If you answered 'Yes' to the above question, I urge you to read on and you may find the answer to your problem.
People who don't regularly experience headaches are unaware of the pain headache sufferers face, on a daily basis. I personally had progressively, worsening headaches over a period of about three to four years. These headaches were accompanied with eye pain, lethargy, weight gain and mood swings. I sympathise with anyone who suffers from headaches because I know, too well, how debilitating they can be.
I underwent numerous tests with my GP and with Specialists and everything from bruxism (the grinding of teeth) to anxiety and depression were eventually ruled-out. Relaxation techniques and various medication were prescribed to me but nothing stopped my headaches, they just got more intense and more frequent.
As time passed my headaches progressed to a new level. If I was ever surprised or shocked (something as simple as a doorbell ringing, when I wasn't expecting it) I would get an adrenalin rush and this would cause a severe stabbing pain to both sides of my head, around the temples. I had never, in my life, experienced pain like this. This stabbing pain would last only ten seconds or so, yet this was enough to cause me to fall to my knees in agony. After the pain subsided, I would feel very nauseous, lethargic, shaky, confused and my eyes would be red and bloodshot.
As I frequently visited my GP, it became obvious I was being labelled as a hypochondriac. This got me angry. It was now time to get tough, no more Mr. Nice-Guy, I was in agony and suffering daily. I demanded to see a
neurologist and a referral was made. However, the neurologist rejected the referral and he suggested that my GP should prescribe me with an anxiety drug. When I eventually heard the referral was rejected, I immediately demanded to be re-referred. A second referral was made by the GP and this time it was accepted.
After waiting patiently (in pain) for approximately three months, the appointment date arrived and I met the neurologist. He examined me and conducted various tests, then very calmly told me there was nothing within his medical knowledge that would suggest I had anything wrong with my head or brain. He suggested the headaches were stress related and handed me some relaxation techniques. Bad Move! I did not beat around the bush any longer, this was my life these people were playing with and I decided enough was enough. I demanded an MRI scan and had to convince the consultant this was completely necessary. He reluctantly agreed to my demand. Personally I think he just wanted rid of me.
An MRI scan was performed on my head and brain some months later (so obviously no urgency requested by the
neurologist) and that highlighted a macroadenoma (a pituitary gland tumour that is larger than 10mm in diameter). The
pituitary gland sits at the base of the brain, behind the nose, and controls the hormones and all hormonal functions within the body. After further investigation and blood tests, I was diagnosed with a
Prolactinoma (a benign,
prolactin secreting,
tumour of the pituitary gland).
The blood test that helps diagnose this type of tumour is a prolactin test. The quantities of prolactin, within your blood, are counted to determine whether or not the pituitary gland is secreting too much prolactin. In my case it was, more than sixty times the acceptable level for a man. However, during pregnancy and after the birth of a child, prolactin levels are naturally high in women. This is because prolactin is the
hormone that stimulates lactation by the mammary glands. There can be other reasons for raised prolactin levels within the blood. These include an underactive Thyroid
gland and certain medication such as anti-sickness, tranquillisers or anti-depressants, which are the most common causes.
Medication was prescribed for my prolactinoma, by an
Endocrinologist (a consultant who specialises in
glands and hormones). Since taking this medication my headaches have completely disappeared, my prolactin levels are at an acceptable level and further MRI scans have shown that the tumour is shrinking.
So does the neurologist now admit the
prolactinoma was the cause of my headaches? What do you think? The weight gain, lethargy and mood swings are due to the
hormonal imbalance and the eye pain is due to the tumour sitting under the nerves leading to the eyes.
Just because someone gives you an opinion it doesn't mean you have to agree with or accept it. YOU know when there is something wrong with YOUR own body.
The cause of a headache is very hard to diagnose due to the vast amount of possible causes and investigating all of these possibilities takes a long time. Sometimes the pain could be due to stress, anxiety, depression, bruxism etc. or even something as simple as you requiring spectacles. It's your body and your life, so it's up to you how you seek treatment, don't suffer in silence.
Good Luck and I sincerely hope you find the cause of your headaches.
