My head is being a jerk

October 27, 2010 5:20 PM

The left side of my head hurts. It feels like a headache when I nod my head or have jerky vertical movements. It's been feeling like this for a few months. I'm not sure what's going on. I'm a singer, so I sing with my whole body which includes my head. So, is there a doctor in the house?
posted by InterestedInKnowing to health & fitness (11 answers total)

You should see your doctor, because s/he is infinitely more qualified to diagnose and treat your problem than any stranger on the internet is.
posted by decathecting at 5:29 PM on October 27, 2010

Why wouldn't you go to a real doctor to have this looked at? You say it's been going on for a month? Tumor? Cancer? Whiplash? Sleeping on it wrong? Go see a real doctor.
posted by TheBones at 5:30 PM on October 27, 2010 [1 favorite]

Constant head pain would not be something I'd want to mess around with. Go to the doctor.
posted by something something at 5:34 PM on October 27, 2010

A headache for several months? You will not be able to get a diagnosis through the internet. Call a doctor tomorrow.
posted by alligatorman at 5:52 PM on October 27, 2010

I am going to a real doctor but I'm at a point where I'm nervous about this and I was hoping someone can relate to this. Thanks for answering the question.
posted by InterestedInKnowing at 5:59 PM on October 27, 2010

How badly does the left side of your head hurt? Scale of 1-10? Where exactly does it hurt? The whole left side? Behind the eye? If you don't move your head, does it still hurt? Or does it only hurt when you move or jerk your head?

It's been going on for a few months? Can you determine any event that could have triggered your headache?

Have your eating habits changed? If they have, did they change around the time that your headache began?

Are you under any sort of stress, above and beyond what you've been used to? Do you feel any other pain in/around your neck/shoulder area?

How are your sinuses? Do you have a cold? Do you have any sinus pressure?

How's your vision?

How are your teeth? Sometimes dental problems/infections can lead to headaches.
posted by Sassyfras at 6:05 PM on October 27, 2010

Have traditional medicines (tylenol, advil, aspirin? helped at all? What else have you tried to alleviate the pain (massage, hot baths, cool compresses, drinking a can of Coke, lying down in a cold dark room)? What methods have worked? If, any?

Does your headache go in cycles during the day - difficult to deal with in the morning, but as the day goes on it gets better? or vice versa?

Are you getting enough sleep?

Are you on any medication? Are you on the pill?

Are you depressed? Experience anxiety?

Do you take a multivitamin?
posted by Sassyfras at 6:10 PM on October 27, 2010

sorry (hit post too soon, twice!).

I suffer from cluster headaches as well as old fashioned migraines and sinus headaches. Go me!

I cannot give you any idea of what could be causing your headache, but please answer the questions above. Write them down as well as anything else you can think of that could possibly, even remotely, have anything to do with your headache. Write down exactly what the pain feels like.

Then, take all of that information to your doctor. He/she and you are a team in this and together you can figure this out. It may take time, or perhaps it'll be a quick fix. You might have to get a CT scan or an MRI to rule out anything baaaaad. It's ok. It's like solving a mystery and certain things need to be eliminated to get to the truth. Be patient. Be proactive in your care.
posted by Sassyfras at 6:16 PM on October 27, 2010

All of what Sassy asked plus: what does the pain feel like? Dull? Sharp? Constant? Comes and goes depending on the time of day?
posted by IndigoRain at 6:51 PM on October 27, 2010

Could be hemicrania continua. IANAD. You need a neurologist or headache specialist.
posted by dephlogisticated at 7:27 PM on October 27, 2010

I am going to a real doctor but I'm at a point where I'm nervous about this and I was hoping someone can relate to this.

It is very natural to be nervous. I'd allow yourself some concern. Go to the doctor and they will give you excellent medical advice that will help you heal.
posted by Ironmouth at 10:09 PM on October 27, 2010