Constant Headache Worried

[Lynn45]

Hi.. I have a constant headache or aching pain on my right side temple, back of head and sometimes shooting pain on top of head. I had a CT scan and MRI about 9 months ago.  They were negative.  Is there any chance I would need another MRI.  I am of course concerned about a brain tumor.  My doctors tell me not to worry but I am still concerned.  I am trying a muscle relaxant now.

Any feedback would be appreciated.  Thank you.

[Beliii3]

Hello.  Your symptoms seem like occipital neuralgia.  This does not show up on x-rays and the best thing to do is visit a pain clinic.

[tufmama]

Hi Lynn,
I have had a 24/7 headache (combination) for over 20 yrs. My suggestions to you are: 1) try and connect some type of physical trauma or severe event to the onset of the headache and 2) be extremely aggressive regarding your medical care. I participated in a pain class facilitated by a neurologist whose specialty is chronic pain and one of the things I learned is that there is a much better chance of eradicating chronic pain (headaches) early on because after a period of time the components morph into a much more difficult "entity" to get rid of. This is after they break through the pain gate that has been desparately trying to hold the pain back. I found this to be a very interesting concept and it definitely makes a lot of sense. So start doing everything you possibly can to fight this headache even if you annoy some doctors along the way. You are the patient and they need to listen to you. So advocate for yourself. Good luck.
Jill