Question: Sudden onset severe headaches... Oral contraceptives?
Answer: Full Question:
I had a sudden onset of headache approximately 7 weeks ago. This headache remained constant for four weeks, (it was the worst headache I have ever had). For the last three weeks I have headaches on and off that have woken me from my sleep. I feel nauseated all the time and on many occasions I have actually vomited. I have noticed that I have a tremor in both hands and I am mixing my words quite a bit. I have been to my GP three weeks ago who prescribed a codeine based painkiller. They do not help with the headaches and only seem to make me drowsy. I am due to see my GP in a weeks time is there anything else I should be asking her. I am only 28 and have suffered migraines for many years but these headaches are totally different. I was also wondering if the new contraceptive pill I started 6 months ago could be the cause. Thanks, Suzi.
Answer:
Dear Suzi;
You're on the right track wondering if your oral contraceptive is causing your problem. It's pretty obvious that this isn't "just a headache" such as those simple headaches that everyone experiences occasionally. Statistically, it's unlikely to be anything harmful, but you need to find out what's going on and be sure you're not in that unfortunate part of the stats where the problem is serious. If your GP can't diagnose and treat you, please ask to be referred to a neurologist or headache specialist. Changing your oral contraceptive seems a reasonable place to start. Be careful with taking painkillers too frequently. See:
Medication Overuse Headache: What's a person to do?
Unfortunately, it seems that any medication we take for headache or Migraine relief has the potential to cause medication overuse headache if used more than two or three days a week. We need to learn as much about it as possible. Let’s take a look at what causes it, how to avoid it, and other important issues.
Good luck,
Teri Robert and John Claude Krusz
____________
To visit our directory of recommended specialists and clinics, click
HERE.
To visit our forums for an exchange of information and support, click HERE.
Published April 9, 2006
