Could it be just a tension headache or something more serious?

Posted by ejlouboutin16 @ejlouboutin16, Jan 17, 2017

Hello, for about the last four days or so I have been suffering headache at about the same of the day. I would say my headache, is about a 5 or less on the scale of 1-10, so I wouldn't consider it the worst headache that I've had. However, I can feel it all around my head, as if I had some sort of headband. Yet, at times I can only feel it in the front, the sides (temples), or even the back. Also I have a shunt in place, since I suffer from hydrocephalus, and I feel as if that is creating friction with scar tissue, yet I don't suspect it's a shunt malfunction, because with that comes more serious headaches, but mine are currently not as awful. But could it be? Any ideas?

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Hello @ejlouboutin16. Thanks for sharing your headache problem. I am sorry to hear it. My suggestion is that you call your doctor's office and tell them about this symptom. Since you have a shunt, your doctor is probably the best one to decide if this headache pain needs to be addressed now. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.

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@hopeful33250

Hello @ejlouboutin16. Thanks for sharing your headache problem. I am sorry to hear it. My suggestion is that you call your doctor's office and tell them about this symptom. Since you have a shunt, your doctor is probably the best one to decide if this headache pain needs to be addressed now. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.

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I do plan on seeing a doctor soon, however, I doubt it is because of a malfunction, because of all the times I had had a malfunction, being three of them, I have had worse headaches. So I hope it's not because of such thing, and am confident it's not that. Besides I feel pressure in my temples, so my guess that it could be just tension headaches, and not migraines either

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@hopeful33250

Hello @ejlouboutin16. Thanks for sharing your headache problem. I am sorry to hear it. My suggestion is that you call your doctor's office and tell them about this symptom. Since you have a shunt, your doctor is probably the best one to decide if this headache pain needs to be addressed now. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.

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Hi, don't know if this will help but, my husband had terrific headaches that didn't seem to want to go away. We bought one of the pillow that go around his neck. He puts it on every time he naps or sleeps. Sure did help him. The doc said it was a stressed muscle. That has helped him a whole lot. (shortshot80) Nancy Perhaps it can help a little.

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@hopeful33250

Hello @ejlouboutin16. Thanks for sharing your headache problem. I am sorry to hear it. My suggestion is that you call your doctor's office and tell them about this symptom. Since you have a shunt, your doctor is probably the best one to decide if this headache pain needs to be addressed now. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.

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@ejlouboutin16, If you don't get any relief after your doctor's visit, you might consider a second opinion. It is soooo important to be your own patient advocate, you are the one most interested in your well being. Continued best wishes to you! Teresa

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@ejlouboutin16, we all can benefit more from the advice here from Teresa regarding patient-initiated efforts to get physicians to talk problems through with you. Calling your doctor about your moderate headache symptoms is a good idea, especially since they happen in different places and under different circumstances. Then, after having that conversation, you might see that it could be essential to get a second opinion from another physician. Symptoms from hydrocephalic shunts vary a lot depending on a variety of factors -- even when a shunt is functioning as planned. I hope you can track down the other possibilities and find a doctor that will help you think through your options for relief.

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@ejlouboutin16, I am sorry you are experiencing daily headaches and hope it is nothing serious, and will be temporary or can be treated. When you said "same time of day," I wondered what time of day, specifically? There are several types of headaches that can be cyclic, one being Hypnic (also known as "alarm clock" headaches), which occur in the morning upon wakening OR they can wake you up during sleep if severe. Other types of headaches that could be cyclic include cyclic migraines; possibly sinus headaches (which my friend has, and is worse for her upon awakening); exertional headaches (if you are exercising strenuously at the same time each day); MSG type reaction (if you are eating foods seasoned with MSG the same time of day, daily); sleep apnea can cause headaches in the AM; "ice cream" headache if you are eating/drinking cold foods/drinks at the same time each day. These are just a few examples. Keeping a diary (including retrospective accounts of the previous four days) may help you or your physician determine the exact form of headache, and help alleviate it. I have Hypnic headaches which were severe, occurring every morning and awakening me from sleep; they are finally fairly well controlled with preventative medications. I hope you will feel better soon.

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Hi I have had a blood pressure reading of 155/97 and a headache on one side of my head that radiates to my jaw and blurry vision for the past 4 hrs

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@matthew2001

Hi I have had a blood pressure reading of 155/97 and a headache on one side of my head that radiates to my jaw and blurry vision for the past 4 hrs

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@matthew2001 anything to do with change in vision and high blood pressure seems concerning. If I were you, I would seek medical attention.

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