Tuesday, January 12, 2010 Lissybaby001 asks

Q: NO ct scan still?

Why havent I got a Ct scan yet? I am new here but have been living with daily headaches and chronic migraines for the last 5 years. I think there has been 1 day in the last 5 years when I didnt have a headache. I am currently taking 200mg topamax daily and that has helped calm down the migraines but I still have a headache every day. Everyone I know who has headaches like me has had a ct scan but I have never had a doctor give me one I dont know why. I am so frustrated I would just like the peace of mind to know something is not wrong its not normal to have headaches every day. The doctor just gave me tramadol and talked about giving me injections in my neck to numb the nerves. How do I get them to order a ct so I can stop worrying all the time??

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Answers (2)

Teri Robert, Health Guide

1/29/10 4:18pm

Lissy,

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

Is it safe to assume that you've asked your doctor for a CT, MRI, or other imaging studies to rule out other issues?

Doctors often don't order such studies at first, but after such a long time without making progress, most doctors I know would have done a CT and MRI at the very least.

Are you supposed to take the tramadol daily for your headaches? That could also be a problem. Taking Migraine abortive meds such as the triptans or ergotamines or any kind of pain medication -- prescription or over-the-counter -- more than two or three days a week can make matters worse by causing medication overuse headache (MOH), aka rebound. See Medication Overuse Headache - When the Remedy Backfires for more information on this.

In short, if your doctor isn't listening to you and isn't concerned about your concerns, it's time for a new doctor.

Let me ask you a question. Let's say you're shopping for clothes. You go to the closest department store to shop. The sales associates don't listen when you tell them what fabrics are comfortable for you, what styles you're looking for, or what colors you look best in.

The next time you shop for clothes, are you going to go back to that store? I doubt it. You work hard for your money, and you expect sales people to meet your needs. In a way, healthcare services aren't entirely different. Those of us who have insurance work hard, pay high premiums, or both for that insurance. Some of us have none and pay out-of-pocket for care. In either case, we've worked hard for that care, and we deserve "good customer service." Take a look at our article Patients as Consumers - Managing Healthcare and the Healthcare System for more information.

Also, it may well be time to consult a Migraine and headache specialist. 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.

Please keep me posted?

Welcome again,

Teri

Melanie Jane

1/13/10 8:53pm

The best I can suggest would be to just be honest and tell your doctor that you are very concerned something serious could be wrong, and since you've never had imaging done, you would like him/her to order at CT to put your mind at ease.

I know it can be hard to speak up and ask outright, but your doctor won't know how much this is worrying you unless you say something.

Q: NO ct scan still?

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