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Why I’m Having A Panic Attack Frerquently?
Question: Greetings,
I’m having a panic attack as I write this. I have written about headaches before but as you are aware people get scared when they have a headache and think the worst like they have a brain tumor etc. I have been having headaches off and on since 2011. In 2008, 2012 and 2015 I had brain CTs and all were normal. I went to a neurologist in 2012 and she diagnosed me with cervicalgia and neuritis. Seems like my headaches are cyclical. I can go years without them and then they hit me and last for weeks. Seems like they start in my lower left neck area and you can push in that area and pain will radiate to my eye. Now I’m having pain in that area again and then sensitivity on my scalp in that area when pushed. Usually the pain starts around lunch time. I can take Tylenol or Advil and it goes away but I don’t want to take that everyday. Sometimes it starts when I wake up. But now I’m nervous and get anxiety about it and not sure if anxiety makes it worse. I just went and got a shoulder and neck massage and it seems as if my traps and lower left neck area are all tight and knottted up.
I’m having a panic attack as I write this. I have written about headaches before but as you are aware people get scared when they have a headache and think the worst like they have a brain tumor etc. I have been having headaches off and on since 2011. In 2008, 2012 and 2015 I had brain CTs and all were normal. I went to a neurologist in 2012 and she diagnosed me with cervicalgia and neuritis. Seems like my headaches are cyclical. I can go years without them and then they hit me and last for weeks. Seems like they start in my lower left neck area and you can push in that area and pain will radiate to my eye. Now I’m having pain in that area again and then sensitivity on my scalp in that area when pushed. Usually the pain starts around lunch time. I can take Tylenol or Advil and it goes away but I don’t want to take that everyday. Sometimes it starts when I wake up. But now I’m nervous and get anxiety about it and not sure if anxiety makes it worse. I just went and got a shoulder and neck massage and it seems as if my traps and lower left neck area are all tight and knottted up.
Brief Answer:
Not a serious condition.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
I have read your new question and understand your concerns.
Since you have a long history of headaches and they follow a pattern, you should not be worried about any serious neurological condition such as tumors, etc.
In my opinion, primary headaches such as tension-type headaches are the most likely condition.
It is a well-known fact that anxiety or panic attacks worsen headaches.
Hard massage, minor trauma, etc. may cause muscles of the head and neck to contract and may result in this way in headaches.
So, don't worry about anything serious and follow up with your Neurologist for the treatment.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Not a serious condition.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
I have read your new question and understand your concerns.
Since you have a long history of headaches and they follow a pattern, you should not be worried about any serious neurological condition such as tumors, etc.
In my opinion, primary headaches such as tension-type headaches are the most likely condition.
It is a well-known fact that anxiety or panic attacks worsen headaches.
Hard massage, minor trauma, etc. may cause muscles of the head and neck to contract and may result in this way in headaches.
So, don't worry about anything serious and follow up with your Neurologist for the treatment.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Can the nerves in the occipital area get inflamed and cause issues like I experience since it’s on one side?
Would ice help?
Would Xanax help?
Would ice help?
Would Xanax help?
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
Yes, upper cervical nerves supply the major part of the skull area, so, if irritated or pinched, they may cause headaches.
You should try both, warm procedures and ice, and see yourself which one improves your symptoms.
Xanax use also may relieve your anxiety, it also may relax the muscles, so, if prescribed by your Doctor, it can be used in your case.
Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask if you have further questions.
I would explain as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
Yes, upper cervical nerves supply the major part of the skull area, so, if irritated or pinched, they may cause headaches.
You should try both, warm procedures and ice, and see yourself which one improves your symptoms.
Xanax use also may relieve your anxiety, it also may relax the muscles, so, if prescribed by your Doctor, it can be used in your case.
Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask if you have further questions.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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