What Causes Headaches?

Posted on Mon, 21 Apr 2014

Question: Dr. Ranxha, I have been getting some headaches lately that is causing me to worry. Not sure if stress can cause them or make it worse. As you know I am sure people who get headaches always think the worse. Lately I have been getting up in the morning feeling nauseous. Then during the day been getting a headaches in my neck that moves to my eyebrows and upper forehead. I did get a Head CT in Sept 2012 that was clear. Should I be worried now?

Answered by Dr. Eris Ranxha (11 hours later)

Brief Answer: Chronic daily headache Detailed Answer: Dear I understand your concern! First of all you don't have to worry, the characteristic's of your headache are the one's of tensive headache. No brain pathologies reflect clinically with your symptoms and you brain CT scan was normal ( 1,5 year isn't a long time ) Anyway in my opinion treatment must be started. You should start pain killer such as ibuprofen and consult you personal neurologist about starting amitryptilin! You should avoid caffein food and drinks, drink camomile tea. I think you will be fine, you don't have any reason to worry, it's fully treatable. Wish you all the best Sincerely Dr Eris Ranxha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Eris Ranxha (22 minutes later)

They did give me elavil or amitriptyline. I was only told to take 5 mg a day but from what I have read online an effective dose is anywhere from 25-75 milligrams a day.

Answered by Dr. Eris Ranxha (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Treating headache Detailed Answer: Dear I think you are right about the dose, but you have to understand that the dosage is a competence of your personal neurologist. I my opinion, as i do with my patient, the efective dose is 25mg, starting from 5 mg increasing slowly the dose, thats the reason you should discuss with your personal neurologist. Start pain killer (ibuprofen, ketoprofen) to avoid pain. Be carefull with the diet, avoid caffetin. I think you will be fine, it just need some time. Best regards Dr Eris Ranxha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Eris Ranxha (53 minutes later)

If it was something bad medicine and pain pills would not make the pain go away right? It would only get worse?

Answered by Dr. Eris Ranxha (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Don't worry Detailed Answer: Dear Human body and medicine isn't mathematic's. Anyway there is no reason to be upset. I know it is boring, having all the time that bad sensation of headache but it isn't something that is risky! You should be patient and with the right medication and diet you will be fine! Wish you all the best Dr Eris Ranxha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Eris Ranxha (13 days later)

Sir my doctor insisted on send me for a scan and these are the results: CT HEAD TECHNIQUE: An axial tomographic data set was acquired utilizing a 128 slice CT scanner. The data was reviewed at multiple window and level settings. CLINICAL HISTORY: Headache FINDINGS: Acute intracranial hemorrhage: None. A linear focus of hyperattenuation along the course of the posterior falx cerebri is thought to represent a prominent extra axial vein. Extra-axial space: Unremarkable Ventricular System: Unremarkable Basal cisterns: Normal Cerebral parenchyma: White matter: There is no evidence of chronic white matter change. Parenchymal volume: The parenchymal volume is within normal limits. Midline Shift: None Cerebellum: Unremarkable. Brainstem: Within normal limits. Vascular System: Unremarkable. Osseous structures: There is no acute osseous injury Paranasal sinuses and mastoid air cells: The visulalized portions of the paranasal sinuses and mastoid cells are well pneumatized. Orbits and extracranial soft tissues: Unremarkable. IMPRESSION: Negative for acute intracranial hemorrhage, mass lesion or CT evidence of acute ischemic infarction. Finalized by Neuroradiologist My question is, does a neuroradiologist know what to look for and better than a regular radiologist? And is there anything I should be worried about with this? The first thing in the report about the vein, is that normal? Just wondering if I can put my mind at ease

Answered by Dr. Eris Ranxha (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer: You are fully healthy Detailed Answer: Dear I am glad you did brain CT scan and more glad that it is normal. A neuroradiologist is a regular radiologist specialized in brain radiology so you have the most specialized interpretation. Dear you have nothing to worry about that vein because venous system don't cause headache or health problem. As a result my dear, you have normal brain CT scan, continue taking amitriptiline and you will be fine. Stay calm, you are fully healthy Best regards Dr Eris Ranxha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj