I've been getting headaches for years and i really do wonder if it's lyme related.. I usually take 3-4 excedrin which usually helps a little.
Lately i take 4 and i basically have the same dull headache. I don't get it. My neck and jaw always are sore, my head and eyes always hurt. Has anyone else experienced this? All my mri's were normal and i just really wish i felt normal ive tried magnesium, all that
Posted by gz (Member # 43818) on :
Chronic daily headaches were my normal for 14+ years, unless I was having clusters. It was definite lyme or co's related for me. Tried all kinds of stuff over the years but nothing helped. About 3 months into tx they much abated, I get them only once or twice a week now and they are mild.
Posted by Kaseyyy (Member # 43797) on :
It feels nice to find people who can relate..
Posted by Sonatina (Member # 45056) on :
Does caffeine make any difference? Some people find drinking some coffee helps relieve a headache. I know many headache medicines include caffeine so it must do something.
Sometimes putting a little Vicks Vapor Rub on the back of the head or over a spot where you feel the pain can give a bit of relief. Doesn't work for all.
I know a few people who report that taking a couple of high dose garlic caps has helped. Allimed is one that doesn't make you stink but it's extremely expensive; there are less expensive choices albeit w/ more chance that you'll smell like garlic.
Ice packs help some.
Posted by Kaseyyy (Member # 43797) on :
I don't think caffeine helps. Only thing tnat really does is excedrin but sometimes it doesnt.. Ive had what seems to be a pressure/headache waiting to happen for years before the other symptoms i have now. I seem to always have a headache, usually tension mild to moderate
Posted by Sonatina (Member # 45056) on :
Yeast? --can cause more headaches assoc. with pressure. (not the only potential cause though of course)
Lyme can cause whopping headaches too, but they are less likely to be constant.
Posted by NeedHelpLymeDis (Member # 44394) on :
I have had headaches too. I think doxy aggravates or causes them too. I don't know whether it is a herx or side effect or flare.
My headaches have calmed down quite a bit. My neck is still somewhat stiff. I definitely think both are Lyme related.
Ask your doctor about options. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories were not strong enough to cut my body aches, headaches and stiff neck.
I'm feeling a bit better. Hang in there. Hopefully, you will start to feel a little better soon too.
Posted by Sonatina (Member # 45056) on :
Doxy (and other tetracycline class antibiotics) can be associated with headaches & head pressure. Both headache and intracranial hypertension is listed as side effects on one site I checked.
Posted by Sonatina (Member # 45056) on :
Kaseyyy: have you checked the side effect listings for all the medications you take? (including OTC)
You could also ask your pharmacist whether anything you take can cause headache. Doxy isn't the only medication that can do this. I think even some NSAIDs can be associated with rebound headaches.
Maybe that will turn something up?
Posted by gz (Member # 43818) on :
Doxy can make headaches terribly worse in the form of a herx. I started with doxy only when I first began tx. The headache that accompanied my herx was unbelieveable.
I was aware of the possibility of intracranial pressure as a doxy side effect, it worried me. Felt like me eyes were under lots of pressure. I backed off the doxy and worked on detox. Back on and the herx was not quite as bad.
My headaches were very much tension headaches, usually woke up with them and they worsened throughout the day. OTC's were of little to no help. They are mostly gone with tx.
I had, still have, strange head and neck stuff like stiff neck, crepitus, cracking and popping in my ears, congestion, balance issues, etc. That stuff is on the mend as well, albeit slowly.
While I think doxy is a great med for many who use abx to treat lyme/co's, sometimes it can be hard to separate the initial herx effects from true side effects. Especially when the effects are the same as our regular symptoms, only amplified. Often, although not always, it will take at least a few days of a med before herxing occurs.
If the head pressure gets bad you can always back down some more. Some with higher infection loads may need to start more slowly at first to manage the herxing. If the bactrim is hitting babs/bart that could be giving you head pain as well.
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Hm - neck, jaw, head and eye pain - these will be just suggestions as I am not a doctor -
I have done very good chiropractic care for all the above.
Jaw could be TMJ.
Sometimes a cranial adjustment can relieve head, face and eye pain. A good cranial session can do wonders.
I drink mangosteen juice to relieve eye pain due to inflammation from Lyme. I like the Mango-Xan version as it's the most tart. You can find it in healthfood stores and online.
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
ive tried magnesium, all that