Migraines and Headaches

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Wondering about your health? Confused by what you’ve read? Browse our Ask the Nurse answer archive to find answers to many women's health questions and concerns. All answers are from a Cleveland Clinic women's health nurse.

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Migraine Symptoms

May 1, 2018 at 11:20am

I am 36 years old and have just recently been diagnosed with migraines. I went through a lot of tests to rule out serious issues that may be causing the migraines and have seen a neurologist. I am not having the migraines as intensely or as frequently, but I am still having out of the ordinary symptoms that are alarming at times.

Some of the symptoms are hard to describe. I just don’t think it is migraines that I am having. I thought about seeing an endocrinologist. Would they be able to help me determine what is going on?

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Tension and Migraine Headaches

November 21, 2016 at 2:09pm

I’m a 32 year old female in average shape. Ever since high school, I seem to have a moderate to high amount of headaches, seemingly different kinds. I usually just count it as stress.

However, in the last few years, I have these horrible headaches that pop up every few months, where the very first vertebrae at the top of my neck seems to pop out. The pain is significant, and I can be sensitive to light, smells, movement and sounds. When it happens, if I put a lot of pressure on that vertebrae, it helps momentarily. My chiropractor says it’s stress and increased blood flow pushing out that vertebrae. My family doctor doesn’t seem concerned. Should I do anything else? Thanks!

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Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm

August 28, 2014 at 11:26am

I have been diagnosed with a 4.2cm Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm. My doctor said I need to have an ultrasound done annually to monitor for any enlargement. He said no operation until it reaches at least 5cm. Is there anything (pain, etc.) that I should watch for? The Radiologist thought there was leaking of blood from the aneurysm, but my doctor thought NO.

After getting another ultrasound in three months, my doctor said there is no blood leaking. How can I be sure this is true? Are there any signs? The doctor said I would have severe pain in my stomach going down my leg. I do not have this, but it is worrisome because any time I have any abdominal cramps or leg problems I suspect the worse! I was told that you could also have back pain.

I am 70 years old, an active tennis player and work out with weights three times a week. I'm very active, but I do have a new hip and arthritis. Again, do I need to do anything special or eliminate any activities?

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Treatment for Anxiety and Headaches

April 24, 2014 at 10:31am

I seem to have anxiety and headaches while at work. My physician said that it could be from stress.

I excercise 4-5 times a week to help with the anxiety. And I was placed on medications, but I could not take them because the itching side effect was terrible.

Is there anything else I can do to help with the anxiety since I cannot take the medications my physician suggested?

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Is My Headache Normal?

July 23, 2013 at 2:09pm

Most people I know have headaches. How do I know what is normal and what is not?

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Migraine Headaches

December 1, 2011 at 4:58pm

I get migraines during my period. I have tried taking a pain killer like paracetamol but that does not help. I am usually very tired during my period. Is there anything I can do to help balance my hormones? I do not get migraines when I am pregnant.

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