Headache Conundrum
At 26 years of age, I have been plagued by a persistent headache that sits atop my skull and extends behind my eyes and across my forehead for the past two years. Since giving birth to my two children, I've experienced numerous health challenges. My most recent pregnancy was particularly difficult. Although I wasn’t officially diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum, I was prescribed all available medications for it, leading to significant weight loss. Throughout my entire pregnancy, I was often immobilized, as any movement would trigger nausea and relentless vomiting. After the birth of my daughter 13 months ago, while some of the constant nausea and vomiting lessened, I still faced difficulties. Postpartum, I experienced thyroiditis, leading to more weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and heightened irritability. My sensitivity to light and sound was overwhelming. As per recent lab tests, my thyroid levels have normalized, although an ultrasound identified a small 3mm nodule with mild heterogeneity, while my vascularity was noted to be normal. In February, my TSH levels were recorded at .47 uIU/ml, and my free T4 at .8 ng/dL. I was also found to be anemic and deficient in vitamin D but, by April, those levels returned to normal. I now take iron supplements daily (65mg), along with 4000iu of vitamin D3 and 1000mg of vitamin C. Additionally, Zyrtec was included in my regimen, which temporarily alleviated my headache symptoms for about a month. From a dental standpoint, my teeth and jaw have been deemed healthy. I experienced some hypertension during delivery but my blood pressure has stabilized at 118/70 since then. Regrettably, I am back to dealing with ongoing headache and head pressure. My vision is impaired, as I wear glasses with prescriptions of -11 in one eye and -10.75 in the other, which have been thoroughly assessed alongside routine eye pressure checks. Occasionally, I experience bright flashes in my left eye without any trailing and subsequent brief blurriness lasting less than 30 seconds before returning to normal. A slight vitreous detachment was observed, but my retina remains unaffected, and these visual disturbances seem to worsen under stress. This unrelenting headache over the past two years is becoming unbearable, and I am reaching out for insights. My physician suspects it could be related to undiagnosed ADHD, while my Nurse Practitioner attributes it to tension headaches and has recommended treatment following an in-office assessment, suggesting a psychological evaluation as well. The headache has become a constant pressure, and my only sources of relief come from pressing on my ears or squeezing my head, along with laying down in a fetal position. While I have dealt with flare-ups related to my sacroiliac joints and have had blown discs from a car accident in my teenage years, my condition has remained stable. I find myself wondering what I should be discussing with my healthcare providers. Would it be appropriate to request CT scans or MRIs? Above all, I yearn to feel like myself again so I can fully engage with my children and return to a more normal life.
Answers (1)
6/23/2025, 12:11:03 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you've been facing with your health, especially with the persistent headaches and other complications following your pregnancies. It sounds emotionally and physically demanding, and your desire to feel like yourself again is completely understandable. Here's a structured response that may help guide you through this situation.
Main Points:
- Your headaches might stem from various factors including tension, hormonal changes, or even past injuries.
- Managing your current symptoms and discussing other potential causes with your healthcare team is essential.
- Consider focused discussions with your providers about imaging studies and symptom management options.
Explanation:
Headaches lasting two years, particularly with pressure concentrated on your forehead, could indicate several underlying issues such as tension headaches, migraines, or even postural-related problems. Given your history of thyroiditis, a significant health challenge postpartum, and other physical considerations, it’s vital to explore these headaches comprehensively.
The symptoms of sensitivity to light and sound, combined with the visual disturbances, could suggest a migraine component or even chronic tension-type headaches. Your healthcare team's suspicion of ADHD is also worth exploring, as it can contribute to stress and headaches.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Symptom Diary: Start tracking your headaches, including when they occur, their severity, any accompanying symptoms (like nausea), and possible triggers (stress levels, foods, activities). This can provide valuable insight for your healthcare providers.
-
Provide Comprehensive Background: When you meet with your healthcare team, share your symptom diary and address the following points:
- The duration and intensity of your headaches.
- Impact on your daily life and family engagement.
- Previous treatments and their effectiveness, including Zyrtec.
- Your history of hormonal changes and any connection you feel to your thyroid issues or postpartum experiences.
-
Request Imaging Studies: Given the persistent nature of your headaches and the history of visual changes (flashes, blurriness), it may be reasonable to discuss the option of obtaining CT scans or MRIs to rule out any neurological issues. Approach this as a way to ensure safety and thoroughness rather than a cause for alarm.
-
Explore Treatment Options: Discuss potential treatments beyond what you’ve already tried. Your providers may consider:
- Medication specifically targeting migraines or tension headaches (like triptans or preventive medications).
- Non-medication interventions, such as physical therapy, stress management techniques (like mindfulness or cognitive-behavioral therapy), or acupuncture.
-
Manage Stress and Lifestyle: Incorporate gentle stress-relieving practices into your routine, such as:
- Mindfulness exercises or relaxation techniques.
- Regular, moderate physical activity as tolerated.
- Adequate hydration and balanced nutrition.
-
Follow-up Care: Schedule regular follow-ups to monitor your headaches and any recommended treatments. Adjustments may be necessary based on your progress and feedback.
By taking these steps, you're not only working towards relief from your headaches but also empowering yourself with knowledge and active participation in your health care. Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself during discussions with your healthcare providers to find a solution that suits your needs. You deserve to feel well and engaged with your family again.
Related Questions
Understanding Possible Seizure Triggers and Recurrence Risks
Health Background: I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 169 cm and weighing 65 kg. Over the past three years, I have been using oral contraceptives. As of this morning, I started taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine along with a weekly vitamin D supplement of 0.266 mg. Recently, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and found to have a vitamin D deficiency that I suspect has existed for the last three years. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I can confirm I am not pregnant. Two years ago, I experienced a mild concussion. I currently reside in Spain. A couple of months back, in mid-December, I blacked out twice. The second occurrence took place while I was at the doctor’s office after seeking urgent medical care for the initial incident. Following the second episode, I underwent a CT scan and an EKG, both of which returned normal results. Further tests, as directed by my physician, revealed a critical vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism; however, he expressed doubt that either of these conditions led to my loss of consciousness. I was then referred to a neurologist, and I am presently awaiting an appointment. Although the waiting period is lengthy, my doctor indicated that I should receive priority for scheduling, although the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The referral document summarized my events, labeling the second episode (which the physician witnessed) as a potential seizure devoid of tonic-clonic movements—a revelation that took me by surprise. After regaining consciousness, I felt extremely disoriented and terrified, struggling to process what was happening. I have no prior history of seizures, epilepsy, or any related conditions, and there is no known family history of these issues. If this indeed was a seizure, what might have triggered it? Additionally, what is the likelihood of experiencing another one? Since that time, I have not had any further incidents, but I have experienced moments where I felt a sense of impending doom, which I managed to overcome. I intend to wait for the neurologist's evaluation, but the uncertainty surrounding a possible neurological condition is quite distressing. Thank you for any insight you can provide!
Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!
Understanding EEG Results for My 22-Month-Old Son: Insights Needed
Could someone help clarify this for me? My son, who is just 22 months old, hasn’t started walking yet, becomes tired easily, and has been experiencing behavioral outbursts. He had a febrile seizure in February 2025, followed by another unexplained seizure in April 2025, which led us to consult a neurologist. Since he was 3 months old, he has been receiving therapy from a physical therapist for torticollis. At birth, he spent five days in the NICU due to issues with meconium aspiration. A recent MRI showed normal results, and he also had a follow-up EEG after one conducted in July 2025. The results from this recent EEG were abnormal for a pediatric patient in awake, drowsy, and sleeping states. Notably, there were brief episodes of left frontotemporal delta slowing, which occurred mainly when he was awake and drowsy. There were no signs of epileptiform activity detected. In contrast, the EEG performed back on July 3, 2025, was deemed normal for both awake and drowsy states, again with no evidence of epileptiform irregularities, although it did not capture any sleep data. This examination was prompted by the child's existing history of febrile seizures. Importantly, he is not currently on any anti-seizure medications. The EEG procedure used standard electrode placements per the 10-20 system, conducted a single-lead EKG, and included continuous video monitoring. During the analysis, the background activity was symmetric, indicating some anterior-posterior (AP) organization, with a dominant rhythm of 50-80 microvolts at 7 Hz. His drowsy state was marked by a reduced amount of eye blink activity, less breathing motion interference, and a generalized slowing in theta/delta frequencies. Stage II sleep exhibited spindles and vertex waves patterns. Additionally, there were intermittent bursts of 250-300 microvolts in the left frontotemporal region with semi-rhythmic activity of 2-4 Hz, mostly observed during wakefulness and drowsiness. No definitive epileptiform discharge was noted. Photic stimulation during the test did not elicit a strong response, and hyperventilation was not conducted during this session.
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation and Thyroid Issues: Variability in Cardioversion Decisions
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for guidance regarding my mother’s current health situation, and I’d greatly appreciate any shared experiences or thoughts. **My mother's background:** - **Age**: 55 years - **Weight**: Recently dropped to 116 kg from 118 kg in just two days, likely due to diuretics. - **Health history**: Previously an underactive thyroid, undiagnosed and untreated, now presenting as overactive. - **Medications**: Currently taking thyroid medication and a beta-blocker (Rapiblock). **Current health status:** My mother has been hospitalized since Tuesday, experiencing **atrial fibrillation with heart rates exceeding 200** beats per minute due to her thyroid's hyperactivity. - The plan for cardioversion was initially settled on Tuesday. However, the following day, the medical team advised postponing it until her thyroid levels could be stabilized, believing that her heart rate would return to normal once her thyroid condition was managed. - Her **obesity** precludes her from undergoing a transthoracic echocardiogram, and due to her thyroid concerns, she cannot handle contrast dye (this has been a consistent issue for over four years). Therefore, the only feasible option was a **transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)**, which has yet to be performed. - She has been prescribed various medications including beta-blockers and thyroid treatments in the past. - On Friday, a doctor proposed proceeding with cardioversion; however, the attending senior physician objected. - Today (Saturday), another clinician has expressed a desire to move forward with cardioversion, having initiated a new medication, as the senior physician is unavailable. - **Communication has been unclear**, as we were notified of developments by a nurse rather than the physician in charge, causing confusion and anxiety. - Currently, only a **chest X-ray** is scheduled, and the TEE remains unaddressed. **My inquiries are as follows:** 1. Is it common for medical professionals to have varying opinions and frequently revise medication or treatment plans like cardioversion? 2. Is it safe to conduct cardioversion in the absence of a TEE? I presumed that this was a standard procedure to exclude the presence of blood clots. 3. Is it usual practice to have only a chest X-ray prior to moving ahead with cardioversion? 4. How typical is it for patients or their families to not be directly informed about treatment changes and learn about them through nursing staff instead? I recognize that this cannot substitute for professional medical advice. I’m simply trying to discern whether these circumstances are typical or if we should express our concerns more assertively with the healthcare facility. Thank you for your insights!