I was diagnosed with Belle's Palsy a couple days ago, and given Valtrex and a steroid, I think its called presnidone. Since I started taking these meds, I have not had a headache. I know there are good days and bad days, but I have never had a day without a headache since I stopped the Topamax. It still remains to be seen if I actually have Belles' Palsy, or if this is somehow related to the injury.

On a side note, the Dr. in the ER said they found a tiny stroke on my brain, but that I was not suffering a stroke currently. Then they said the stroke was also visible on my December CT scan, which was done a week or so after my head injury. I asked if the injury could have caused the stroke, and he said absolutely not. Of course, the first web site I checked at AANS said

They actually had a staff neuro take a look at me, but she wouldn't even talk about my concussion b/c it's a work comp case and she refuses to get involved when lawyers are involved, LOL. I don't blame her, really.

I've had 3 courses of prednisone since my brain injury. 2 courses were 6 days long and the current one is a month long. I'm taking it for a skin rash of unknown cause.

When I'm on the prednisone, I have more energy (bordering on manic with high doses) and generally feel slightly better... my headache doesn't improve that much, but in general my body aches and pains are much lower, including neck pain.

At the higher doses I have a hard time sleeping and resting, but dont' seem to require as much rest so its ok. I also get a bit of heartburn with it, so I take another OTC drug, I can't think of the name.

Depending on the length of course you're on, it will be a tapering dose... I've found that every time my dosage decreases, I'm more tired and miserable. After a day or two at that dose, its slightly better again.

I'm sorry that's not more helpful.
Starr

My prednisone course is almost over, and the headaches are coming back. So much for that! Although it took the horrible pain from my neck/back of skull, the paralysis has not gone away, but I read that it can take a few weeks to get your face motion back. The first couple of days, when I was taking the most prednisone, made me feel very good, almost normal again. It didn't last long though. Just an FYI for anyone who might want or need to know about this. I don't know how the steriods affected my headaches, but they did. Or so I think.