Hi... a bit more than three weeks ago I started getting headaches that are one sided, running around or behind the eye, and lasting between 30 and 90 minutes depending, I think, on when I take the painkillers. The headaches can at times strike at night and wake me up from sleep. In the first few days they seemed to come at the same time every day so I immediately thought of cluster headaches. Since then, the pattern has been rather mixed up.
When the headaches strike I am restless and can hardly sit still. They can at times be so intense, and my reaction to them so distressing, that my wife starts weeping because she feels helpless. I have not identified any triggers and do not have any other symptoms. No vomiting, body aches, nausea, etc. Aside from the headaches, I lead what I think is a very health lifestyle. I am 35 years old and work out daily, jog a lot, hike, etc. I believe I am the fittest and in the best shape of my life at the moment.
I also eat very healthily. Lots of veggies, fruits, good sources of protein and carbs. My one weakness is chocolate although I can control the cravings (sometimes!). But the chocolate thing has been a lifelong thing, I sure hope I have not suddenly started developing a reaction to them.
Before the headaches started, I was hardly ever getting headaches. And definitely nothing as intense as these headaches I am getting now.
Blood works all came out normal. A CT scan of the brain and sinuses was a bit controversial. Brain appeared normal, but the the scan of the sinuses suggested rhino-sinusitis which my doctor grabbed on and put me on strong antibiotics. I tried to argue that sinusitis would not, anyway, cause such intense headaches, and I don't have any other symptoms to suggest it. Still, the headaches continue, some days they seem to be less frequent or I may have a whole day with no headaches before it strikes again the next day.
The headaches are taking their toll on me. I am anxious and tired which I know does not help. The next idea would be to do an MRI although I doubt it will show anything.
Can migraines carry on for nearly a month ? and cluster headaches ? I understand the latter usually runs in shorter cycles although chronic forms are not unheard of.
I am really very very tired. I am sorry I am venting like this. I know no one can offer a definitive diagnosis. But can anyone suggest alternative diagnoses ? Does it really sound like migraine or GH ?
Please help : (