occipital Neuralgia
I had this unit put in in Dem. 2013 but because of the lead trying to push through the back of my neck it had to be revised in August 2014. Was doing great until January 19, 2016 when the lead again pushed entirely through the skin on back of my neck. Now my insurance company will not approve for me to have another unit put back in. I was free 90% of the time with my unit in and now I am back to having so much pain in this area. It makes it very hard to have any quality of life except to wait around for another horrible burning pain that takes 3 mores days to overcome each time. Has anyone else had their insurance refuse this especially when it worked great?
View 12 RepliesHeadaches / Migraines :: Possible Occipital Neuralgia? Pain At Base Of Head
I have not officially been diagnosed with Occipital Neuralgia, but I am beginning to think that that is what I have been suffering from. I will be going back to a doctor soon (husband is military and we are currently getting ready to move to a new country...so it will be a few months before I settle and can get to specialist). In the meantime, I wanted some advice from others who deal with this. I am curious if this sounds like ON to you (I know you can't diagnose me...just curious if my story is similar to anyone else's) and what you do for the pain.
I am 25 years old right now. The headaches started when I was about 18 or 19 years old. It started on the right side of my head right at the base of my head and neck. I got them almost everyday. It was just a dull ache. Nothing awful, but definitely annoying enough that I would have to take advil (especially when I had class or work or something). As months went by and the pain continued, I started getting nervous that I had a tumor (I am a pretty big hypochondriac). I went to my doctor and he sent me to get a CT scan. Everything came back normal. The headaches continued. Went to a neurologist and got an MRI. Again everything came back normal. The headaches still continued. Went to physical therapy. Still not much improvement (granted, I don't practice the exercises he taught me very often). At this point, to be honest, I gave up hope. I took advil almost every day and learned to deal with the pain. I assumed it was just tension headaches. The pain has now gotten worse. The headaches are still only that one side of my head, but the pain spreads behind my ear and up to my right eye when it is at its worst. It feels like a deep ache and I constantly want to stretch or crack my neck or something (which doesn't work). I have a "knobble" that I use to massage the area. Applying a lot of pressure on it hurts...but in a good way. It sort of relieves the pain for the time being, but unless I take advil it will usually come right back and it will last for a few hours if I don't do anything.
I am a teacher and I obviously have to be at my best everyday. The pain makes it impossible, which is why I usually give in and take meds even though I KNOW I should not be taking it everyday. If I am just at home and have nothing to do, I try to massage the area and relax until it dies down.
Does this sound like it could be Occipital Neuralgia? Does anyone have any other idea of what it COULD be? I haven't had much help from doctors, so I sort of want to be armed with information the next time I go see one. I am sick of being told it's nothing when I am spending every day in pain.
Occipital Neuralgia - Radiofrequency Ablation In The Facet Joint Nerve Works?
I had no idea what Excruciating Pain was. Does Radiofrequency Ablation in the facet joint nerve work?
View 8 RepliesGenital Herpes Simplex :: Can You Get A Wax?
Can you get a wax if you have herpes? I have hsv2.
And also if you can do you have to declare it to the beautician? I'm going away in a few weeks and have been contemplating it for a while now.
Herpes :: Use Of Toilet And HSV 1 Genital Spread
ok so heres my story/questions my dr decided not to tell me that ive had hsv1 genital for about 9 years maybe longer i dont know why she didnt tell me but thats what it is.. now ive been very very paranoid about everything like what if my daughter uses the toilet after me or touches something after ive used the bathroom and didnt wash my hands right away? can she catch it from that or say could she catch it from a sink or the taps?
View 1 RepliesHerpes :: Genital HSV 1 - Long Without An Outbreak?
Diagnosed by blood test with hsv1 on genitals. Bad outbreak in 2007. No outbreaks at all until last month since 2007. That's 8 yrs. Is that normal to go that long without an outbreak. My partner is negative and we have not used protected sex. We have split up a while back and I'm wondering since he never contracted it, is it ok to have sex with a new partner without protection. What's the chances of my new partner getting it since the last one didn't. Of course I know not to have sex during a break out. Is it that easy to transmit this. I have grandkids also and am very careful around them.
View 5 RepliesHerpes :: HSV 1 Genital - Two Outbreaks, So Close Together?
I had a outbreak eight years ago. Went all this time until few months ago, had another one. Last week I thought I had yeast infection. Took meds for that but isn't much better. Went to doc today, I have another break out she said. What is going on. Why am I having these two so close together? It doesn't feel the same as last one and that's why I thought it was yeast infection. I have redness and slight burning all over vagina area. She said she saw what looked like a lesion inside the opening of liba. I do have one area that is tender to the touch. I am stressing more than usual last several months. If this is a true outbreak, she did put me on 1000 valtrex, how long should I wait to have sex after I'm feeling normal down there again?
View 5 RepliesHerpes :: Genital HSV 1 Transmission Without Outbreak?
How common is it to transmit genital HSV1 through genital to genital contact only having sex once with no outbreak? I am a female who is worried about transmitting hsv1 genitally to a partner whom I only had sex with once. Any insight in this?
I have had genital hsv1 for 3 years.
Herpes :: Marriage And Of Spread Genital HSV 1
Somebody please tell me if it's easy to spread genital hsv1. Blood test shows genital hsv1. I was diagnosed 8yrs ago with first outbreak. Had another outbreak last month. Yes, I went 8 years with no outbreak. How easy is this to spread using protection and without. Should I take daily valtrex? I'm getting married in couple of months ands would really like to know the chance of spreading it to my future husband. We have not had intercourse, waiting for marriage. Yes I've told him that I have it.
View 9 RepliesGenital Herpes Simplex :: How To Find If It's Old Or New?
I am a 47 year old married female, just went to the doctors last week....although I do not have my test results back, he is positive I have genital herpes...to say the least, I am an emotional train wreck.
I have had multiple affairs, using condoms except with a trusted co worker, however one did have a mouth sore when performing oral(co worker) I never correlated that with genital herpes until I did my research.
Here is my question...I'm assuming the test result (culture) will tell if it's type 1 or 2....but how do I find out if it's an old infection ???
When I was 18 I had an std, it burned when I went to the bathroom,,, I was broke out...hard to walk...went to emergency room...I just don't remember if the dr said hpv or hsv...
Gosh this all makes me sound so dirty...I'm a professional, clerical at a hospital, co workers will see testing and billing, I feel so ashamed...I have children and grandchildren now,the stigma is devastating....I have not told anyone yet but my best friend, I've been abstaining from all sexual activity.
Genital Herpes Simplex :: Depressed
I'm a 20 year old female who was diagnosed with genital herpes simplex 2. I have been diagnosed for 2 weeks now and i've been depressed because i don't know what to do. I don't have any out breaks no more thank God but i do know that my ex boyfriend has genital herpes before i caught it. He caught genital herpes 2 years ago and me and him been having sex with a condom but he never exposed me. I left him alone and start having sex with another guy, without a condom but i know for sure he did not expose me to genital herpes. Me and my ex had sex 2 weeks ago and i had 3 bumps on my vagina that was itchy i thought they were hair bumps, turn out to be herpes. I cant believe i have herpes, i know my ex still loves me and we both love sex a lot but sometimes i hate myself and wish this never happened. I don't go out as usual and i don't show a lot of excitement no more like i use too. I need help! Im depressed, i know i cant tell someone that I have herpes because they will not accept me for who i am and they will know for a fact that im a walking disease im hurting inside.
View 2 RepliesDiagnosed With Nonspecific Genital Herpes?
I was diagnosed with "unspecific" genital herpes. Anyone know what they mean by "unspecific"?
View 4 RepliesGenital Herpes Simplex :: Eye Infection?
Also during my suspected first outbreak, I think I have infected my left eye ... been feeling eye dryness and pain lately but today I woke up with a completely red left eye.
Went to two different eye doctors for this and they said it's nothing serious and both gave moisturizer eye drops.