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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Severe Headache In A Hypertensive Person

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Posted on Tue, 7 Jun 2016
Question: Hi , I am 62 years old
I got a headache three days ago. It started on the L side of my head above my left ear. the pain continued down behind my ear to my neck muscle . Later that day the pain went over to my right side and the pain was in the same form. Today, it seems to be all over my head. I can even rub my fore head above my eyes and it will hurt if I press with some pressure. This I can do , to cause pain, by pressing all over my head and the result is the same. My headache started about 1/2 hr after I got up and was in the shower. I took my blood pressure after the shower and it was high 169/105 Heart rate 100 . This morning it was 114/78 heart 80 This pain I first experienced last November for probably 3 days but only on my left side, in the same manner as 3 days ago . I also seemed to occur in day time hours. It may have occurred a few times since then, but for a very short time. At this time as I rub my fingers over my scalp there is equal dull pain through out my head. If I just sit, my scalp seems to be shrinking and has a tightening feeling. Please reply
Kindest Regards
Hi an addition to the above

It should be said that I felt I had a fever through out this time. Especially during the first night after and last night until about mid morning this morning. I do not have a thermometer but I was sweating and my pillow and bed sheets were quit wet in the morning. Last night before gong to bed I also had the chills. There were times this morning after being up for awhile I had creeping sensations between my shoulder blades. This went away in about 1-2 minutes.
I have tried to drink a lot of water too.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (55 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Occipital neuralgia should be considered.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your query and understand your concerns.

Seems like the pain you refer is located in the surface of the head, not inside, so, probably it is not related to high blood pressure.

In my opinion, occipital neuralgia, a condition related to compression of upper cervical nerves that supply back and top of the head.

Arthritis of the cervical spine may be one of the conditions that may cause such symptoms.

I suggest you to discuss with your Doctor about this condition and further tests needed to confirm or exclude it.

Clinical examination and x-rays of the cervical spine are needed initially.

NSAID drugs ( ibuprofen ) help improve symptoms in the first stages.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Thank you Dr. Spaho,

Yes the pain is as you say in my scalp , under the shin in a sense. At this time the condition has not changed except the muscles right below the back of my head appear to be tightening up more, if I tip my head back there seems to be a bit of a bulge there. Ibuprofen taken after aspirin is that ok.

Can I take your comments to my doctor ?

Thanks again
Best Regards
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It is okay to discuss my comments with your Doctor.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Ibuprofen and aspirin use simultaneously may cause upset stomach, s, if you experienced before stomach problems, better postpone use of ibuprofen at least six hours.

It is okay to discuss my comments with your Doctor.

One more thing, local application of warm on neck should help improve your symptoms.

Hope I helped you. Best regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4500 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Severe Headache In A Hypertensive Person

Brief Answer: Occipital neuralgia should be considered. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your query and understand your concerns. Seems like the pain you refer is located in the surface of the head, not inside, so, probably it is not related to high blood pressure. In my opinion, occipital neuralgia, a condition related to compression of upper cervical nerves that supply back and top of the head. Arthritis of the cervical spine may be one of the conditions that may cause such symptoms. I suggest you to discuss with your Doctor about this condition and further tests needed to confirm or exclude it. Clinical examination and x-rays of the cervical spine are needed initially. NSAID drugs ( ibuprofen ) help improve symptoms in the first stages. Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Greetings.