Experiencing Persistent Headaches and Diagnosis of Partially Empty Sella
I am a 23-year-old female experiencing ongoing and severe headaches that have not responded to any medication for the last three months. This has significantly impacted my ability to carry out daily activities, forcing me to stay indoors or lie in bed as the pain is truly overwhelming. The nature of my headaches has varied widely, encompassing migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches. Recently, I've been dealing with an overwhelming sense of pressure in my head, akin to a sensation that my brain might burst. During these episodes, I monitor my blood pressure, which often reads around 140/80. In addition, my morning blood pressure tends to be low but rises above the normal levels as the day progresses and remains elevated for the majority of the time. For reference, I weigh 102 pounds and am 5 feet 2 inches tall. After much consideration, I arranged for a CT scan that revealed I have a partially empty sella. My primary care physician insists that everything is within normal limits, yet I struggle to manage this pain on a daily basis. Even activities like working or socializing fail to provide any relief, as the discomfort overshadows any semblance of normalcy. I feel both exhausted and overwhelmed by this situation. Currently, I'm uncertain about the next steps to take. Would it be beneficial for me to pursue testing related to hormones and pituitary function? Should I consult with a neurologist or a headache specialist? At this point, I am feeling quite hopeless.
Answers (1)
3/23/2025, 5:10:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
I’m sorry to hear about the severe headaches and the overall distress they're causing you. It sounds like you're dealing with a complex situation, especially with your recent diagnosis of partially empty sella and the ongoing nature of your headaches. Let's focus on how you can take steps towards understanding and managing your symptoms better.
Understanding Your Symptoms: Persistent headaches can stem from various causes, and the pressure you describe suggests heightened intracranial pressure, possibly related to your diagnosis. While partially empty sella can be a benign finding, it usually warrants monitoring, especially when experiencing significant headache pain.
Next Steps to Consider:
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Consult a Specialist:
- Neurologist or Headache Specialist: Given that you're experiencing diverse headache types and have ongoing, severe symptoms, consulting a neurologist or a headache specialist could provide insights tailored to your situation. They can evaluate your headaches in the context of your imaging findings and suggest targeted treatments.
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Consider Additional Testing:
- Hormonal and Pituitary Function Tests: Since the pituitary gland is situated within the sella, testing hormone levels could be beneficial, especially if you experience symptoms like changes in vision, irregular menstruation, or unexplained fatigue, which may indicate hormonal imbalances.
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Lifestyle and Symptom Management:
- Headache Diary: Begin keeping a diary of your headaches, documenting when they occur, their intensity, and accompanying symptoms. This information can help both you and your healthcare providers identify triggers or effective treatments.
- Hydration and Diet: Ensure you are well-hydrated and consider maintaining a consistent eating schedule. Avoid common food triggers known to exacerbate headaches, such as caffeine, aged cheeses, and processed meats.
- Stress Relief: Incorporate stress-relief practices like mindfulness, gentle yoga, or even deep-breathing exercises, which can sometimes reduce headache frequency and severity.
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Monitoring Your Blood Pressure:
- Continue to monitor your blood pressure, especially given the fluctuations you’ve noticed. Keep a log of readings to share with your healthcare provider. While 140/80 isn’t severely high, consistent elevation during the day may be something to explore with a medical professional.
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Explore Pain Management Techniques:
- Discuss options like preventive medications or treatments specifically for your headache type with the specialist. Biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or physical therapies might also be valuable alternatives to consider.
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed, but taking proactive steps and involving the right healthcare professionals can help you find relief. Remember, you’re not alone in this process, and effective management is possible with the right support. If your symptoms change or worsen, seeking immediate medical attention can be crucial.
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