Hi All,

I am looking for assistance to get a diagnosis for my headaches.  I have suffered from migraines for many years, always on the left side, and always just aural symptoms, usually 1 every 2 months or so.  These will go away after 60 mins or so, if i retreat to a dark room.

Two years ago in addition to these migraines, I started to get headaches that originate in the base of my skull, on the right hand side, that wrap over my ear and into my eyebrow - sinuses?  They always start in the same way, are excruciating and can last for 3 days.

During these attacks I am usually bed bound for the duration, i yawn constantly, my nostrils are blocked and it feels like I want to crack my nose, if that makes any sense?

I am very lucky that i have access to private heath care via work, so I have had an MRI (all clear), chiropractic treatment (had no effect) and have now been cleared for a consult with an ENT specialist.

I have also been to see my GP who suspects, given the description and history, that they are cluster headaches and has prescribed 50mg Sumatriptan to take as soon as symptomatic.

I am keeping a diary and they are happening once every 2 weeks at present and lasting on average 24hrs.

I would appreciate anyone's insight and experience.

Thanks

Hey Xray,

Welcome to CH.com.

We cannot diagnose headache types, and there are many of them and many causes.

It is imperative that you see a Neurologist to carry out a full set of tests in order to get a correct diagnosis. This might lead you to a Primary Headache Specialist or not, depending on the outcome of those tests.

Your GP should be able to refer you to an appropriate Neurologist.

If you let us know where you live,  someone here might be able to give you some names and contact details.

Again, I would emphasise that a formal diagnosis is your first priority.

Keep in touch,

Peter.

G'day,XK1, and keeping a diary is one of the really good things you can do towards getting a true diagnosis.

You may also like to look at the top left of your screen where there's a set of buttons which includes our Cluster Quiz. It's not definitive, not meant to be, but it has been known to give many people a sense of direction.

Please stay in touch and let us know how you're getting on.

We care.

Hi XK1

We all understand what it is like to have headaches and what you have to go through to try to get a definitive diagnosis.

As Peter suggested, we strongly suggest you work with a neurologist who specializes in headaches as most doctors, even many neurologists don't have the skills or experience to diagnose complex headache types.

The headache diary, as suggested by Brian, is a great idea which can help with the diagnosis.

Hope you get an answer soon, keep us updated.

Thanks all for the replies!  I am keeping a diary, so hopefully this will start to provide some patterns.

I will go back to my healthcare provider and ask to see a Neuro :)

Hi XK1
And if you provide were you are from maybe someone  here can point you in the right direction to a good nero.

Mark.

Hi there!

Not just a Neuro - seek a Headache Specialist !! 

Hi XK1,  and welcome.

CH is short and sharp. Pain typically lasts anything from 20 mins to 3 hours, and often recurrs several times a day, ofetn worse at night. It's more or less impossible to be bed bound, as you can't keep still - we pace, we rock, we punch and fight it.

Your pain does not seem typical of CH, but there are many other headache conditions.  Each different condition responds to different meds, so before you can get releif you MUST know what you're dealing with first, so get a proper diagnosis.

Good luck with it, and keep us informed.

Hi xray and welcome, they sound more like migraine headaches to me, best check in with a headache specialist for a confirmed diagnosis.

Hoppy