Unusual Head Pain?
I’m a 29-year-old female who was diagnosed with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) at the age of 13, and I had a VP shunt installed in 2019. Since the shunt was put in, I haven't experienced any complications, save for an incident during my pregnancy when the tubing became kinked, disrupting the flow. Fortunately, everything has been stable since then. Throughout my life, I've developed a high threshold for pain, particularly with headaches, which have improved significantly since my shunt was fitted. However, around two weeks ago, I began suffering from a headache that started mildly. I took some acetaminophen and continued with my daily activities, but soon, I felt a sharp pain emerging at the crown of my head. After a few hours, the discomfort intensified and spread across the entire top of my head. Things escalated to such an extent that I found myself lying flat on the floor, suspecting it could be a low-pressure headache; it was at that moment I believed I had reached a new level of agony, rating it a 10 on the pain scale. Little did I know, I was mistaken about that peak. As the pain heightened, I began to experience blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting, accompanied by an overwhelming discomfort. The sensation was a mix of a constant dull throb on top, with sporadic sharp pains that exacerbated with any movement. It took around 17 hours for the pain to fully subside, easing off only after about 13 hours. At its worst, the pain was undeniably severe, hitting a rating of 10 for at least two hours. I’m not typically prone to panic, but I genuinely feared for my life over this headache. In retrospect, seeking emergency care may have been wise; however, my current financial situation makes it challenging to take time off work and deal with the added costs of an ER visit. I'm wondering if anyone has insights into what this might have been. I’ve never before experienced such an intense sensation in just the crown of my head, and I'm truly anxious about a recurrence.
Answers (1)
8/26/2025, 12:42:15 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear you have been experiencing such intense headaches, especially given your history with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) and the VP shunt. It's understandable to feel anxious about this recent episode, considering how severe the pain and associated symptoms were.
Main Points:
- Your recent headache may be related to changes in intracranial pressure, especially given your history with IIH and the presence of a VP shunt.
- Symptoms like blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting indicate that you should monitor your symptoms closely.
- Immediate self-care strategies can help manage symptoms and support your well-being.
Explanation:
The headaches you've described could potentially be caused by several factors:
- Intracranial Pressure Changes: Since you have a VP shunt, any blockage or malfunction can lead to elevated intracranial pressure, which can present with severe headaches, nausea, and visual disturbances.
- Cervicogenic Pain: Sharp pain at the crown could be related to tension or stress, especially if it accompanies muscle tightness in the neck.
- Medication Effects: Consider if any changes in medication or lifestyle may be impacting your headaches.
Given your symptoms and history, it's important to take your headaches seriously, especially since they escalated to a level that affected your quality of life.
Next Steps:
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Hydration & Rest: Make sure you are well-hydrated and take regular breaks to relax, particularly at times of stress. Resting in a dark, quiet room may help alleviate some of the pain when it occurs.
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Headache Diary: Start documenting your headaches, noting their frequency, duration, intensity, and any accompanying symptoms (like blurred vision or nausea). This information can be vital for understanding patterns and triggers.
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Self-Monitoring: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If you experience headaches that recur frequently, prolong or worsen, or are accompanied by neurological symptoms (like significant visual changes or sensory loss), this warrants serious consideration for immediate medical attention.
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Medication Review: If headaches recur, consider discussing with a healthcare provider whether your current medication regimen is appropriate or if adjustments can be made to manage pain better.
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Stress Management: Incorporating relaxation techniques like mindfulness or gentle yoga can help manage stress, which may contribute to the intensity of your headaches.
While managing symptoms at home, remain aware of any signs that suggest the need for professional help, such as significantly worsening pain, consistent changes in vision, or confusion. Your health and safety are paramount. Please take care.
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