Cluster headaches, pain on top of head

Hi,
I am very frustrated by my treatment so far. I am a 48 yr old female & I started having new headaches (never before suffered) on the very top of my head, constant pain about the size of a quarter about 4 months ago. I have been in and out of hospitals and ER. I have had CT scan and MRI's, spinal tap all come up normal. At first I would have numbness on top of my head with the pain. Now I just have pain (about every other day). It usually comes upon wakening and lasts all morning. I have been told that I "do not look like a migraine sufferer", I "need to seek counseling", "quit my job" (which I love), etc. They just can't seem, to find the answer to these headaches. The headaches are getting more intense. I have a couple questions:
1) How accurate are CT scans and MRI, in other words, can they show normal and I still have something such as tumor?
2) I am pretty healthy until now. My blood pressure increases with the pain. I have been told in ER that my platelett count is high (I don't know what that means) and that my protein was high. Do these things cause headaches?
Any input would be appreciated.
PS> I have appointment iwth nuerologist again in a few days, what do they do besides pokes you with safety pin?

Both MRI and CT scans are very good at looking at the brain and recognizing brain tumors. MRI is better than CT, it is called gold standard revealing brain tumors. Doctors can get pictures from three angles and can make a 3D tumor image if there is a tumor.
CT is very detailed. It gives pictures of both tissues and structures. It is very good in locating and detecting tumors but sometimes it misses some low grade tumors that can be caught with MRI.
Neither high platelet nor high protein levels would cause headaches. The most common symptoms and signs of high platelets are blot clots, frequent bleeding nose, or gums, stroke and a heart attack.
Both of these signs could be indicating bone marrow disorders.

Thank you for the reply. After the visit to the neurologist I am even more confused. He just seems to think that I should continue taking medications that do not help and see him in 6 weeks. My headaches are now coming anytime day or night, I also seem to get pain in my legs. He does not perscribe narcotics so I have to deal with it with pills that do not help. I ask, why do they make narcotcs if they are not used for those in pain? I have had these headaches since May and I do not want to think of living with them forever or even months from now. I can not plan anything because I do not know if I will be down with pain.
I would appreciate any feedback...

Wow, I am suffering from the same symptoms as you are. I have had servere headaches since Nov.2006. Ct scan showed nothing, doctors said it could be tension headaches, had a steroid shot in occipital nerve, go to physio and chiro and massage, cranial sacral massage and there doesn't seem to be any relief. So frustrating. Medications do not help, my head is always so sore and I can't even imagine living like this forever. I have a new baby and find it hard to take care of her. I am on a long waiting list to see a neurologist. Any news from your end?

cmc wrote:

Thank you for the reply. After the visit to the neurologist I am even more confused. He just seems to think that I should continue taking medications that do not help and see him in 6 weeks. My headaches are now coming anytime day or night, I also seem to get pain in my legs. He does not perscribe narcotics so I have to deal with it with pills that do not help. I ask, why do they make narcotcs if they are not used for those in pain? I have had these headaches since May and I do not want to think of living with them forever or even months from now. I can not plan anything because I do not know if I will be down with pain. I would appreciate any feedback...

Please do get in touch. I have had pain in the top of my head and now strange pain in my legs - I do wonder what is going on as my doctor also has no answers. ******
Regards,
JH

**edited by moderator ** e-mails not allowed **

hello..
i am getting little bit ache on top of the head frenquently..what to do .is any thing worng with that? give me reply
bye

Hi,
I have that pain on top of the head. Many times it is related to my ovaries and hormonal level. The woman with the new baby may find relief in a natural bioidentical cream. Perhaps getting hormonal levels tested would be a good idea.

I HAVING BAD PAIN ON THE TOP OF MY HEAD. MY CT SCAN SAID IT WAS SINUS INFECTION BUT HAD NO SIGNS OF SINUS. NOW THAT PAIN WONT GO AWAY!!!! ADIVCE PLEASE

I have been suffering from headaches top of the head as if something heavy is been pressed. I do feel very sick when I get it. I have noticed it comes after I have a meal with either lots of carbs or sugar.
The headaches last atleast a day and my eyes hurt and i feel dizzy.
What i do is to go easy on my carbs and sugar and It reduces.

What I need to know is what has food got do with it?

I rest with my head up on two pillows in a quiet room and it does reduce.

Has anyone here ever tried to relieve pressure from the head the natural way? I find if I get reoccurring head problems due mostly to pressure. I meditate.

We control our body with the mind correct. When the body starts to take its toll the mind or brain responds and triggers certain pain levels.

You can "use" the mind/brain and tell it that you don't have a headache. Pain only hurts if you want it to. If doctors can't help. Heal yourself without any type of drugs. The mind/brain is a powerful tool. Yet we only use 10% of it. let me know if you want to know more and I'll explain how meditation works.