Hi. I'm new here, so I'm not sure if this has been discussed before or not. I've been looking around a bit, but if this is a repeat, I apologize.

I gave an overview of my story in the new members forum, and, bottom line, doctors have been looking for a diagnosis for me since I was suddenly ill this past February.

There are a variety of symptoms, and the neurologist at this time is focused on perhaps MS or some kind of epilepsy, though I've never had a seizure that I know of. I am having my 2nd MRI this week. My first was when I was hospitalized in March, approx 6 mos ago.

One thing that has been a CONSTANT, but not really addressed, in my opinion, is the fact that I have had a headache almost EVERY DAY since February. I am taking 500 mg of Naproxen a day, but even tho I can take up to 2 a day for the headache pain, I don't want to do that. Even taking one a day, it does NOT take away the headaches, it just makes them bearable.

Does anyone else have regular, daily, obnoxious headaches? I never really had headaches before, except right before getting my cycle, but that headache is nothing like what I've been dealing with now.

I don't know if these would classify as "migraines" or not. The greater focus has been on trying to find an overall diagnosis for the combination of symptoms I am dealing with.

I have had 6-7 concussions in my life (I'm now 39), most during my teenage and college years, though my most recent one was 6 yrs ago, from a minor car accident. However, I've not had regular headaches these past six years.... only since this "mystery" illness has started in February.

I'd appreciate any information or suggestions that others may have.

Does anyone know- are daily headaches a part of MS?? Thank you.

Have a read of this. Might be something to think about.
http://www.nyheadache.com/blog/?p=128

My headaches (25+ years) were cured by taking magnesium. They were caused by tight neck muscles. This may not be your situation, but magnesium deficiency may well be a factor.

Has anyone mentioned rebound headache or medication rebound? (Google those terms to learn more)

Doc

No Doc, no one has mentioned anything to me about my headaches.... nothing at all! Other than my PCP rx'ing naproxen 500 mg 2 times a day prn, no reason or look into the headaches has even been explored. And, the naproxen, I'm taking 1 daily, usually in the morning, about when I get to work, so around 8 am.... and it's enough to take the edge off the headache to make it tolerable, but that's it. It doesn't ever seem to truly go away.

It does seem to be less painful when I am laying down vs sitting up..... but short of some kind of heavy duty pain meds, which then would not allow me to work cuz I'd be a space cadet, not sure what to do. Sometimes, usually at home, in the evenings or weekend, I get sooo sensitive to sounds (which is great when you have young children) just making my head throb. Funny think is that I"m hard of hearing... so I tend to take out or turn off my hearing aids, but even that doesn't help. (I never had headaches really, except little ones ladies get just before their cycle starts... hormonal ones).

My vision is slightly blurry w or without my glasses on (and I'd just gotten new glasses in January before all this "mystery neurological illness stuff" started in February. But the headache is not likely vision related (I'm a vision therapist, trained in vision and low vision at the master's level). Though I am being referred to a neuro-ophthalmologist, per my request, so hopefully I will have that appointment in the not to distant future.

I think it may somehow be related to the overall condition I've been dealing with since February which has yet to be determined. I have been working w a Neurologist (my 2nd neurologist).... had a bunch of tests, but so far, nothing "remarkable". So, more waiting and more testing.

I'll google what you've suggested. Thanks!! I can ask my PCP doc when I see her in a few week about what you've mentioned...... Amy Kate.

Well, Doc-- in googling those terms, I'd have to say that I doubt those are what I have going on. I HATE taking meds..... and other than regularly rx'd one for depression, I don't take meds.... I usually just ignore and get past the pain.

Other than the Naproxen, as I previously mentioned, I don't take any other pain relievers. And that was rx'd specifically for these headaches. I do need to talk w my PCP about how it's not really helping anyways......

I'm not a tylenol, ibuprophen or any other kind of OTC med girl. Other than some vitamins and supplements I'd be happy if I never had to swallow a pill again!!!

But, thanks for the thoughts...... AmyKate

Ok, it was a starting point from your OP above.

Did the headaches begin with, or just following, a virus of any kind?
Have you ever had Mono or other EB related DX?

Doc

Yes, definitely worth considering. I had rebound headaches from Tramadol.

Thanks, Peter--- I'll check that out too!! AmyKate

I too get constant headaches, OMG why won't they ever stop

Headaches are a common symptoms of MS, but before your freak out they are a common symptom of simple, non-life threatening things also.

Concussions can be related to headaches from damage or inflammation, even at long latency from the initial injury.

Why does your neurologist think it is MS? As a temporary measure, try some of the capsacin creams (boswellian from Swanson) on your head, temples and behind the ears where the cranial nerves are near the surface. It takes a little while for it to work, but my (undiagnosed cause, 4 yr long) headaches are substantially lessened by this. It is also not likely to do you any harm.

If you are taking that many NSAIDS for that long, you could also have rebound headaches or medication induced headaches.