Headache Info needed...

[SurgONC]

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Need some advice from all you future/current neurologists. I'm a current MS4.

I seem to get headaches after every nap that I take. It doesn't matter if it's a 10 minute nap or a 2 hour nap. I always wake up with a throbbing headache and I feel more tired than before I started napping. Headache is usually unilateral, no retro-orbital pain, no rhinorrhea, +photophobia. This does not happen after a normal night's sleep. Anyway, just wondering what you all think based on this limited clinical info: cluster headache, migraine, sleep apnea, tumor? j/k about the tumor...

Thanks much.

 

[kapMD/PhD]

When did this start? How long does the headache last? Are you dizzy upon standing? Are you over tired (are you working call or night shifts?) How old are you? does anyone in your family have headaches, stroke, high blood pressure, incerased ICP? Have you had your vision checked recently?

Need some advice from all you future/current neurologists. I'm a current MS4.

I seem to get headaches after every nap that I take. It doesn't matter if it's a 10 minute nap or a 2 hour nap. I always wake up with a throbbing headache and I feel more tired than before I started napping. Headache is usually unilateral, no retro-orbital pain, no rhinorrhea, +photophobia. This does not happen after a normal night's sleep. Anyway, just wondering what you all think based on this limited clinical info: cluster headache, migraine, sleep apnea, tumor? j/k about the tumor...

Thanks much.

 

[SurgONC]

When did this start? How long does the headache last? Are you dizzy upon standing? Are you over tired (are you working call or night shifts?) How old are you? does anyone in your family have headaches, stroke, high blood pressure, incerased ICP? Have you had your vision checked recently?

Not dizzy upon standing unless I get up very quickly (normal, right?). Has been on ongoing problem for several years...definitely not acute but has been more noticeable because I've been taking more naps. I probably am not sleeping enough because I've got some stress secondary to residency apps and specialty selection. I'm 26 yrs old. No family history of headache or increased ICP. Grandparents had HTN but lived mostly into their late 70s or early 80s. No FH of stroke. Had vision checked one year ago...prescription has been increasing by 0.5 diopters per year (I think...-4.25 two years ago, -4.75 one year ago). Also, when I wake up from a nap, especially if sleeping supine, I feel like I am gasping for air. This doesn't happen if I sleep prone. I'm thinking maybe sleep apnea (although not significantly overweight). Maybe I should have a sleep study?
Thanks

 

[Nerdoscience]

What I think you need to do is see a doctor in the office where they can get a very thorough history and an appropriate exam. What you explain sounds pretty migrainous, but I wouldn't give any sort of final advice on a forum like this, even if it were more clear cut.

 

[PainDr]

What you explain sounds pretty migrainous

Actually, based on what he's said, he doesn't meet criteria for migraine.

To the OP, you need to be seen by a physician. It is not appropriate to seek a diagnosis from an online forum.

 

[neurodoc]

It could be some sort of essential HA, but the main concern of HA that occurs with sleep is tumor (fortunately tumor is a rare cause of HA). When you sleep there is some CO2 increase that leads to increased ICP in the contest of space-occupying lesions. See a neurologist and get an MRI.

It will probably be normal, but will give you peace-of-mind.

 

[DrMom]

What I think you need to do is see a doctor in the office where they can get a very thorough history and an appropriate exam.

Exactly. Please do not post requests for medical advice on SDN. You need to speak with your personal physician.