Question: I wake with a headache many days of the week. But if i dont get the headache i get this really heavy congested head and i have to sleep an extra four hours. The whole day my head will fill heavy. But if i use imitrex before i go to sleep i wake with a clear head. I use a auto CPAP machine. I have allergies and sinus problems. What is the imitrex doing that clears my head? If i figure that out maybe i can figrure out what is causing the congested head. I have had sinus surgery to help nasil breathing. I have been getting the heavy head thing for years and it seems to be getting worse with headaches. If it is sinus or allergy would Imitrex clear it up? If it is sleep apnea would imitrex clear that? So how does Imitrex keep my congested head clear? Maybe it isnt congestion?? What could be causing this thick heavy congested head thing that can lead to a headache but imitrex can prevent if i take 50+mg before bed. I have no insurance and cant afford specialists.
Thank you

Thank you for replying to my question. I am puzzled by this problem I have because of the following. First let me answer some of the questions you asked.

3. Sinus congestion will usually be accompanied by nasal discharge or a post nasal drip, especially when it is relieved. Allergy will usually be accompanied by sneezing, nasal discharge (rhinorrea) or nasal obstruction.Do you have these symptoms?

I don't think I have those things. I haven't sneezed in years. Sometimes I do get some blockage in my right sinus. But, if I do have allergy and sinus problems would Imitrex help these things? If it won't help these things then I don't think my problem with waking with a cloudy head and headache is related to sinus and allergy because when I use the Imitrex I don't have those problems.???

4. If you undergo a plain CT PNS (para Nasal Sinuses), and it is clear, then you have Migraine. Then your heavy congested feeling in the head is unrelated to sinusitis.

Yes, I have had this done and they didn't see anything. So this heavy cloudy head isn't related to sinus problems or allergy??

6. Use of the CPAP machine may also cause congestion due to air pumped into the nose and sinuses under pressure. Fungal sinusitis may also exist.

I use a CPAP, but if I don't I will for sure wake with a headache. I have had this issue of waking with a heavy,cloudy, dull head for years, long before I used a CPAP machine.

I am still confused. What could be going on in my head that when I wake I have this dull, cloudy, heavy, full, swollen head, that requires hours of extra sleep to feel rested and can sometimes lead to headaches, but if I take Imitrex before I go to sleep I will wake with a clear head and not need anymore sleep.

I don't think this is pre-migraine symptoms because I have never read this type of think relating to migraines. Or could it?? If not migraine or sinus or allergy or CPAP what could it be and how can I figure it out.

I have been struggling with this issue for ten to twenty years.

Thanks XXXXXXX