headaches EVERY DAY for the past 3 to 4 years

[lollie202]

ok look i have no where else to go. im 15 and have been have been haveing headaches every day nonstop for the past three-4 years. they have done a spinal tap, m-r-i's, ct scans, they have done trigger point ingections, they have checked my sinuses and have put me on multiple meds. i dont know what to do. now they think i have sleep apnia and are going to do a sleep study...even if i do what will it help finding that out? its not stress and not my sinuses. do any of you know maybe what it is?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
Rebound headaches can develop if you frequently use headache medication such as simple or combination pain relievers containing caffeine, aspirin, and acetaminophen.  Opiates and various migraine medications, including triptans and certain ergots also can lead to headaches. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, although low-risk for development of medication-overuse headache, may also contribute. Try to avoid everyday doses of caffeine. Talk to you doctor about this for proper management.

[John987]

That is a lot of meds which can change your blood chemistry and cause headaches.  The flexiril, zanax, and ibuprofen could cause headaches.  A good doctor should help you evaluate all this as it could be a contributing factor.

[lollie202]

im on topamax for the after spinal stuff, lexapro, zanax(as needed) but is a genaric (alprazolam), flexoril(as needed), and i WAS on diamox but that i was switched off of to topamax. oh and of course ibuprofen:) almost every day haha

[lollie202]

they thought the weight thing was part of it in the begining so they put me on diamox first ans topamax to help with the weight. but it didnt help(of course) but i could still try. when i gain weight(even though i dont notice it) its usualy in the normal places like my stomach and my thighs. i think thats normal right? oh and my arms too. i hope this helped me help you help me haha

[John987]

Also, check your meds.  Some medications cause a headache, particularly analgesics/pain relievers.   What meds do you take for headache?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? I'm sorry to hear what you have been through for the past 4 years. It is good that your tests were all fine. Aside from allergies and triggers mentioned, hormonal changes at this age may also be responsible. Hormonal tests may also be done to rule this out. Take care and do keep us posted.

[drjus]

Have you tried looking at your diet? I had a similar problem and one day I realised it was citrus and citric acid- after stopping all citrus (and citrus like food- tomatoes/pineapple/fruit bread) and sour lollies etc- no more headaches! I get one or 2 a month now which is completely bearable!

[Gina04]

When I first saw this, I thought about my aunt.  She dealt with migraines for a long time before figuring out that she was allergic to corn products.  The other possible 'allergy' I had thought of was what meniere135 mentioned, gluten or possibly just wheat.  I have fibromyalgia and headaches as well.  I went on a gluten-free, cassein-free (GFCF) diet because my kids and husband have autism spectrum disorder issues and I thought it might help them.  I think it actually helps me more than them.  If I decide to eat out or something and not worry about sticking to the diet, I notice a lot more pain.  I would try to eliminate corn, gluten, OR dairy for a couple weeks and see how you do.  If you eliminate corn and don't notice a difference, try adding that back in to your diet and eliminating gluten or dairy instead.  If you don't see improvement by eliminating one of these things, think about what else is in your diet on a regular basis that may be causing the headaches.

[meniere135]

My husband got rid of his migraines when he stopped eating gluten (wheat, barley, rye and oats).  He also had them almost every day.  Since they aren't finding anything, food elimination is worth a try.  It's possible you have a hormone imbalance.  Maybe high cortisol.  So many things can cause migraines.  Do you tend to put on weight easily and if so, where do you put the weight on?  Try to provide as much info as possible about any other symptoms you might have that might help figure where these migraines are coming from.  Will wait for your answer.