What can I try besides pain relievers for constant headache

@heminhaw

My head pain/ symptoms (5 years and counting) - "puzzle with many pieces".
Ear Nose Throat - I was on Antibiotics for sinus infection. Note: Antibiotics will strip good gut and intestine health – need to rebuild (Gut -> L-Glutamine, Intestine -> Lactoferrin) NeilMed Sinus Rinse 2x/ day

How to find Headache Specialist in your area:
https://headaches.org/resources/healthcare-provider-finder/
Certifications (providers) – UCNS (750) and AQH (300)
Scroll to bottom of page – Select State – Search (US, US Territory, Canada)

I was referred to a Neurologist -
Neurologist request that I keep daily journal –
wake up and sleep time,
food you eat time,
what activity I was doing when headache, migraine, dizzy, lightheaded etc starts and stops (24x7 headache),
If you can check blood pressure time (smartwatch or blood pressure device) - my BP dropped very low after mowing grass, shoveling snow
Neurologist looking for patterns. Me - Dairy products (food sensitivity), light sensitivity (inside / outside)

Neurologist was able to determine –
0- I was on Tylenol way too long, which caused rebound headaches. Only take 2 Tylenol 2x a week.
1- Neck was very tense - referred me to Physical Therapy Dry Needling. 1st session, first time in 4.5 years no headache, the relief lasted 4 hours. Also prescribed different stretch exercises. The relief gradually increased over the 23 weekly sessions, now monthly.
2- Ordered a CT Scan with Imaging neck and head, to determine blood vessel's condition - any blockage or damage.
3- Vision – one eye stutter (not smooth glide), auras, and light sensitivity
4- From the results of PT Dry Needling, prescribed muscle relaxer
5- Topiramate, Propranolol
6- “triptan” Rizatriptan Naratriptan Eletriptan
7- Self injections – Emgality, Ajovy
8- IV Infusion – Migraine Infusion (strong dosage of 6 – 8 medications); Vyepti Infusion
9- Claritin, Zyrtec

I have been doing my own research –.
12/11/2024 - Persistence of spike protein at the skull-meninges-brain axis may contribute to the neurological sequelae of COVID-19
https://www.cell.com/cell-host-microbe/fulltext/S1931-3128(24)00438-4?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS1931312824004384%3Fshowall%3Dtrue
Summary
SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with long-lasting neurological symptoms, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Using optical clearing and imaging, we observed the accumulation of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in the skull-meninges-brain axis of human COVID-19 patients, persisting long after viral clearance. Further, biomarkers of neurodegeneration were elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid from long COVID patients, and proteomic analysis of human skull, meninges, and brain samples revealed dysregulated inflammatory pathways and neurodegeneration-associated changes. Similar distribution patterns of the spike protein were observed in SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. Injection of spike protein alone was sufficient to induce neuroinflammation, proteome changes in the skull-meninges-brain axis, anxiety-like behavior, and exacerbated outcomes in mouse models of stroke and traumatic brain injury. Vaccination reduced but did not eliminate spike protein accumulation after infection in mice. Our findings suggest persistent spike protein at the brain borders may contribute to lasting neurological sequelae of COVID-19.
Graphic abstract - below

10/19/2023 Harlan Krumholz and Akiko Iwasaki (Rishi Shiah, Lilo Wu, and Adith Arun) discuss preliminary findings and answer questions from LISTEN participants.
The Yale LISTEN Study Town Hall: October 2023
https://medicine.yale.edu/ycci/listen-study/media-player/listen-town-hall-oct-2023/
The entire Town Hall, video, is very interesting, here are four sections I found enlightening.

8:00 minute - Difference in Percent of Participants Experiencing Symptom (Long Covid – PVS post-vaccination syndrome; Note: the graphic chart is informative)

Long Covid – Memory problems, Changed sense of smell, Brain fog, Shortness of breath, Cough, Sore throat, Excessive fatigue, Difficulty speaking properly, Changed sense of taste, Fatigue, Congested or runny nose, Phantom smells, Runny nose, Phlegm in back of throat, Headache, Constant thirst, Night sweats, Hypersomnia, Confusion, Insomnia, Hair loss, Dry scalp or dandruff, Dizziness, Throat pain or discomfort, Postnasal drip, Exercise Intolerance, Wheezing, Swollen hands or feet, Cold/burning lung sensation, Changes in voice, Phantom tastes

PVS - Loss of hearing, Suicidal thoughts, Feelings of impending doom, Palpitations, Tinnitus, Numbness, Internal vibration, Neuropathy, Burning sensations

16:00 minute - Implications (below)
18:33 minute - Hypothesis (below)
37:00 minute - Hope next 6 months

August 25, 2025 Immunologist: Hope for ME/CFS and post-Covid, research needed

Akiko Iwasaki "... She sharply rejected views that ME/CFS or post-COVID might not be somatic illnesses."
(Akiko Iwasaki gives me HOPE for recovery. Google her – very interesting)

(Note: Original article in German, this is translated link to English)
https://science-apa-at.translate.goog/power-search/17729239753393598891?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp
I follow Akiko Iwasaki.

I presented these papers to my Neurologist, now have referral to Immunologist and sleep study.

It’s a journey, Best Wishes for Your Journey!

🍀

@heminhaw

My head pain/ symptoms (5 years and counting) - "puzzle with many pieces".
Ear Nose Throat - I was on Antibiotics for sinus infection. Note: Antibiotics will strip good gut and intestine health – need to rebuild (Gut -> L-Glutamine, Intestine -> Lactoferrin) NeilMed Sinus Rinse 2x/ day

How to find Headache Specialist in your area:
https://headaches.org/resources/healthcare-provider-finder/
Certifications (providers) – UCNS (750) and AQH (300)
Scroll to bottom of page – Select State – Search (US, US Territory, Canada)

I was referred to a Neurologist -
Neurologist request that I keep daily journal –
wake up and sleep time,
food you eat time,
what activity I was doing when headache, migraine, dizzy, lightheaded etc starts and stops (24x7 headache),
If you can check blood pressure time (smartwatch or blood pressure device) - my BP dropped very low after mowing grass, shoveling snow
Neurologist looking for patterns. Me - Dairy products (food sensitivity), light sensitivity (inside / outside)

Neurologist was able to determine –
0- I was on Tylenol way too long, which caused rebound headaches. Only take 2 Tylenol 2x a week.
1- Neck was very tense - referred me to Physical Therapy Dry Needling. 1st session, first time in 4.5 years no headache, the relief lasted 4 hours. Also prescribed different stretch exercises. The relief gradually increased over the 23 weekly sessions, now monthly.
2- Ordered a CT Scan with Imaging neck and head, to determine blood vessel's condition - any blockage or damage.
3- Vision – one eye stutter (not smooth glide), auras, and light sensitivity
4- From the results of PT Dry Needling, prescribed muscle relaxer
5- Topiramate, Propranolol
6- “triptan” Rizatriptan Naratriptan Eletriptan
7- Self injections – Emgality, Ajovy
8- IV Infusion – Migraine Infusion (strong dosage of 6 – 8 medications); Vyepti Infusion
9- Claritin, Zyrtec

I have been doing my own research –.
12/11/2024 - Persistence of spike protein at the skull-meninges-brain axis may contribute to the neurological sequelae of COVID-19
https://www.cell.com/cell-host-microbe/fulltext/S1931-3128(24)00438-4?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS1931312824004384%3Fshowall%3Dtrue
Summary
SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with long-lasting neurological symptoms, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Using optical clearing and imaging, we observed the accumulation of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in the skull-meninges-brain axis of human COVID-19 patients, persisting long after viral clearance. Further, biomarkers of neurodegeneration were elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid from long COVID patients, and proteomic analysis of human skull, meninges, and brain samples revealed dysregulated inflammatory pathways and neurodegeneration-associated changes. Similar distribution patterns of the spike protein were observed in SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. Injection of spike protein alone was sufficient to induce neuroinflammation, proteome changes in the skull-meninges-brain axis, anxiety-like behavior, and exacerbated outcomes in mouse models of stroke and traumatic brain injury. Vaccination reduced but did not eliminate spike protein accumulation after infection in mice. Our findings suggest persistent spike protein at the brain borders may contribute to lasting neurological sequelae of COVID-19.
Graphic abstract - below

10/19/2023 Harlan Krumholz and Akiko Iwasaki (Rishi Shiah, Lilo Wu, and Adith Arun) discuss preliminary findings and answer questions from LISTEN participants.
The Yale LISTEN Study Town Hall: October 2023
https://medicine.yale.edu/ycci/listen-study/media-player/listen-town-hall-oct-2023/
The entire Town Hall, video, is very interesting, here are four sections I found enlightening.

8:00 minute - Difference in Percent of Participants Experiencing Symptom (Long Covid – PVS post-vaccination syndrome; Note: the graphic chart is informative)

Long Covid – Memory problems, Changed sense of smell, Brain fog, Shortness of breath, Cough, Sore throat, Excessive fatigue, Difficulty speaking properly, Changed sense of taste, Fatigue, Congested or runny nose, Phantom smells, Runny nose, Phlegm in back of throat, Headache, Constant thirst, Night sweats, Hypersomnia, Confusion, Insomnia, Hair loss, Dry scalp or dandruff, Dizziness, Throat pain or discomfort, Postnasal drip, Exercise Intolerance, Wheezing, Swollen hands or feet, Cold/burning lung sensation, Changes in voice, Phantom tastes

PVS - Loss of hearing, Suicidal thoughts, Feelings of impending doom, Palpitations, Tinnitus, Numbness, Internal vibration, Neuropathy, Burning sensations

16:00 minute - Implications (below)
18:33 minute - Hypothesis (below)
37:00 minute - Hope next 6 months

August 25, 2025 Immunologist: Hope for ME/CFS and post-Covid, research needed

Akiko Iwasaki "... She sharply rejected views that ME/CFS or post-COVID might not be somatic illnesses."
(Akiko Iwasaki gives me HOPE for recovery. Google her – very interesting)

(Note: Original article in German, this is translated link to English)
https://science-apa-at.translate.goog/power-search/17729239753393598891?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp
I follow Akiko Iwasaki.

I presented these papers to my Neurologist, now have referral to Immunologist and sleep study.

It’s a journey, Best Wishes for Your Journey!

🍀

@heminhaw

My head pain/ symptoms (5 years and counting) - "puzzle with many pieces".
Ear Nose Throat - I was on Antibiotics for sinus infection. Note: Antibiotics will strip good gut and intestine health – need to rebuild (Gut -> L-Glutamine, Intestine -> Lactoferrin) NeilMed Sinus Rinse 2x/ day

How to find Headache Specialist in your area:
https://headaches.org/resources/healthcare-provider-finder/
Certifications (providers) – UCNS (750) and AQH (300)
Scroll to bottom of page – Select State – Search (US, US Territory, Canada)

I was referred to a Neurologist -
Neurologist request that I keep daily journal –
wake up and sleep time,
food you eat time,
what activity I was doing when headache, migraine, dizzy, lightheaded etc starts and stops (24x7 headache),
If you can check blood pressure time (smartwatch or blood pressure device) - my BP dropped very low after mowing grass, shoveling snow
Neurologist looking for patterns. Me - Dairy products (food sensitivity), light sensitivity (inside / outside)

Neurologist was able to determine –
0- I was on Tylenol way too long, which caused rebound headaches. Only take 2 Tylenol 2x a week.
1- Neck was very tense - referred me to Physical Therapy Dry Needling. 1st session, first time in 4.5 years no headache, the relief lasted 4 hours. Also prescribed different stretch exercises. The relief gradually increased over the 23 weekly sessions, now monthly.
2- Ordered a CT Scan with Imaging neck and head, to determine blood vessel's condition - any blockage or damage.
3- Vision – one eye stutter (not smooth glide), auras, and light sensitivity
4- From the results of PT Dry Needling, prescribed muscle relaxer
5- Topiramate, Propranolol
6- “triptan” Rizatriptan Naratriptan Eletriptan
7- Self injections – Emgality, Ajovy
8- IV Infusion – Migraine Infusion (strong dosage of 6 – 8 medications); Vyepti Infusion
9- Claritin, Zyrtec

I have been doing my own research –.
12/11/2024 - Persistence of spike protein at the skull-meninges-brain axis may contribute to the neurological sequelae of COVID-19
https://www.cell.com/cell-host-microbe/fulltext/S1931-3128(24)00438-4?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS1931312824004384%3Fshowall%3Dtrue
Summary
SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with long-lasting neurological symptoms, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Using optical clearing and imaging, we observed the accumulation of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in the skull-meninges-brain axis of human COVID-19 patients, persisting long after viral clearance. Further, biomarkers of neurodegeneration were elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid from long COVID patients, and proteomic analysis of human skull, meninges, and brain samples revealed dysregulated inflammatory pathways and neurodegeneration-associated changes. Similar distribution patterns of the spike protein were observed in SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. Injection of spike protein alone was sufficient to induce neuroinflammation, proteome changes in the skull-meninges-brain axis, anxiety-like behavior, and exacerbated outcomes in mouse models of stroke and traumatic brain injury. Vaccination reduced but did not eliminate spike protein accumulation after infection in mice. Our findings suggest persistent spike protein at the brain borders may contribute to lasting neurological sequelae of COVID-19.
Graphic abstract - below

10/19/2023 Harlan Krumholz and Akiko Iwasaki (Rishi Shiah, Lilo Wu, and Adith Arun) discuss preliminary findings and answer questions from LISTEN participants.
The Yale LISTEN Study Town Hall: October 2023
https://medicine.yale.edu/ycci/listen-study/media-player/listen-town-hall-oct-2023/
The entire Town Hall, video, is very interesting, here are four sections I found enlightening.

8:00 minute - Difference in Percent of Participants Experiencing Symptom (Long Covid – PVS post-vaccination syndrome; Note: the graphic chart is informative)

Long Covid – Memory problems, Changed sense of smell, Brain fog, Shortness of breath, Cough, Sore throat, Excessive fatigue, Difficulty speaking properly, Changed sense of taste, Fatigue, Congested or runny nose, Phantom smells, Runny nose, Phlegm in back of throat, Headache, Constant thirst, Night sweats, Hypersomnia, Confusion, Insomnia, Hair loss, Dry scalp or dandruff, Dizziness, Throat pain or discomfort, Postnasal drip, Exercise Intolerance, Wheezing, Swollen hands or feet, Cold/burning lung sensation, Changes in voice, Phantom tastes

PVS - Loss of hearing, Suicidal thoughts, Feelings of impending doom, Palpitations, Tinnitus, Numbness, Internal vibration, Neuropathy, Burning sensations

16:00 minute - Implications (below)
18:33 minute - Hypothesis (below)
37:00 minute - Hope next 6 months

August 25, 2025 Immunologist: Hope for ME/CFS and post-Covid, research needed

Akiko Iwasaki "... She sharply rejected views that ME/CFS or post-COVID might not be somatic illnesses."
(Akiko Iwasaki gives me HOPE for recovery. Google her – very interesting)

(Note: Original article in German, this is translated link to English)
https://science-apa-at.translate.goog/power-search/17729239753393598891?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp
I follow Akiko Iwasaki.

I presented these papers to my Neurologist, now have referral to Immunologist and sleep study.

It’s a journey, Best Wishes for Your Journey!

🍀

@fourleaf suefish Thanks for symptom list. I’m at all but 1 or 2! Maybe my doctor husband will believe me now!

1) Check your iodine levels and correct if low. 2) Check your thyroid levels.
3). For long term covid in my personal experience and with others too, take 12.5 mg iodine until you feel better (possibly as soon as in 5 days) then take for three weeks longer. At the same time take 2-500 mg l-lysine pills. Do not drink coffee during this time. Covid and other viruses reside in your central nervous system permanently. Taking the lysine and iodine puts the virus into remission.