The Headache Question File

Since I've been writing these headache articles for nearly a year, I've received many questions from readers through the discussion page and via e-mail. Some have sparked discussion from other readers, but others have just withered away in cyberspace. I'm hoping this format will elicit some replies.

PSEUDOTUMOR CEREBRI: One reader asked if I could discuss this disease since her doctor's explanation was unclear and she had been unable to find much information about it. With some difficulty I finally found enough data for an article, and received several messages of thanks from other sufferers. I would very much like to hear from others about their experience with pseudotumor cerebri.

EXERCISE-INDUCED HEADACHES: I heard from a weightlifter who was getting severe headaches in the back of his head while doing the leg press. This inspired an article about exercise-induced headaches, of which weightlifter's headache is just one manifestation, and a couple messages from others who get headaches from strenuous exercise. How about more comments? (Also, see sinus headaches below.)

TEENAGE SEX AND HEADACHES: One e-mail, from a 17 year old boy, presented a problem for me in terms of advice. He had recently begun experiencing severe head pain during sex with his girlfriend. He didn't feel he could confide in his very religious parents or a doctor, and he was beginning to panic. My advice was cautious - abstinence best of course, maybe guilt a factor, absolutely must consult with doctor to make sure it was simply orgasm headaches, etc. I'm glad he felt he could ask me, but this was a tough one. Any thoughts?

SINUS HEADACHES: I've been getting responses about whether sinus headaches exist since last winter. The last woman who wrote said that after many years of suffering, she learned her sinus headaches were caused by a deviated septum, polyps, and a long-lasting sinus infection. An interesting part of her message was that exercise helped because "the adrenaline acted as a natural antihistamine" but that her symptoms returned as soon as her heart rate returned to normal. Has anyone else experienced this?

MIGRAINE DURING PREGNANCY: Another reader asked about migraine drugs and pregnancy. Obviously most drugs and pregnancy don't mix, but are there safe migraine drugs or other treatments for pregnant women? Who has had this experience?

ORTHODONTIC WORK CAUSING HEADACHES: I've had a very interesting correspondence with a woman whose daughter had orthodontic work several years ago, after which she began having severe chronic headaches. The only thing I had been able to learn was that her bite may have been adjusted incorrectly, which could have caused TMJ syndrome. After we exchanged messages, they decided to consult a neurologist and the young woman is now undergoing an MRI and other tests, and trying propranolol. Has anyone had a similar experience after orthodontic work? Your response could help solve her problem.

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