Thursday, February 17, 2011 Cheryl asks

Q: What can I do about my severe cephalgia/cervicogenic/occipital pain to have it more manageable?

I have had continuous cephalgia with overlapping migraine since June 2008. I have extreme sensitivity to lights and smells along with frequent bouts of nausea, often resulting in vomiting or dry heaves. I have had anterior cervical disectomies of C4 - C7, facet injections, nerve blocks, greater & lesser occipital nerve blocks, and trigger point injections. Also, have been to physical therapy, acupuncturists, pain management, back and pain centers, neurologists, headache specialist and clinics, and holistic sports medecine and rehab physicians. I have tried a huge variety of meds in an attempt to control the pain and flare- ups. My pain is primarily left sided from my neck to my face. It now affects my teeth, cheek, temple, ear, tongue, nose, eyebrow, eye, and exquisite scalp tenderness. Is there anything that I have missed? Ironically, I've been told that it has to get either better or worse before my doctor's can figure it out. The pain is overwhelming and Living this way is not an option. Is there anyone who has gone through this with any kind of positive results?

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Answers (1)

Teri Robert, Health Guide

2/20/11 3:16pm

Cheryl,

-:¦:-•:*'""*:•.-:¦:-•*Welcome to MyMigraineConnection!*•-:¦:-•:*'""*:•.-:¦:-

You listed Migraine as your topic for this question. Is that your primary diagnosis? From your description, I have to wonder if maybe you have more than one headache disorder -- possibly Migraine and cervicogenic headache. Mind you, I can't diagnose, but I can help you with information and some questions to ask your doctors. I'd suggest you take a look at Cervicogenic Headache - The Basics and see if you think that fits you and should be discussed with your doctor.

Over the years, I've been to many types of doctors too, and I can tell you that the real turning point for me was getting myself to a real Migraine and headache specialist. (I also saw one doctor who called herself a Migraine specialst when, in fact, she knew less about Migraines than my family doctor.)

Your doctors saying that it "has to get better or worse before they can figure it out" would, for me, be enough reason to fire them and look for a new Migraine and headache specialist. I know you said you've been to one, but none if them is the right doctor for every patient, so I think it would be worth another try.

It's important to note that neurologists aren't necessarily Migraine and headache specialists. Take a look at the article Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special? If you need help finding a Migraine specialist, check our listing of Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists.

I really hate it that you're in so much pain. Please keep me posted on how you're doing?

Welcome again,

Q: What can I do about my severe cephalgia/cervicogenic/occipital pain to have it more manageable?

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