Unusual Headache persisting for 5 Days - 17M
Hello! It all started on Sunday when I noticed a peculiar tingling sensation in my head. At first, it wasn’t too concerning, just a mild irritation. However, when I woke up the following morning, I discovered that I had developed a moderate headache on the left side of my forehead, radiating from my eye to the top back of my head. The pain fluctuated between mild and moderate; thankfully, it was not unbearable. As a day passed, the discomfort remained, but something strange occurred: the headache shifted to the right side of my head while still manifesting in the same areas (from my eye to the top back). I've been taking ibuprofen, but it doesn’t seem to be effective. I want to emphasize that it’s not extreme pain, just an annoyance that can occasionally feel more uncomfortable. I also struggle with quite a bit of health anxiety, and during these past five days, I’ve found myself searching online for symptoms of conditions like “brain aneurysm” and similar issues. Every time I dwell too much on the headache, it seems to intensify. Currently, I'm only experiencing mild pain alongside some pressure on the left side of my head. The only other symptoms I've noticed are sensitivity to bright lights and a bit of nausea—though I suspect that could be tied to my anxiety. That sums up my experience. Any suggestions would be sincerely appreciated! :)
Answers (1)
7/24/2025, 11:40:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that experiencing a persistent headache for several days can be concerning, especially with accompanying symptoms like sensitivity to light and nausea. Based on what you've described, your headaches may be tension-type or possibly migraine-related, particularly since the pain seems to have shifted sides and worsens with anxiety.
Explanation
Headaches can arise from various causes, including tension, anxiety, dehydration, or even changes in your sleep or diet. Given that your pain has fluctuated and you've experienced light sensitivity, it leans more towards a migraine or tension headache, both of which can be worsened by stress and anxiety.
You mentioned that ibuprofen hasn’t helped significantly and that you often worry about serious conditions. Worry can indeed amplify physical discomfort. It’s essential to address both the headache itself and the anxiety surrounding it.
Next Steps
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Stay Hydrated: Make sure you're drinking enough water each day. Dehydration can worsen headaches.
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Manage Stress and Anxiety:
- Relaxation Techniques: Consider practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga. These can help reduce anxiety and may alleviate headache symptoms.
- Limit Screen Time: Avoid bright screens, and take breaks if you're reading or using devices. This may help with your light sensitivity and overall comfort.
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Monitor Triggers: Keep a headache diary for the next week. Note when headaches occur, their intensity, duration, and any triggers (like certain foods, lack of sleep, stress levels, etc.). This can help identify patterns and potential triggers.
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Evaluate Sleep Patterns: Ensure you're getting enough restful sleep. Aim for a regular sleep schedule, as sleep issues can contribute to headaches.
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Consider Over-the-Counter Remedies Carefully: If ibuprofen isn't effective, you might try acetaminophen (Tylenol) or consult with a pharmacist about potential alternatives for headache relief. However, be cautious about using pain relief too frequently.
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Seek Professional Advice if Needed: If your headache persists beyond a week, changes in its nature occur (like sudden intensity, new neurological symptoms), or you feel excessively anxious, it would be a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional. They can provide a thorough assessment and peace of mind about your symptoms.
It's important to prioritize care for your mental well-being alongside your physical health. You're doing the right thing by seeking guidance, and remember to take things one step at a time. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!
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# 7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options ## [7-Month-Old] Identified with Abernethy Malformation (Congenital Portosystemic Shunt) - Treatment Methods? **Age:** 7 months **Gender:** Female **Height:** Age-appropriate **Weight:** Currently 9 kg, was 2.8 kg at birth **Ethnicity:** Asian **Duration of Symptoms:** Present since birth **Location:** Uzbekistan **Pre-existing Health Issues:** Abernethy malformation (congenital portosystemic shunt), liver hemangiomas, chronic jaundice, anemia **Current Treatments:** Supportive management --- ## INITIAL PRESENTATION (June 2025 - July 2025) Our daughter arrived on **June 27, 2025**, presenting with: - Birth weight: **2.8 kg** - Marked jaundice (yellowing of skin and sclera) - Pale or clay-colored stools - **Bilirubin level: 245 μmol/L** (typically <20) An immediate ultrasound indicated multiple liver anomalies, initially thought to be hemangiomas. --- ## FIRST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (August 1, 2025 - 1 Month Old) ### Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) with 3-Phase Contrast (August 1, 2025): **RESULTS:** - 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WBC: 5.8 × 10⁹/L (SHOWS IMPROVEMENT) - **RBC: 2.93 × 10¹²/L** (IMPROVED but still low) - **Hemoglobin: 72 g/L** (SHOWS IMPROVEMENT but still low) - Platelets: 223 × 10⁹/L (BACK TO NORMAL) - Neutrophils: 30.0% - Lymphocytes: 64.8% - Monocytes: 4.6% ### Biochemistry (January 28, 2026): - Total protein level: 67 g/L (slightly deficient) - Creatinine: 20.7 μmol/L - **Total Bilirubin: 242 μmol/L** (STILL HIGH - unchanged) - **Direct Bilirubin: 142 μmol/L** (VERY HIGH) - **ALT: 50 IU/mL** (DRASTICALLY LOWER from >1000!) --- ## OVERVIEW OF PROGRESS OVER 6 MONTHS | Parameter | August 2025 | January 2026 | Change | |------------------|-------------|---------------|--------------------------| | **Hemoglobin** | 69 g/L | 72 g/L | ↗ Slight improvement | | **RBC** | 2.1 | 2.93 | ↗ Improved | | **ALT** | >1000 | 50 | ✓✓ MAJOR IMPROVEMENT | | **Bilirubin** | 245 | 242 | → Unchanged (still elevated) | | **Portal vein** | 6.1 mm | 3.9 mm (US) | ↗ Decreased | | **Platelets** | 403 | 223 | ↘ Normalized | | **Shunt size** | 9.9 mm | 9.9 mm | → No Change | --- ## CURRENT SITUATION (February 2026 - 7 Months Old) - **Weight:** 9 kg (good growth rate in spite of condition) - **Jaundice:** Continues to be present (yellow skin) - **Stools:** Remain pale/clay-colored - **Development:** Achieving appropriate milestones - **Energy:** Appears to have a good energy level - **Feeding:** Normal appetite --- ## QUESTIONS FOR r/AskDocs We have been informed this is **Type 2 Abernethy malformation** (portal vein present). **Three treatment avenues have been proposed:** ### Option 1: **Endovascular Coil Embolization** (minimally invasive approach) - A catheter is inserted via the leg vein to access the shunt and deploy coils/plugs to close the abnormal vessels - Pros: No surgical incision, minimal discomfort, short hospital stay (2-4 days), no scars, enhanced safety - Duration: 1-2 hours - Recovery: 2-4 weeks for jaundice to show improvement ### Option 2: **Open Surgical Intervention** - An incision in the abdomen to ligate abnormal vessels and redirect blood to the liver - Pros: Direct visualization, effective results - Cons: Surgical scar, longer recovery time (7-14 days in hospital) - Duration: 2-4 hours ### Option 3: **Liver Transplantation** - We have been advised this is not necessary as the portal vein is functional and liver health is improving. --- ## SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. **With a functional portal vein (6.1 mm) and improving liver function (ALT normalized), is it advisable to pursue endovascular closure as the preferred treatment?** 2. **Despite ALT levels improving, the bilirubin remains consistently high (242). Should this be a cause for concern? Is there a prospect for it to normalize post shunt closure?** 3. **Are the hemangiomas/nodules (11.6×20.7 mm) linked to the shunt? Will they likely resolve following shunt repair?** 4. **How urgent is the proposed intervention? Is immediate action required, or is there flexibility to wait a few months?** 5. **What complications should we be vigilant for during the waiting period?** 6. **Regarding endovascular closure - what is the average success rate for infants aged 7 months? Are there concerns regarding the shunt size (9.9 mm)?** 7. **The measurement of the portal vein has shown improvement from 6.1 mm to 3.9 mm; should this be perceived as a positive sign or a reason for concern?** 8. **Are there special directives (diet modifications, medications) we should consider while awaiting the procedure?** 9. **Post-procedure, how long should we expect it might take for:** - Normalization of bilirubin levels? - Return of stool color to normal? - Resolution of jaundice? - Regression of hemangiomas? 10. **Can you recommend any specialized centers for pediatric Abernethy malformation treatments? We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.