Would you call, or wait?

Question

I am waiting for my 1st appt with a neurologist at Yale's Division of MS-Immunology .. the appt is 1 week, 1 day away. This is because my primary ordered an MRI after my Opthamologist diagnosed ON in my left eye (I also had Iritis in the other eye 2 years ago) .. the MRI results are in my original post below. 

**** Meanwhile, I have a headache that has been here for at least 2 days. I've had no relief .... I have no history of headaches or migranes so I have nothing to compare this to. It's intense pressure, mostly in the back of my head (both sides) and goes down to my neck in a tight stiff manner. No fever otherwise I'd worry about meningitis because of the stiff neck. It's almost like I was in a car accident with head/neck trauma. 

I was back at the Opth Doc today, who said the headache is not eye-related, and my ON is getting better. The manner of this headache - all over my head, constant, intense pressure, etc - not eye related. The Opth looked at me like I was crazy when I said I was trying to wait for the Yale appt in a week. 

But --- what the heck is my primary going to do for this headache? My husband keeps telling me just to go to the ER, to see if they can have a neurologist on call consult (in the short term before my Yale appt) 

Nothing I've read about ON, MS, etc list this type of headache (and stiff neck) as a typical symptom ... except meningitis, which would have a fever. I have no nausea either. 

Question ---- in anyone's experience, have they had headaches like this? OTC meds have not helped. Would you wait, would you go to ER, would you hound your primary??

FYI -I had another post more specific to my issue: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Non-Specific-Juxtacortical-White-Matter--/show/2001808

summerluvr · Answer

I get headaches, migraines, and other kinds (had one yesterday!) and what I do is wrap a flexible ice pack in a bandana and wrap it around my head. It really helps with the pain. you could try putting it at the base of your skull and top of your neck.

Deludel · Answer

I called my primary couldnt get me in. Then went to the ER yesterday who acted as if I was silly for being there for a headache when I have a neurologist appt in a week. Nevertheless they have me Reglan via IV and a prescription for Reglan. Problem is .. The IV dose made me want to crawl out if my skin. It was like a monkey at the zoo having an anxiety attack - turns out that's a common side effect. 

I called my primary back in the afternoon, pleaded my case, and they got me into a cancellation appt at the end of the day. They are doing a Lyme test (I guess Optic Neuritis and headaches are consistent with Lyme, its summer, and I live in the Northeast)

Maks322 · Answer

I said primary, because I could count in my primary to get me in sooner.  He's just that kind of guy.  He admits with all the specialists I have seen and I am still seeing (and they can't figure it out) that these are the things he can do and will do

Corriel · Answer

I had a bad spell of headaches like that a year ago that caused nerve inflammation in my neck and nothing seemed to work for the pain. It turned out that after grinding my teeth for as long as I could remember that I had TMJ.

It would be a good idea to have someone look at you asap to see if they can get a handle on it.

Corrie

cubbiesfan918 · Answer

I agree with HVAC and feel as though you would spend a lot of time in the ER waiting and possibly spend extra money for no true result. If your PCP cannot get you in today, go to an Urgent Care facility. Take care of yourself and keep us posted!

Best Wishes, 
Lizzie

HVAC · Answer

If you have never had a headache like this I would see someone. Just realize ERs are rarely good for diagnosing anything that is not life threatening at the moment. If you want your Neurological problems addressed sooner you will probably end up being told to see your Neurologist. If it may be a stroke or aneurism you need to go to the ER. I always start with my PCP. She knows my history and will send me to the ER if I need to go. See someone.

Alex

kwarendorf · Answer

A headache lasting two weeks is not normal. It requires prompt medical attention. As Lulu said, headaches are not a typical MS symptom.

In your poll choices I would go to the ER while waiting to see the neurologist.

Kyle

Deludel · Answer

Wow. Just realized my own typo on original post! It's been 2 WEEKS, not 2 days.

Cann1980 · Answer

I have headaches a lot!! It is mainly caused by my teeth from braces and retainer. It also goes to my lower back of head and neck. Just FYI. 

I vote for whichever will answer the questions first. 
I would try my primary though first if it were me. I am a new ie though... Sure other will help out too!

Lulu54 · Answer

When in doubt, and you are since you are asking our opinion, go with the side of caution and head to the ER. That type of headache is not usually known to be associated with MS (but it could be!) and waiting a week is too long to contend with the pain. 
 
good luck,
Laura