Hello,
I know that this might sound like a silly question, but I was hoping someone might be able to give me some insight. I have an appointment with a new headache specialist next week and I want to ask about this, but I don't want to make a bad first impression with a new doctor.

I suddenly started getting headaches in the middle of the night about 7 months ago. In May, I had a really bad one with constant vomiting for four hours and I haven't felt the same since it happened. I've had headaches before and after, but the one in May was extreme and hung around on and off for about 10 days. I had an MRI/MRA 9 days after the headache that came back normal.

Since the headache, my noise sensitivity has gotten worse. Sudden noises make my physically jump. My memory has been a little off, but nothing major. If I bend down, my head feels funny. Not dizzy, exactly, but sort of on the verge of being dizzy.

The thing that I'm really concerned about is my mood. I was depressed before this, but it was a flat, empty feeling and had been getting better. But now....something has happened to my mental state. I have huge mood swings, I often feel sad for no reason, every little thing sets me off and I have constant thoughts of suicide. I feel like I turned into a different person from one day to the next. I've started seeing a therapist and that's helping a little.

I may be overreacting, but it seems to me that my brain may have been injured during that whopper of a headache. Is this even possible? Should I ask the doctor about it? I have a huge fear of being brushed off as a hypochondriac. If anyone has had a similar experience or could advise me, I would love to hear from you.

Many thanks, Cheryl