Mom has been suffering from chronic headaches for years now. I am her full time caregiver and have taken her to the ER where they did an MRI, CT-Scan, blood work, etc. Every test came back normal.
Later on I took my Mom to a neurologist and he did an EEG and other tests. Again, everything came back normal. I have given my Mom ibuprofen, bought air purifiers for the house for allergies, dust mites, etc.
I feel so helpless because my Mom is really suffering from these headaches. I am also scared that she may be having mini strokes..
The only test that I can think of that I didn't have done was the Eye Doctor (she has an app't this month). A long time ago when she had cataract surgery she opted for the 20/20 vision and complained about her eyes ever since. I don't remember her complaining about headaches though.
Any suggestions would be welcomed,
Jenna
I just put in a call to speak to her M.D. (not her PA) and hopefully he will call me back today.
It just breaks my heart to see my Mom in so much pain from these headaches...
Study the foods she is eating and see if there are any common ingredients that are in them. MSG? Caffeine? Soy? all can be headache triggers. You can google common ingredients. My friend's daughter was so laid up with headaches. And stomach issues. It was MSG .
You can try an elimination diet process where you cut out certain foods for a period of time. Good luck.
I don't think my Mom has food allergies (except for being lactose intolerant). I give her very plain food, no spices, etc. She doesn't consume caffeine.
Her pain is above her eyes and after doing some research I think it's possible she could have a sinus infection but I'm not a doctor. I have used a netti pot on her and that gives her relief (irrigating her nasal passages).
I'm going to heat up some ACV (apple cider vinegar) with water and let her breathe that in and see if that helps her. ACV is supposed to be good for sinus infections.
She also has an eye app't the end of this month. Hoping she gets relief soon!
Jenna
The ER doctor had a long talk with me about this medication and the possible side effects. I started with half a tablet and watched my Mom like a hawk. The next morning I gave her a full tablet and she didn't have any side effects, only relief. She didn't get dizzy, her personality was the same, etc.
Then I made an app't with her family doctor and showed him the paperwork from the ER. He would not write a prescription for the Norco. He words were to me "I do not prescribe narcotics"...
I lost my temper and said to my Mom "we are wasting our time here" and we walked out.
I do understand the family doctor's concern but my Mom took this medication for 2-1/2 days and she was fine. So what is the family doctor's problem? Or I am being naïve here?