I did this so you could read through some of the many experiences of other Connect members who have discussed their experiences with daily persistent headaches. I'd like you to meet @shygal67, @mikaylar, @dlydailyhope and @nemo1 who have been discussing what treatments they have tried recently as well.
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Nov 7 7:43am
Hello @freemental9242, Thanks for sharing the details of your struggle trying to find out what is causing your pain. One thing that jumped out at me because I have a deviated septum but chose not to have a septoplasty after a lengthy discussion with my Mayo ENT specialist was that your symptoms all started after you had a septoplasty in October 2023. There is a discussion you might also want to scan through to see if anything sounds familiar.
-- Post Surgical Nasal Sinus Dysfunction/ENS: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-surgical-nasal-sinus-dysfunctionens/
Here's a reference on the topic:
-- Delayed-Onset Neuropathic Pain after Septoplasty - PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8716246/
I know you mentioned seeing many specialists. Have you considered seeking help at a teaching hospital or major health facility that uses a multidisciplinary patient centered healthcare like Mayo Clinic? If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, contact one of the appointment offices. The contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.
Desperate for Answers – Persistent chronic Headache, Red Ears, and Nausea with No Diagnosis - Thanks for responding!
I hope this finds you well,
I’m a 25-year-old (formerly active) man who has played sports at a high level my whole life. I graduated in 2023 and started an IT job in September. However, in December 2023, I suddenly woke up with a chronic headache and other strange symptoms, and since that day, it has persisted. Now, I’m unable to work and struggle to cope with simple daily tasks. I’m posting here because I’m truly desperate for help and am hoping someone out there has experienced something similar and can offer advice or suggestions!
This text is quite long, but PLEASE bear with me, it would mean a lot to me if you have any thoughts about my situation. I would really appreciate any comments related to this!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Impact on My Life:
This condition has taken over my life—I can’t work, and even simple daily tasks are challenging. Just taking a walk can make my symptoms worse. I find it really strange because I eat clean, stay in shape, and have no history of any sickness in my family.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Symptoms:
-Constant headache: Started suddenly one night and hasn’t let up in over a year. No previous history of headaches. I’ve seen multiple neurologists, and some say it’s simply unexplainable pain that may go away over time, but I’m struggling to just “wait it out” with no improvement. The pain is always a 6/10 but gets worse with my triggers.
-Red, warm, and painful ears: They become super hot, red, and painful every night or when I lay down. My jaw can also get warm simultaneously.
-Nausea: This can get quite intense, especially when driving, taking public transport, or being in motion.
-Pulsing sensations: My neck, sinuses, and behind my eyes pulsate, yet doctors say my pulse is normal.
-Neck: My neck and throat feel stiff and sore; my voice has become weaker with more frequent voice cracks.
-Jaw pain: My jaw is sore, clicks, snaps, and gets very warm. I do grind my teeth in my sleep but have tried Botox and sleep with a mouthguard. My teeth and gums can feel tight and sore
-Blurred vision and dizziness: Difficulty focusing with my eyes, reading, and being on screens. I’m also sensitive to bright lights.
-Ear pressure: I get a "dot" feeling in my ears when my heart rate increases or when I open my mouth. It clicks, and I get the same feeling as when I’m on a plane. My ear passage can also get very itchy.
-Migraine attack?: I’ve only had one extreme episode (possibly a migraine attack?) with intense nausea, clogged ears, vomiting, racing heart, and difficulty speaking; it lasted 2-3 days, and I struggled for a week after. Leading up to this, I tried pushing it a little bit physically (swimming and going to the gym). I learned that I should not do that anymore.
-Triggers: Symptoms worsen with any physical exertion (strength training, running, even slow walking), being in motion (like public transportation, driving, etc.), bright lights, stress, and prolonged screen use. It often worsens a few hours later, so I become much worse the following night.
Oddly enough, alcohol seems to provide temporary relief, both on the night I drink and the day after.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What I’ve Tried and Ruled Out:
Medications: I’ve tried an extensive list of medications, with no success:
-Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm), a migraine prevention medication.
-Otomize Ear Drops (U.S. equivalents: Ciprofloxacin-Dexamethasone or Cortisporin Otic) for ear pain.
-Isoptin (Verapamil), a calcium channel blocker sometimes used for headache prevention.
-Indometacin (Indomethacin), a strong anti-inflammatory.
-Botox injections for both migraine protocol and jaw/ear areas.
-Lymecycline (Tetracycline), an antibiotic.
-Amitriptyline, an antidepressant also used for chronic pain and headache prevention.
-Metoprolol, a beta-blocker sometimes used for migraine prevention.
-Neurontin (Gabapentin), used for nerve pain and as an adjunct for migraines.
-Candesartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) for migraine prevention.
-Paracetamol (Acetaminophen), a common pain reliever.
-Ibuprofen (NSAID pain reliever).
-Prednisolone, a corticosteroid for inflammation.
-Azithromycin (antibiotic).
-Phenoxymethylpenicillin (Penicillin V), another antibiotic.
-Sleeping with a mouthguard.
-Blood tests are normal.
None of these have provided any relief.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Specialists I’ve Seen:
I’ve consulted with multiple specialists, but no one has found a clear cause or effective treatment for my symptoms. Here’s a list:
-Multiple neurologists
-ENT specialist (ear, nose, and throat doctor)
-Psychologist
-Dentist
-Jaw specialist
-Physical therapist
-Chiropractor
-Rheumatologist
-Cardiologist
-Eye doctor
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recent Medical History and Background:
October 2023: I had surgery to correct a deviated septum and remove nasal polyps under general anesthesia.
November 2023: Contracted COVID-19 and was quite sick for a while.
December 2023: Headache and other symptoms began and have persisted ever since.
Additionally, October through December was an extremely stressful period for me, with both work-related pressures and significant stress in my personal life. I’m unsure if this stress played a role, but I wanted to include this in case it’s relevant.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current Theories from Specialists: (just theories)
-Long COVID: I am vaccinated but have become quite ill every time I have caught it or been vaccinated.
-New daily persistent headache (NDPH)
-Atypical migraine
-Stress-related chronic headache
-Red ear syndrome
-Erythromelalgia
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Why I’m Posting:
I’m hoping someone here has faced similar symptoms or knows of treatments I might not have tried. I would be incredibly grateful for any suggestions, shared experiences, or tips—any insight means a lot!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this—I’m open to any and all advice.
@freemental9242
Did you ever have MRIs of your head/brain and neck/cervical spine? What did they show? Your symptoms do sound neurological/central nervous system/nerves in neck/head (like cranial nerves).
When the surgery was done for your nasal polyps and deviated septum, did they injure something or bend your head/neck in a way that compressed nerves/spinal cord?
Did you have a Covid vaccination before October 2023? What symptoms did you get after vaccination and which vaccines did you get?
Have they checked your vascular supply in neck and head to see if there is any blockage of blood flow?
I had daily headaches for years and no one diagnosed me properly. I finally was diagnosed with cervical spondylotic myelopathy which was compresssion/flattening of my spinal cord at C5-C6 which impacted blood flow to my brain and communication in my central nervous system from brain to body/body to brain. After ACDF surgery, my daily headaches went away. Before surgery l, when I got my 2 covid vaccines in 2021, I got pain at the based of my skull and felt dizzy/lightheaded immediately after receiving each of the injections.
Have you ever had an injury working out or lifting weights that could have impacted your cervical spine? Were you ever in a car accident/rear ended/whiplash.
Hello @freemental9242, Thanks for sharing the details of your struggle trying to find out what is causing your pain. One thing that jumped out at me because I have a deviated septum but chose not to have a septoplasty after a lengthy discussion with my Mayo ENT specialist was that your symptoms all started after you had a septoplasty in October 2023. There is a discussion you might also want to scan through to see if anything sounds familiar.
-- Post Surgical Nasal Sinus Dysfunction/ENS: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-surgical-nasal-sinus-dysfunctionens/
Here's a reference on the topic:
-- Delayed-Onset Neuropathic Pain after Septoplasty - PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8716246/
I know you mentioned seeing many specialists. Have you considered seeking help at a teaching hospital or major health facility that uses a multidisciplinary patient centered healthcare like Mayo Clinic? If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, contact one of the appointment offices. The contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.
@freemental9242
Did you ever have MRIs of your head/brain and neck/cervical spine? What did they show? Your symptoms do sound neurological/central nervous system/nerves in neck/head (like cranial nerves).
When the surgery was done for your nasal polyps and deviated septum, did they injure something or bend your head/neck in a way that compressed nerves/spinal cord?
Did you have a Covid vaccination before October 2023? What symptoms did you get after vaccination and which vaccines did you get?
Have they checked your vascular supply in neck and head to see if there is any blockage of blood flow?
I had daily headaches for years and no one diagnosed me properly. I finally was diagnosed with cervical spondylotic myelopathy which was compresssion/flattening of my spinal cord at C5-C6 which impacted blood flow to my brain and communication in my central nervous system from brain to body/body to brain. After ACDF surgery, my daily headaches went away. Before surgery l, when I got my 2 covid vaccines in 2021, I got pain at the based of my skull and felt dizzy/lightheaded immediately after receiving each of the injections.
Have you ever had an injury working out or lifting weights that could have impacted your cervical spine? Were you ever in a car accident/rear ended/whiplash.
I have taken MRI of neck, head, jaw, and back - there is no founds. The operation was succesful and I have returned to the doctor who operated me - he says this is not the reason for my headaches.
Regarding Covid, I am vaccinated and did so in 2021. I got the Pfizer shot. I got fever symptoms after vaccination. After this I have had covid 3x times, where all times really hurt my throat and headache. But this passed after I got well again.
I will ask about Vascular supply to my Neurologist! And no, no injuries. It is very motivating to hear your story and I hope I will find the reason to my pain also!
How did you find out that it was your spinal cord? Because I have taken pictures of my back. Thank you so much.
YES, I suffered with daily headaches for almost 40 years. After a layoff, my psychiatrist recommended the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago. They have an unbelievable program for all kinds of headache sufferers. I was hospitalized there at least 7 times. Some of the medications that worked included some of the MAO inhibitors Nardil and Parnate. However the side effects, especially the extremely strict diet on what you can and cannot eat is horrible especially when I gained 40 lbs and had 2 hypertensive crisis. Eventually I had to go on Social Security Disability. I found a pain management physician that put me on methadone and tried Botox injections. It took a little while but eventually I no longer needed the methadone. I use Amerge (Naratriptan) for breakthrough pain but can only take 10 per month. That has worked well for many years however I have noticed that 10 tablets per month is not enough as I am again experiencing breakthrough headaches. However I’ve been under a tremendous amount of stress having to move 4 times in 3 months. I have a neurology appointment next week to reevaluate my meds. I’m also on Cymbalta, Bupropion, Synthroid, Vistaril and Ativan for sleep. Also I have scoliosis which my doctor now believes has some impact on my headaches. Good luck in your search for help. See a neurologist that specializes in headaches and/or a pain management physician.
Desperate for Answers – Persistent chronic Headache, Red Ears, and Nausea with No Diagnosis - Thanks for responding!
I hope this finds you well,
I’m a 25-year-old (formerly active) man who has played sports at a high level my whole life. I graduated in 2023 and started an IT job in September. However, in December 2023, I suddenly woke up with a chronic headache and other strange symptoms, and since that day, it has persisted. Now, I’m unable to work and struggle to cope with simple daily tasks. I’m posting here because I’m truly desperate for help and am hoping someone out there has experienced something similar and can offer advice or suggestions!
This text is quite long, but PLEASE bear with me, it would mean a lot to me if you have any thoughts about my situation. I would really appreciate any comments related to this!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Impact on My Life:
This condition has taken over my life—I can’t work, and even simple daily tasks are challenging. Just taking a walk can make my symptoms worse. I find it really strange because I eat clean, stay in shape, and have no history of any sickness in my family.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Symptoms:
-Constant headache: Started suddenly one night and hasn’t let up in over a year. No previous history of headaches. I’ve seen multiple neurologists, and some say it’s simply unexplainable pain that may go away over time, but I’m struggling to just “wait it out” with no improvement. The pain is always a 6/10 but gets worse with my triggers.
-Red, warm, and painful ears: They become super hot, red, and painful every night or when I lay down. My jaw can also get warm simultaneously.
-Nausea: This can get quite intense, especially when driving, taking public transport, or being in motion.
-Pulsing sensations: My neck, sinuses, and behind my eyes pulsate, yet doctors say my pulse is normal.
-Neck: My neck and throat feel stiff and sore; my voice has become weaker with more frequent voice cracks.
-Jaw pain: My jaw is sore, clicks, snaps, and gets very warm. I do grind my teeth in my sleep but have tried Botox and sleep with a mouthguard. My teeth and gums can feel tight and sore
-Blurred vision and dizziness: Difficulty focusing with my eyes, reading, and being on screens. I’m also sensitive to bright lights.
-Ear pressure: I get a "dot" feeling in my ears when my heart rate increases or when I open my mouth. It clicks, and I get the same feeling as when I’m on a plane. My ear passage can also get very itchy.
-Migraine attack?: I’ve only had one extreme episode (possibly a migraine attack?) with intense nausea, clogged ears, vomiting, racing heart, and difficulty speaking; it lasted 2-3 days, and I struggled for a week after. Leading up to this, I tried pushing it a little bit physically (swimming and going to the gym). I learned that I should not do that anymore.
-Triggers: Symptoms worsen with any physical exertion (strength training, running, even slow walking), being in motion (like public transportation, driving, etc.), bright lights, stress, and prolonged screen use. It often worsens a few hours later, so I become much worse the following night.
Oddly enough, alcohol seems to provide temporary relief, both on the night I drink and the day after.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What I’ve Tried and Ruled Out:
Medications: I’ve tried an extensive list of medications, with no success:
-Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm), a migraine prevention medication.
-Otomize Ear Drops (U.S. equivalents: Ciprofloxacin-Dexamethasone or Cortisporin Otic) for ear pain.
-Isoptin (Verapamil), a calcium channel blocker sometimes used for headache prevention.
-Indometacin (Indomethacin), a strong anti-inflammatory.
-Botox injections for both migraine protocol and jaw/ear areas.
-Lymecycline (Tetracycline), an antibiotic.
-Amitriptyline, an antidepressant also used for chronic pain and headache prevention.
-Metoprolol, a beta-blocker sometimes used for migraine prevention.
-Neurontin (Gabapentin), used for nerve pain and as an adjunct for migraines.
-Candesartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) for migraine prevention.
-Paracetamol (Acetaminophen), a common pain reliever.
-Ibuprofen (NSAID pain reliever).
-Prednisolone, a corticosteroid for inflammation.
-Azithromycin (antibiotic).
-Phenoxymethylpenicillin (Penicillin V), another antibiotic.
-Sleeping with a mouthguard.
-Blood tests are normal.
None of these have provided any relief.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Specialists I’ve Seen:
I’ve consulted with multiple specialists, but no one has found a clear cause or effective treatment for my symptoms. Here’s a list:
-Multiple neurologists
-ENT specialist (ear, nose, and throat doctor)
-Psychologist
-Dentist
-Jaw specialist
-Physical therapist
-Chiropractor
-Rheumatologist
-Cardiologist
-Eye doctor
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recent Medical History and Background:
October 2023: I had surgery to correct a deviated septum and remove nasal polyps under general anesthesia.
November 2023: Contracted COVID-19 and was quite sick for a while.
December 2023: Headache and other symptoms began and have persisted ever since.
Additionally, October through December was an extremely stressful period for me, with both work-related pressures and significant stress in my personal life. I’m unsure if this stress played a role, but I wanted to include this in case it’s relevant.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current Theories from Specialists: (just theories)
-Long COVID: I am vaccinated but have become quite ill every time I have caught it or been vaccinated.
-New daily persistent headache (NDPH)
-Atypical migraine
-Stress-related chronic headache
-Red ear syndrome
-Erythromelalgia
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Why I’m Posting:
I’m hoping someone here has faced similar symptoms or knows of treatments I might not have tried. I would be incredibly grateful for any suggestions, shared experiences, or tips—any insight means a lot!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this—I’m open to any and all advice.
What sticks out to me is your Septoplasty/Polyp removal surgery you had in October 2023.
Not sure what your symptoms were prior to the surgery and or what the decision was based off of.
Assuming at 23 yr old first tech job had great commercial insurance which, when you visit any surgeon you have to be careful of why you are recommended elective surgery to begin with.
Do not rule out your surgery as the cause as many nerves and pathways are altered in this surgery that you would never think about. Trigeminal nerve being the main.
Hopefully your ENT surgeon has been helpful in guiding you through this since symptoms set in 2 months post op.
A surgeon will never say that surgery is the cause of something you have developed afterwards, so don’t put to much weight on that.
Are you positive your surgery was just septoplasty and polyp removal? Any turbinate tissue/bone removal involved as well?
What was your maximum medical therapy before your surgery was recommended?
So sorry for your illnesses. Sounds like it may be long Covid. I noticed you did not have an endocrinologist on your list of doctors. Perhaps you might get some answers there.
Wishing you answers and better health.
Desperate for Answers – Persistent chronic Headache, Red Ears, and Nausea with No Diagnosis - Thanks for responding!
I hope this finds you well,
I’m a 25-year-old (formerly active) man who has played sports at a high level my whole life. I graduated in 2023 and started an IT job in September. However, in December 2023, I suddenly woke up with a chronic headache and other strange symptoms, and since that day, it has persisted. Now, I’m unable to work and struggle to cope with simple daily tasks. I’m posting here because I’m truly desperate for help and am hoping someone out there has experienced something similar and can offer advice or suggestions!
This text is quite long, but PLEASE bear with me, it would mean a lot to me if you have any thoughts about my situation. I would really appreciate any comments related to this!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Impact on My Life:
This condition has taken over my life—I can’t work, and even simple daily tasks are challenging. Just taking a walk can make my symptoms worse. I find it really strange because I eat clean, stay in shape, and have no history of any sickness in my family.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Symptoms:
-Constant headache: Started suddenly one night and hasn’t let up in over a year. No previous history of headaches. I’ve seen multiple neurologists, and some say it’s simply unexplainable pain that may go away over time, but I’m struggling to just “wait it out” with no improvement. The pain is always a 6/10 but gets worse with my triggers.
-Red, warm, and painful ears: They become super hot, red, and painful every night or when I lay down. My jaw can also get warm simultaneously.
-Nausea: This can get quite intense, especially when driving, taking public transport, or being in motion.
-Pulsing sensations: My neck, sinuses, and behind my eyes pulsate, yet doctors say my pulse is normal.
-Neck: My neck and throat feel stiff and sore; my voice has become weaker with more frequent voice cracks.
-Jaw pain: My jaw is sore, clicks, snaps, and gets very warm. I do grind my teeth in my sleep but have tried Botox and sleep with a mouthguard. My teeth and gums can feel tight and sore
-Blurred vision and dizziness: Difficulty focusing with my eyes, reading, and being on screens. I’m also sensitive to bright lights.
-Ear pressure: I get a "dot" feeling in my ears when my heart rate increases or when I open my mouth. It clicks, and I get the same feeling as when I’m on a plane. My ear passage can also get very itchy.
-Migraine attack?: I’ve only had one extreme episode (possibly a migraine attack?) with intense nausea, clogged ears, vomiting, racing heart, and difficulty speaking; it lasted 2-3 days, and I struggled for a week after. Leading up to this, I tried pushing it a little bit physically (swimming and going to the gym). I learned that I should not do that anymore.
-Triggers: Symptoms worsen with any physical exertion (strength training, running, even slow walking), being in motion (like public transportation, driving, etc.), bright lights, stress, and prolonged screen use. It often worsens a few hours later, so I become much worse the following night.
Oddly enough, alcohol seems to provide temporary relief, both on the night I drink and the day after.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What I’ve Tried and Ruled Out:
Medications: I’ve tried an extensive list of medications, with no success:
-Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm), a migraine prevention medication.
-Otomize Ear Drops (U.S. equivalents: Ciprofloxacin-Dexamethasone or Cortisporin Otic) for ear pain.
-Isoptin (Verapamil), a calcium channel blocker sometimes used for headache prevention.
-Indometacin (Indomethacin), a strong anti-inflammatory.
-Botox injections for both migraine protocol and jaw/ear areas.
-Lymecycline (Tetracycline), an antibiotic.
-Amitriptyline, an antidepressant also used for chronic pain and headache prevention.
-Metoprolol, a beta-blocker sometimes used for migraine prevention.
-Neurontin (Gabapentin), used for nerve pain and as an adjunct for migraines.
-Candesartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) for migraine prevention.
-Paracetamol (Acetaminophen), a common pain reliever.
-Ibuprofen (NSAID pain reliever).
-Prednisolone, a corticosteroid for inflammation.
-Azithromycin (antibiotic).
-Phenoxymethylpenicillin (Penicillin V), another antibiotic.
-Sleeping with a mouthguard.
-Blood tests are normal.
None of these have provided any relief.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Specialists I’ve Seen:
I’ve consulted with multiple specialists, but no one has found a clear cause or effective treatment for my symptoms. Here’s a list:
-Multiple neurologists
-ENT specialist (ear, nose, and throat doctor)
-Psychologist
-Dentist
-Jaw specialist
-Physical therapist
-Chiropractor
-Rheumatologist
-Cardiologist
-Eye doctor
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recent Medical History and Background:
October 2023: I had surgery to correct a deviated septum and remove nasal polyps under general anesthesia.
November 2023: Contracted COVID-19 and was quite sick for a while.
December 2023: Headache and other symptoms began and have persisted ever since.
Additionally, October through December was an extremely stressful period for me, with both work-related pressures and significant stress in my personal life. I’m unsure if this stress played a role, but I wanted to include this in case it’s relevant.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current Theories from Specialists: (just theories)
-Long COVID: I am vaccinated but have become quite ill every time I have caught it or been vaccinated.
-New daily persistent headache (NDPH)
-Atypical migraine
-Stress-related chronic headache
-Red ear syndrome
-Erythromelalgia
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Why I’m Posting:
I’m hoping someone here has faced similar symptoms or knows of treatments I might not have tried. I would be incredibly grateful for any suggestions, shared experiences, or tips—any insight means a lot!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this—I’m open to any and all advice.
Where do you live and are you going to a Headache Center who deals only in headaches? Seems you have tried all that I have. It's 5 yrs/3 mos for me with a headache every single day all day. It's debilitating. I am sorry for you and hope you can find an answer. Don't give up. Keep searching.
This sounds truly awful. I’m sorry to hear what you have been going through.
2 thoughts
1. I’ve suffered from at least 3 major concussions myself and your sensitivities to light, screens etc. are very similar to post concussive syndrome/ sustained sensitivities post concussion. As another poster alluded to I was wondering as a former athlete if you have ever suffered a concussion or hit your head hard that you are aware of? From my personal experience this can make u more headache prone and can cause issues from medication or other things which u would not necessarily have reacted to if you had not suffered from a concussion in the past.
2. Other practitioners to try
NATUROPATH
I’ve found incredible benefit & improvement to my daily life when I’ve worked with a well regarded NATUROPATH along side my traditional western doctors especially when my doctors have hit dead ends. They can recommend supplements & diet changes & are trained to look at your medical history & see nuances & system wide issues that western doctors might not. They look at your blood work etc. & have been to medical school.
I used to be incredibly headache prone (near daily headaches), had decreased mental acuity , focus , & fatigue.
Here are some of the supplements / foods I’ve incorporate which have improved my symptoms dramatically.
-coconut oil
- collagen powder
(It take these daily for headache prevention)
-bone broth
-B12
-B Complex
-fish oil
-Cogniquil
If you decide to try vitamins brand is very important. I use these brands. “Integrative therapeutics” & “Vital Nutrients”
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Hello @freemental9242, I combined your discussion with an existing discussion titled "Does anyone have daily persistent headache all day, every day?" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/does-anyone-have-daily-persistent-headache-all-day-every-day/.
I did this so you could read through some of the many experiences of other Connect members who have discussed their experiences with daily persistent headaches. I'd like you to meet @shygal67, @mikaylar, @dlydailyhope and @nemo1 who have been discussing what treatments they have tried recently as well.
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4 ReactionsHello @freemental9242, Thanks for sharing the details of your struggle trying to find out what is causing your pain. One thing that jumped out at me because I have a deviated septum but chose not to have a septoplasty after a lengthy discussion with my Mayo ENT specialist was that your symptoms all started after you had a septoplasty in October 2023. There is a discussion you might also want to scan through to see if anything sounds familiar.
-- Post Surgical Nasal Sinus Dysfunction/ENS:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-surgical-nasal-sinus-dysfunctionens/
Here's a reference on the topic:
-- Delayed-Onset Neuropathic Pain after Septoplasty - PMC:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8716246/
I know you mentioned seeing many specialists. Have you considered seeking help at a teaching hospital or major health facility that uses a multidisciplinary patient centered healthcare like Mayo Clinic? If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, contact one of the appointment offices. The contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@freemental9242
Did you ever have MRIs of your head/brain and neck/cervical spine? What did they show? Your symptoms do sound neurological/central nervous system/nerves in neck/head (like cranial nerves).
When the surgery was done for your nasal polyps and deviated septum, did they injure something or bend your head/neck in a way that compressed nerves/spinal cord?
Did you have a Covid vaccination before October 2023? What symptoms did you get after vaccination and which vaccines did you get?
Have they checked your vascular supply in neck and head to see if there is any blockage of blood flow?
I had daily headaches for years and no one diagnosed me properly. I finally was diagnosed with cervical spondylotic myelopathy which was compresssion/flattening of my spinal cord at C5-C6 which impacted blood flow to my brain and communication in my central nervous system from brain to body/body to brain. After ACDF surgery, my daily headaches went away. Before surgery l, when I got my 2 covid vaccines in 2021, I got pain at the based of my skull and felt dizzy/lightheaded immediately after receiving each of the injections.
Have you ever had an injury working out or lifting weights that could have impacted your cervical spine? Were you ever in a car accident/rear ended/whiplash.
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Hug
2 ReactionsHi John, thank you so much for interesting articles. Yes - I did get the headache Dec 2023 and my septum surgery was Oct 2023.
Unfortunately, I am from Europe and I dont know of any offers like this in my country, but thank you so much for the tip though!
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1 ReactionI have taken MRI of neck, head, jaw, and back - there is no founds. The operation was succesful and I have returned to the doctor who operated me - he says this is not the reason for my headaches.
Regarding Covid, I am vaccinated and did so in 2021. I got the Pfizer shot. I got fever symptoms after vaccination. After this I have had covid 3x times, where all times really hurt my throat and headache. But this passed after I got well again.
I will ask about Vascular supply to my Neurologist! And no, no injuries. It is very motivating to hear your story and I hope I will find the reason to my pain also!
How did you find out that it was your spinal cord? Because I have taken pictures of my back. Thank you so much.
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1 ReactionYES, I suffered with daily headaches for almost 40 years. After a layoff, my psychiatrist recommended the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago. They have an unbelievable program for all kinds of headache sufferers. I was hospitalized there at least 7 times. Some of the medications that worked included some of the MAO inhibitors Nardil and Parnate. However the side effects, especially the extremely strict diet on what you can and cannot eat is horrible especially when I gained 40 lbs and had 2 hypertensive crisis. Eventually I had to go on Social Security Disability. I found a pain management physician that put me on methadone and tried Botox injections. It took a little while but eventually I no longer needed the methadone. I use Amerge (Naratriptan) for breakthrough pain but can only take 10 per month. That has worked well for many years however I have noticed that 10 tablets per month is not enough as I am again experiencing breakthrough headaches. However I’ve been under a tremendous amount of stress having to move 4 times in 3 months. I have a neurology appointment next week to reevaluate my meds. I’m also on Cymbalta, Bupropion, Synthroid, Vistaril and Ativan for sleep. Also I have scoliosis which my doctor now believes has some impact on my headaches. Good luck in your search for help. See a neurologist that specializes in headaches and/or a pain management physician.
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1 Reaction@freemental9242
What sticks out to me is your Septoplasty/Polyp removal surgery you had in October 2023.
Not sure what your symptoms were prior to the surgery and or what the decision was based off of.
Assuming at 23 yr old first tech job had great commercial insurance which, when you visit any surgeon you have to be careful of why you are recommended elective surgery to begin with.
Do not rule out your surgery as the cause as many nerves and pathways are altered in this surgery that you would never think about. Trigeminal nerve being the main.
Hopefully your ENT surgeon has been helpful in guiding you through this since symptoms set in 2 months post op.
A surgeon will never say that surgery is the cause of something you have developed afterwards, so don’t put to much weight on that.
Are you positive your surgery was just septoplasty and polyp removal? Any turbinate tissue/bone removal involved as well?
What was your maximum medical therapy before your surgery was recommended?
So sorry for your illnesses. Sounds like it may be long Covid. I noticed you did not have an endocrinologist on your list of doctors. Perhaps you might get some answers there.
Wishing you answers and better health.
Where do you live and are you going to a Headache Center who deals only in headaches? Seems you have tried all that I have. It's 5 yrs/3 mos for me with a headache every single day all day. It's debilitating. I am sorry for you and hope you can find an answer. Don't give up. Keep searching.
This sounds truly awful. I’m sorry to hear what you have been going through.
2 thoughts
1. I’ve suffered from at least 3 major concussions myself and your sensitivities to light, screens etc. are very similar to post concussive syndrome/ sustained sensitivities post concussion. As another poster alluded to I was wondering as a former athlete if you have ever suffered a concussion or hit your head hard that you are aware of? From my personal experience this can make u more headache prone and can cause issues from medication or other things which u would not necessarily have reacted to if you had not suffered from a concussion in the past.
2. Other practitioners to try
NATUROPATH
I’ve found incredible benefit & improvement to my daily life when I’ve worked with a well regarded NATUROPATH along side my traditional western doctors especially when my doctors have hit dead ends. They can recommend supplements & diet changes & are trained to look at your medical history & see nuances & system wide issues that western doctors might not. They look at your blood work etc. & have been to medical school.
I used to be incredibly headache prone (near daily headaches), had decreased mental acuity , focus , & fatigue.
Here are some of the supplements / foods I’ve incorporate which have improved my symptoms dramatically.
-coconut oil
- collagen powder
(It take these daily for headache prevention)
-bone broth
-B12
-B Complex
-fish oil
-Cogniquil
If you decide to try vitamins brand is very important. I use these brands. “Integrative therapeutics” & “Vital Nutrients”
CRANIAL SACRAL THERAPY
Your issues make me think cranial sacral therapy might a good thing to try. I’ve had it before and have found symptom relief.
Learn more here: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17677-craniosacral-therapy