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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Treatment For Chronic Headaches?

I recently returned back to the United States after working with the US Air Force, I worked in the capacity of security. Now, being unemployed, I ve found myself running into a few problems. a few weeks ago I went out to a local mall, where I started to have the feeling of the walls closing in my chest started hurting, my heart started beating exceptionally fast and I was starting to get lightheaded. A couple of weeks later I went out to a concert, and 30 minutes in we had to leave because I was having the same problem, I had an extreme feeling of agitation. The problems has only been continuing to get worse, I know that there are some things I have to get for basic survival, but going to the store to get them, my chest immediately tenses up. Had a job interview today, same thing, including all the time in my car on the way there and back, the pains or tensions didn t let up until well after I had been home. Other problems is that I ve found that my stomach has been unusually upset, frequent bowel movements. I ve also suffered from chronic headaches, there isn t a day that goes by where I don t have a headache, I always feel the headache, but with medications I m able to keep them bearable. However, during these times above the headaches have intensified.
Fri, 19 Dec 2014
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Neurologist 's  Response
I read your question and I understand your concern.

The description of the episodes you are having is typical for panic attacks a form of anxiety disorder. Anxiety is also frequently related to tension type headache which is a primary headache (primary meaning there is no identifiable cause) often exacerbated by stress. Anxiety is also related to many other disorders like gastritis or irritable bowel syndrome which seems to be your case.
The treatment for anxiety disorders and panic attacks is with psychotherapy and if that is not enough your doctor might want to prescribe you drugs to address anxiety like benzodiazepines (alprazolam etc) for short term, or anti-depressants (citalopram etc) if long term treatment is deemed necessary.
Treating anxiety should help to at least reduce headaches and other symptoms, but you can also take over the counter painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for headache when necessary.

I hope to have been of help.
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What Is The Treatment For Chronic Headaches?

I read your question and I understand your concern. The description of the episodes you are having is typical for panic attacks a form of anxiety disorder. Anxiety is also frequently related to tension type headache which is a primary headache (primary meaning there is no identifiable cause) often exacerbated by stress. Anxiety is also related to many other disorders like gastritis or irritable bowel syndrome which seems to be your case. The treatment for anxiety disorders and panic attacks is with psychotherapy and if that is not enough your doctor might want to prescribe you drugs to address anxiety like benzodiazepines (alprazolam etc) for short term, or anti-depressants (citalopram etc) if long term treatment is deemed necessary. Treating anxiety should help to at least reduce headaches and other symptoms, but you can also take over the counter painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for headache when necessary. I hope to have been of help.