Head painsfor over 6 weeks. Lump at back of head.

[paul_mac]

Hi, im very concerned that i have had a severe headache now for over 6 weeks. the pain is relentless and moves and varies all around my head. i have now found a lump at the back right hand side of my head and do not no what it is. my headache first started with my left eye losing vision then severe pain at that side of the head. i have seen an optician last week and my eyes are in good condition, i dont wear glasses. the pain moves and changes from dull to sharp but does not leave. i feel it is hard to concentrate, almost like my mind wants to go into a daydream. light does not effect the pain. i have seen my gp several times and have had many drugs for migrane which have not worked. this led my gp to believe i have cluster headaches, however the treatment of verapimil 3 times a day and sumatriptan nasal spray has not helped. i had a brain scan in 2004 and have been told it is too soon to have another is this true? i have been to my local hospital where the consultant there has told me that it is nothing sinister wrong. but he has no answeres for the pain nor the lump. my nose is runny more than usual. my head and temples are sore to touch. i feel dizzy and light headed but basically dont feel 100%. i have been told now to stop taking all my prescribed medication and stick to paracetamol 4 times a day. i am in pain from the moment i wake up to the moment i go to sleep. my neck is sore aswell. i am looking to find an answer why i have this headache so that i can live my life without the pain or discomfort. please help. thankyou for taking the time to read this. paul

[Ems7]

Hi All,

I noticed a hard lump on the right side of my head about 6/7 years ago. It doesn't hurt and it's stayed the same size and shape since finding it. I haven't been to the doctors because I'm too scared too. My mother in law is a nurse and has said it shouldn't be anything to worry about.

I left it at this but over the past 2 weeks I have started to get floaters in my eye and tingly fingers and toes and also numbness in my face. I also suffer from cramps in my feet and calf. I'm scared that this lump has changed into a tumour. I don't have any headaches, sickness or fits.

I was tested for Diabetes yesterday but it came back negative.

Emma

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-SH]

First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.
   From the symptoms that you describe I suspect that you are having analgesic overuse headaches in addition to your chronic headache condition.  I would agree that you should stop all medications at this time to "detox" your system, but this has to be handled with care (since we are after all trying to improve your headaches).  The best way to wean off of chronic analgesic overuse is recieve one week (3-5 days) if IV infusions including magnesium, depakote, kytril and DHE.  I would also recommend a steroid taper during this period and the starting of a preventative medication such as elavil, topamax or nadolol (which would be the only medication that you continue on after the week of IV infusions is over).  I would not recommend paracetamol (in the US we call this acetominophen/Tylenol), because this drug can lead to rebound headaches.  I do not think it is "too early" to get another MRI of the brain and if there are new concerns/change in symptoms, repeating the MRI is reasonable.
I hope this has been helpful.

[jcverive]

Since you have a palpable lump, it is possible that you have a growth such as a lipoma, keratoma, or similar pressing on a scalp nerve. You may also have a nerve growth/tumor causing inflammation or pain. A neuroma involving nerves originating from C2 or C3 may also be your problem. Ask your doctor for a referral to a good neurologist, and then ask this neurologist about neuromas or neuritis, or cervicogenic headache.

Jeff

[SAL1975]

Just wondering if you are diabetic or hypothyroid. My mom had the exact same problems which started 3 months ago. The doctors checked everything, and gave her pain meds. They didnt help, and she finally saw a neurologist. He said it is most probably beacuse of her blood sugar. Although it is controlled, he said diabetics have a tendency of Nerve damage in the head as well. She is scheduled for an MRA to rule it in/out. We are quite frustrated ourselves, and hope we can find an anwer soon, as this headache drives her crazy at times.