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[skkb]

…..not a headache. Had a dull ache/ throb on right side of head in the area in front/ slightly above my ear. Comes and goes, occasionally “jabs” but usually only a dull ache. No other symptoms……CT and MRI clear but it just doesn’t go away……been going on for 18 months. Convinced something will go pop in my head at some point, scary. Paracetamol or ibuprofen takes it away completely but it returns again the next day!!

[Limpy]

It's good that it does go. How long does the pain relief from paracetamol/ibuprofen last?.
I have found swimming very useful for reducing head pain.
The fact that the CT and MRI scans are clear must be reassuring, take heart from that.

[CLKD]

Unexplained pains anywhere can be a worry 

If the pains go with medication that's a good sign.  Could it be a trapped nerve in the neck, mayB refer to a physiotherapist for advice?

[skkb]

If I have the pain first thing and take paracetamol it goes for the rest of the day and doesn’t return, that’s just one 500mg pill. I have wondered if a nerve is trapped. I have creaks and crackling inside my head when turning it or nodding, the doctor felt the movement and said almost certainly (at my age) arthritis…..which I kind of thought it was. I asked if this could cause the head pain, as all nerves in your head go via the central spinal canal and she said it was a possibility but kind of discounted it. I’m seeing her again tomorrow and am going to ask for another MRI as it’s about 15 months since the previous one. Perhaps a neurologist could help….. I’m all out of ideas but keep worrying.

[CLKD]

Of course it's worrying but I would think that should if be serious something would have 'happened' by now.  Let us know how you get on.

[Ayesha]

Also if it was something serious one little pain killer would not cut the mustard. Anything serious would be extremely painful and certainly would not go away.

[Limpy]

This might sound daft but are you drinking enough water?
Dehydration can cause head pain.

[getting_old]

Could it be TMJ? I had that and the pain was where you described, but I think that would show on a CT / MRI? I saw a physiotherapist and they gave me some exercises that helped, but I still get pain if I sleep in certain ways.

[skkb]

Sorry, what is a TMJ? I don’t drink enough water always I know. I’m just almost convinced that something will happen suddenly as nothing is conclusive so far. I’m scared…..

Getting older brings some scary challenges and the closer to the finishing line and the certainty that brings isn’t reassuring!!

[CrispyChick]

You dont say how often you take the paracetamol or ibuprofen? You can get rebound headaches from taking too often... Just a thought. Xx

[Kathleen]

Hello skkb.

I have mentioned before on the forum that I woke with a headache every morning for about six months. They lasted all day but usually went in the late evening, only to re appear the next day. I was post meno by then and I assumed they were hormonal (headaches are on the list of symptoms).

Although your headaches have lasted longer could they still be hormonal? Other symptoms take longer to resolve so it is a possibility. Incidentally I never had headaches in my menstruating years and after suffering for six months I haven't had any since.

I hope this helps you in some some way and take care.

K.

[skkb]

Thankyou Kathleen and CC. I take a paracetamol in the morning after breakfast if I feel the pain then it goes away for the day possibly coming back the next morning but not always. If no pain on getting up I don’t take anything. Hadn’t thought of hormonal, I’m well post menopause although still have HRT  3 days each week.

Some days even when there isn’t pain I’ll take a pill “ just in case” if I’m going out and have a busy day. It’s totally random. I’m seeing the doctor today and may suggest another MRI and ask about brain aneurisms !!

It’s all rather vague I’m afraid but if I do get a sudden quick jab of pain (which thankfully isn’t often) it sends a sensation down both arms which frightens me. Sorry.

[Ayesha]

Sounds like nerve pain  to me, spinal.
Health anxiety is the pits no doubt about that, I expect that what's making your symptoms worse, skkb.

You should be assured you have already had scans and they found nothing wrong. MRI's are expensive and I doubt that they will do it again but do keep us updated as will be of benefit to others.

[getting_old]

Sorry, what is a TMJ? I don’t drink enough water always I know. I’m just almost convinced that something will happen suddenly as nothing is conclusive so far. I’m scared…..

Getting older brings some scary challenges and the closer to the finishing line and the certainty that brings isn’t reassuring!!

Quick answer from Dr Google https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/temporomandibular-disorder-tmd/

[skkb]

Interesting link Getting-old..thanks.

Well the doctor was happy with my weeks worth of BP readings and is happy for me  to have another MRI but firstly get an eye test, 16 months since the last one and initially struggled with my new varifocals which is roughly when this pain began !! So I have an eye test today. Doc also said take a paracetamol every morning whether or not I have the pain, get used to new glasses (if I need them) and then see her again and she’ll reassess.

So see how that goes, yes agree health anxiety does not help and feel a bit of a fraud…..BIT THE PAIN IS VERY REAL AND SCARY