Persistent Dull Headaches for Over a Month – No History of Glaucoma or Migraines, Nabumetone Ineffective (Day 6)
Hello everyone. I'm a 19-year-old Afro-Latina woman, standing at 5’4” and weighing 138 lbs, and I've been experiencing dull, wave-like headaches every day for more than a month now. These headaches are unpredictable; they can strike in the morning, during the day, or at night. I've been on a vacation abroad for nearly a week, yet the headaches persist, which leads me to believe that my surroundings aren't the cause. With college starting in just two weeks, I’m eager to resolve this issue beforehand. --- **What I’ve Done & Medical Background:** - I have no prior occurrences of migraines or glaucoma. - I consulted with two eye specialists (the latest on July 28), undergoing comprehensive tests for glaucoma, including OCT scans, optic nerve evaluations, and eye pressure assessments. All results returned normal. One doctor indicated my intraocular pressure sometimes reaches 22–23 but noted that my thick corneas may skew these figures. - Both CT scans and blood tests yielded normal outcomes. - Currently, I’m taking Nabumetone at 750 mg twice daily (Day 6 of a 10-day course) with no notable improvement yet. --- **Symptoms Experienced:** - Persistent pressure-like headaches that occur in waves throughout the day. - Eye discomfort even in the absence of headaches. - Sensitivity to light, particularly at various times of day. - Either excessive tearing or a dry sensation in my eyes. - Pressure behind my eyes. - Brief episodes of seeing flashes of light, occurring once or twice per day and resolving quickly. - Headache symptoms can last from 5 minutes to 3 hours, never extending beyond that. - Drinking water sometimes helps with milder headaches, but provides little relief when the pain is severe. At times, my head feels warm during these episodes. --- **Vision & Glasses History:** - In March, I received my first pair of glasses (corrective numbers: Right: -0.50 | Left: -0.75). - By June, I realized their effectiveness was declining as my vision appeared blurrier. - An eye examination in July indicated that my prescription has changed to -1.00 for both eyes. - The optometrist mentioned he prefers to delay stronger prescriptions to prevent triggering headaches when starting with glasses. This has left me questioning if the headaches stem from an inadequate prescription or rapid changes in my eyesight. --- Although I'm told these symptoms might be related to migraines, I've never experienced them before. Is it possible that my headaches are a result of eye strain, an incorrect glasses prescription, or something more serious such as a neurological issue or sinus problems? I've had clear sinuses but have been grappling with congestion in my room for half a year, often waking up with a blocked nose or a sore throat before the headaches began. I’ve explored every medical avenue I can think of and would greatly appreciate any insights from anyone who might have encountered similar challenges.
Answers (1)
8/2/2025, 11:11:09 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a challenging situation with your persistent headaches, and it's understandable to want to find relief, especially with college approaching. Given your detailed description of symptoms, I’ll summarize key points and suggest some actionable steps.
Main Points:
- Your headaches have persisted for over a month with various symptoms, including eye discomfort and light sensitivity.
- You’ve had thorough evaluations of your eyes and imaging tests revealing normal results.
- Your current medication, Nabumetone, has not provided relief.
Explanation:
The type of headaches you're experiencing—dull, wave-like in nature—combined with symptoms like eye discomfort and light sensitivity, can have multiple origins. These could include:
- Eye strain or an improper glasses prescription: Since you've recently had a prescription change, this might be a contributing factor, especially if you’re straining your eyes due to a discrepancy in what you need versus what you have.
- Tension-type headaches: These can occur due to stress, muscle tightness from posture, or eye strain.
- Possible sinus issues: If you've had congestion and blocked nasal passages, sinus headaches could also be a factor, even in the absence of clear sinuses recently.
- Migraine: While you haven't had a history of migraines, changes in vision or the onset of these symptoms can sometimes signal a first episode.
- Neurological concerns: While less likely given your normal tests, it's still a concern to monitor.
Next Steps:
-
Reassess Your Vision: Schedule an appointment with your optometrist to discuss your current glasses prescription and the related symptoms. Be sure to express your concerns about your headaches possibly being tied to your vision. It may be time for a new pair of glasses or an adjustment to your current prescription.
-
Hydration and Breaks: While you mentioned that hydration can help, ensure you are drinking enough water daily. If you are using screens for prolonged periods, take regular breaks (for example, every 20 minutes, look away from your screen for 20 seconds) to reduce eye strain.
-
Track Symptoms: Keep a headache diary for the next week, noting when the headaches occur, their intensity, duration, any accompanying symptoms, and potential triggers. This information can provide valuable insights for your healthcare provider.
-
Consider Environmental Factors: Assess whether your surroundings (like lighting or allergens) could be contributing. Ensure that your study space is well-lit and that you're minimizing potential irritants.
-
Manage Stress and Tension: Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, stretching, or mindfulness practices. Stress may exacerbate tension-type headaches.
-
Consultation with a Specialist: If headaches persist despite implementing these steps, consider revisiting a healthcare professional (possibly a neurologist) for further evaluation, especially if you experience any new symptoms like worsening visual changes or more frequent light flashes.
Please remember that while your situation is concerning, you've taken great initial steps towards understanding and addressing your headaches. Following up with these suggestions should help you work towards finding relief. Let me know if you need further clarification on any step!
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!
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!
28-Year-Old Male Experiencing Scalp Sensations Post-Amitriptyline Treatment
I am a 28-year-old man in generally good health, without any cardiac concerns. Approximately a month ago, I encountered intense pain localized to one side of my head, which was unresponsive to paracetamol. However, a single dose of a migraine treatment provided substantial relief. Following that, I began a regimen of amitriptyline, starting at a nightly dose of 10 to 25 mg. While my head pain has diminished significantly—by about 90 to 95%—I now experience occasional uncomfortable sensations on my scalp. These feelings include pins and needles, a cooling sensation, and some crawling feelings near my hairline and ears. There are fleeting moments where I feel brief throbs lasting a second, but I do not have any persistent headaches. To clarify, I do not experience any of the following: - Nausea - Weakness in my limbs - Numbness - Changes in my vision - Coordination difficulties - Seizures The symptoms I have are transient, shifting around and often intensifying when I become conscious of them or as the day progresses. I would like to know: Is it common to experience these sensations during the recovery stage following episodes of neuralgia or migraine-like discomfort? Additionally, could the amitriptyline potentially be causing these temporary paresthetic sensations? I am seeking some reassurance or advice on what is typically observed during this healing process. Thank you.