Requesting Insights on Ongoing Severe Headaches
An 18-year-old female has been experiencing persistent severe headaches alongside other troubling symptoms. In the spring and summer of 2024, she visited her general physician for irregular menstrual cycles, which occasionally lasted as long as 10 to 12 days or even ceased entirely for periods of up to two months. The physician attributed these irregularities to hormonal changes associated with adolescence and recommended oral contraceptives, specifically Levonorgestrel/Ethinylestradiol Aurobindo 150/30mg, which successfully regulated her menstrual cycles. However, the headaches remained unresolved. Later that year, during the autumn season, the patient sought help from an ophthalmologist due to issues with her vision. She was prescribed corrective lenses, which included a slightly higher prescription to improve clarity, still, the headaches did not alleviate. By April 2025, her condition worsened. She returned to the ophthalmologist, this time reporting a troubling new symptom: when she turned her head to the side at a considerable angle, she began experiencing double vision. She was aware of which images were real and which were not. Unfortunately, the ophthalmologist was unable to provide a solution and referred her back to the general practitioner, who subsequently directed her to a neurologist. During this consultation, the neurologist ordered a series of tests, including blood work to rule out infections or inflammation, an MRI to check for any tumors or blood clots, and a lumbar puncture to assess intracranial pressure. Thankfully, all results returned negative: blood tests were clear, the MRI showed no abnormalities, and the lumbar puncture indicated normal pressure levels. Despite this, the neurologist prescribed antidepressants and sent her back to an ophthalmologist specializing in eye evaluations. This appointment revealed that the movement of her eyes was not functioning correctly; specifically, the muscles responsible for eye movement were weak, leading to a condition often referred to as lazy eye. In early August 2025, while on a flight, the patient noted a surprising relief from her headaches during the ascent, which resumed as soon as the plane began its descent. Following this incident, the neurologist cautioned against relying on pain medication, stating her body had developed tolerance over the year of usage. Unfortunately, just a few weeks later, her headaches intensified, waking her up in the early morning hours requesting pain relief. Despite administering ibuprofen, she continued to struggle with sleep and rest. By October 2025, she discontinued the antidepressants, yet none of the common pain relievers—such as paracetamol, citramon, ibuprofen, nimid, or ketanov—provided any relief. On January 3, 2026, the ophthalmologist advised using a special patch on her right eye for three days to help reduce light exposure and assessed her vision afterward. Beginning January 10, the patient started receiving Atropine sulfate drops in both eyes to relax her eye muscles, which were believed to be contributing to her headache and tension through a feedback loop of strain. Unfortunately, even after covering one eye for three days, the headaches persisted, with pupils remaining dilated and sensitive to light. Now, even indoors, she wears sunglasses to mitigate discomfort. I am sharing this detailed account in hopes of receiving guidance on further investigations that could uncover the underlying cause of my daughter's headaches. If anyone has experienced similar symptoms or knows someone who has, I would greatly appreciate any shared insights or treatment strategies. Thank you for your assistance!
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 11:50:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your daughter has been through a challenging journey with her headaches, and I commend you for seeking more insights into her condition. Given her ongoing symptoms and various evaluations, let's focus on identifying potential factors that might be contributing to her headaches and explore next steps.
Main Points
Your daughter's persistent severe headaches, which have not responded well to treatment, may be linked to several factors including hormonal changes, eye muscle strain, and possible tension headaches. It's important to consider further evaluations to determine any underlying causes.
Explanation
-
Hormonal Changes: Even though oral contraceptives helped regulate her menstrual cycles, hormone fluctuations can still affect headaches. Estrogen levels can influence headache patterns, and sometimes, adjusting the type or dose of contraceptive can help.
-
Eye Muscle Issues: The diagnosis of weak eye muscles (lazy eye) may contribute significantly to her headaches. Strain from trying to focus can lead to tension in the head and neck muscles.
-
Pressure Changes: The relief experienced during the flight suggests that changes in atmospheric pressure may be influencing her headaches, possibly indicating a link to tension or vascular changes.
Next Steps
-
Consult a Neurologist Specialized in Headaches: It may be beneficial to see a headache specialist, who can provide targeted treatments such as preventive medications specifically designed for chronic headaches or migraines.
-
Adjust Eye Treatments: Collaborate closely with her ophthalmologist to explore further options for managing her lazy eye, including vision therapy or alternative methods that may lessen eye strain and subsequently alleviate headaches.
-
Monitor Triggers: Consider keeping a headache diary to track potential triggers such as diet, sleep patterns, stress levels, and any correlation with her menstrual cycle or eye strain. This can provide valuable insights to share with her healthcare providers.
-
Consider Alternative Therapies: Techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, or biofeedback might help manage headache tension. Some patients find relief through acupuncture or physical therapy that focuses on neck and head tension.
-
Review Current Medications: Discuss with her doctor the effectiveness and appropriateness of current medications. Since common pain relievers haven't helped, other medications, including those specifically for chronic headaches, might be more effective.
-
Lifestyle Adjustments: Ensure she gets regular sleep, stays hydrated, and practices stress management techniques as these can all contribute to headache frequency and intensity.
Please approach the next appointments with specific questions based on these insights to get a tailored care plan for your daughter. Your attention to her concerns is vital in finding a solution that works for her. Let me know if you need further information or guidance!
Related Questions
Ongoing Hives in Children: A Frustrating Mystery
For the past five years, my ten-year-old son has been facing persistent episodes of hives, which can last as long as four months. Typically, he experiences between one to three outbreaks per year; the shortest duration being a mere couple of weeks, while some can extend to several months. Despite consultations with an allergist, a family physician, and a dermatologist, we have yet to find a resolution, as all they have recommended is a regimen of high-dose antihistamines. His blood tests and allergy assessments return normal results, providing little insight into this puzzling condition. The hives that appear on his skin are usually quite large and lack well-defined edges, making their location on his body fluid as they shift around. They are both uncomfortable and extremely itchy, often beginning on his legs before migrating to his arms and eventually settling on his torso. Sometimes, the welts even appear on his face and scalp. While antihistamines do help to reduce the severity—resulting in less pronounced and less red welts—they do not eliminate the hives entirely. Interestingly, we have observed that these outbreaks occasionally follow an illness, especially if another family member has been unwell. Overall, our son is in good health, maintains a balanced diet, and leads an active lifestyle. However, we are growing increasingly anxious and out of options, as medical professionals suggest that he might eventually outgrow this distressing condition.
Navigating Six Months of Unexplained Physical Symptoms
**Age:** 19 **Height:** 186 cm **Gender:** Male Hello everyone, I’d like to share my experience over the past several months. In my early years, I was thought to possibly have ADHD due to my high energy and impulsive behavior, although it was never officially diagnosed. Then, about a year and a half ago, I suffered a motorcycle accident resulting in a type III open fracture on my left foot's fifth toe. After undergoing surgery, it took me around two months to fully recuperate. Alongside this, I also faced damage to my upper right molar, leading me to favor eating on my left side for the past year. Five months post-accident, I enrolled in an aviation course and began biking to my school, which was a 140-kilometer round trip, five days a week, for two months. Throughout this time, I also had been using marijuana regularly, often traveling 25 kilometers to meet friends for smoking sessions. One day, a friend from our group suffered a heart attack, which shook me. Four days later, another friend and I went to visit him. After chatting, we ended up smoking some weed that had visible mold on it; I wasn’t a fan of it but took some home. I smoked it that night, and for the next couple of days. Then one Saturday, while relaxing in bed after smoking, I experienced a sudden spike in heart rate, numbness on the left side of my head and face, shortness of breath, and blurry vision. I panicked and consulted Google, leading me to believe I might be having a stroke. My mother confirmed my face looked different, which only intensified my fear. We rushed to a local clinic where my blood pressure was alarmingly high at 160/90. They conducted an ECG, which showed irregularities, and referred me to a hospital where they ran further tests to check for heart attack indicators. Fortunately, everything returned to normal, and my blood pressure fell to around 140/80. I thought I was in the clear. However, a couple of days later, after using marijuana again, I experienced another panic attack. This time, I recognized it and began researching panic attacks to understand better. In the days following, I faced a plethora of physical sensations including: * A constricted feeling around my head * Increased sensitivity to cold * Shivering hands * Heightened sensitivity to light and sound * Excessive sweating * Unilateral headaches * Pressure around my face and eyes * Tenderness in my neck * Small bumps near the back of my head I consulted with a neurologist and an endocrinologist on the same day. Tests for thyroid and blood sugar levels yielded normal results, but the neurologist suggested I might be dealing with migraines and prescribed medication. He deemed a CT scan unnecessary, but I was given the option to undergo one later if still concerned. After a week on the medication, my headaches vanished, which felt miraculous. I stopped taking the meds, but shortly afterward, I smoked weed again, triggering yet another panic attack, reinforcing the realization that I needed to quit. I turned to alcohol as an alternative, which initially provided relief, but upon taking a trip 234 kilometers to an airport, I felt the panic rising again. Afterward, I experienced a sharp electric sensation spreading through my body while massaging my neck at the railway station. This sent me into a panic once more when I returned to my room and found myself alone. Eventually, I tried smoking hash oil, which kept my symptoms at bay initially, but this was not long-lasting. During a later attempt, I experienced an overwhelming panic attack while biking with a friend. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, and visual disturbances bombarded me. Consequently, I visited a psychiatrist and began treatment. However, after consuming alcohol one day, I dealt with hives all over my legs and abdomen, prompting me to quit drinking and discontinue therapy. For three years, I also faced struggles with bowel movements; I eventually managed my constipation through manual evacuations, but this too caused anxiety. Even though my gastroenterologist recommended a colonoscopy, I couldn’t afford it at the time. Thankfully, my bowel issues improved over the following month. Fast forward to needing a break, I went for an interview in another state. Though I enjoyed time with friends, I encountered another, albeit milder, panic attack, prompting a trip to the emergency room, where my ECG readings were normal. Now, six months into this ordeal, I still experience varying symptoms daily—mostly concentrated in my head and face. At this stage, I’m at a loss regarding how to proceed as my family faces financial constraints, which adds to my feeling like a burden. I sincerely ask for any guidance or advice. My ongoing symptoms include: • Headaches • Tightness around the head • Weakness and numbness in my left arm • Sensitivity and pressure in facial areas, primarily on the left side • Sound sensitivity • Chest discomfort • Ear pressure, especially on the left side • Occasional eye pain • An odd perception of facial drooping • Overwhelming fear • Shortness of breath • Fatigue • Sensitivity to touch • Tingling sensations in various parts of my body • Difficulty swallowing • Sleep disturbances • Pain in different areas of the head • Trembling sensations in my legs and hands • Jaw discomfort • Hives and hair loss • Mental fog and forgetfulness • Blurred vision • Clicking sounds in my ear • Pressure spreading from my head to my face Sometimes, my symptoms diminish to just one, and though some have faded, the majority remain centered in my head, neck, and chest.
Finding Relief from Pinworms
At 37 years old and weighing 160 pounds, I began treatment for pinworms four days ago. However, I am still experiencing intense itching and burning around my anus. The only temporary relief comes from applying hydrocortisone cream. Is this reaction to be expected? I understand that medication may not provide immediate results, but enduring this discomfort for four days without significant improvement is quite concerning. Additionally, I've noticed a rash on both sides of my buttocks that is only noticeable when I stretch the skin; thankfully, it doesn't cause any itching or pain. This rash has also been present for approximately three days. Could these symptoms be indicative of a normal pinworm infection? To alleviate some discomfort, I have been using witch hazel after each bathroom visit, which offers slight relief.
Ongoing Rash Beneath My Lip: Seeking Advice
(21F) Hi there, I’ve been experiencing an unexpected rash beneath my lip lately. To provide a bit of background, I had a stubborn pimple along my lip line that I ended up popping. It formed a tiny scab which has now healed, but in the last six weeks, I’ve noticed this new rash emerging underneath. In an effort to manage it, I've eliminated all active ingredients from my skincare regimen, sticking only to a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Although the rash shows signs of improvement at times, it consistently reappears without explanation. Because of this, I consulted with a general practitioner. They prescribed antibiotics that appeared to help, but shortly after completing the treatment, the problem returned. Additionally, I received a prescription for hydrocortisone cream, which I’ve applied intermittently over the past ten days (roughly four times). While it brings some relief, I realize prolonged use isn’t advisable, so I’m on the lookout for other remedies. I decided to reintroduce my azelaic acid when the rash seemed to clear up, but it has flared up again, leading me to pause its use while I explore options. I had intended to revisit my doctor, but I'm aware that skin conditions can often be complex. I’m open to suggestions! As a side note, I haven’t made any notable changes to my routine when this issue began. I recently used chapstick but discontinued it, suspecting it might be contributing to the rash. All other skincare items I’ve used before without any problems, including my toothpaste, soaps, shampoo, detergent, and conditioner, remain unchanged.
Concerns Regarding Penile Skin Health in a 21-Year-Old Male
A 21-year-old male, weighing 65 kg and standing 180 cm tall, has been dealing with some specific skin issues on his penis. He initially self-identified his condition as an early form of phimosis, which improved over time as he practiced gentle stretching exercises. He now successfully retracts his foreskin completely. Since he was 17, he has noticed the presence of scars or lesions on the front of the glans, which have become notably sensitive to touch. He observes some slight discoloration in certain areas, with these spots appearing marginally darker than the surrounding skin. While he isn’t very sexually active at the moment, he holds concerns about potential discomfort or pain that might arise in the future when he engages in sexual activity. The sensations he experiences with the interaction between the foreskin and the glans are generally comfortable, but any contact involving the glans with other surfaces is highly sensitive, particularly in the affected region. Overall, he finds that his glans is somewhat sensitive, potentially as a lingering effect of his earlier phimosis, although sensitivity in other areas is acceptable. During the ages of 17 to 20, he reported frequent masturbation, averaging about once daily. He also engaged in humping objects between the ages of 14 and 17, which raises his concern that these behaviors could have contributed to his current skin issues, possibly resulting in physical scarring.