13 replies to this topic

[TheMeditatorAtRest]

Hi,

 

Having browsed these forums frequently for a couple of years, it never seemed to dawn on me that I could actually create a post myself.

I have read several topics during these years regarding chronic tension headaches, but most of them focus on finding supplements to relieve the symptoms or heal the underlying cause.

 

While I'm certainly interested in finding good supplements, I'm also curious to hear your thoughts on my specific case, which I'm having a very hard time defining as you will see.

 

For about four or five years I have struggled with severe tension headaches. Or at least I think they are tension headaches. There are periods where the headaches are mild. Some days where they can't be felt during daytime, but for the most part they terrorize me without ever taking a break.

They are difficult to explain, but it should suffice to say that I feel a shifting pressure on my scalp -  and to some extent inside my head - which never move down to the area of my temples, and never subside to my neck. The pressure can be felt on the top half of my head, almost never moving below the top of my ears, and simultaneously moving about on my forehead, never reaching below my eyebrows. It's not painful, but tremendously distracting and extremely debilitating, making normal tasks as reading and writing a big hassle. They always, and I do mean always, come back when I close my eyes and lie down to sleep.

 

I have tried to find the source of these headaches for years, thinking it might be my very ambitious caffeine- and nicotine consumption, or stress, or perhaps depression. But I always end up concluding that two consecutive concussions I suffered about five years ago must be the culprit. Not life-threatening head injuries, but they were pretty harsh blows. I didn't end up unconscious for more than the second it took my head to hit the floor, the same being true when my head hit a climbing wall. I also didn't vomit or become nauseous. The concussions happened about two months apart, but I can't be sure as I don't remember exactly.

 

Then come days were the headaches almost disappear, and I seem to believe this is evidence that in fact something else, not the concussions, must be the culprit. How else can there be such sudden change, unless something external or for that matter internal has changed, unrelated to the head injuries.

This is very relieving, because it would indicate that I can actually do something to find relief. If these headaches are the result of head injuries my options suddenly seems very limited, especially since the incidents happened such a long time ago and i still haven't healed. But I always fail to find out what exactly seems to remedy the situation, and the headaches never fail to show up again.

 

My doctor hasn't been of much help, even though he has been more than kind, putting me in a MRI scanner and all. Nothing showed up as expected.

I haven't been on any medication while I've been experiencing the headaches.

 

I have now bought a stack of supplements, hoping they might offer some help. Citicoline, L-tyrosine, L-tryptophan, B-complex and a vitamin C supplement. I would very much appreciate any information on potentially beneficial supplements, as I am a complete novice in this field. But more than anything I would be grateful if anyone could shed some light on the possibility of these headaches being the result of my head injuries.

 

Many thanks!

 

[medievil]

Ill be off more help later,

 

 

Neurol Sci. 2003 May;24 Suppl 2:S90-3.

Chronic migraine and chronic tension-type headache: different aspects of the chronic daily headache spectrum. Clinical and pathogenetic considerations.

Bussone G1.

Author information

 

Abstract

Clinicians working in the field of headache face great difficulty in managing patients with daily headache. Many of these patients have a history of episodic migraine that over several years has transformed into a chronic headache. Others have a history of episodic tension-type headache that also has chronicized. Still others present clinical characteristics that resemble both headache forms. In this article, we review the clinical and pathophysiological aspects of chronic daily headache and discuss the problems associated with its diagnosis.

PMID:   12811601   [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]  

 

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  Curr Opin Neurol. 2006 Jun;19(3):277-80.

  Are headache disorders caused by neurobiological mechanisms?

  Olesen J.

   

  BPMID:   16702835   [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

   

   

  The role of nitric oxide (NO) in migraine, tension-type headache and cluster headache.

  Olesen J1.

  Author information

   

  Abstract

  The most important primary headaches (i.e. independent disorders that are not caused by another disease) are migraine, tension-type headache and cluster headache. All primary headaches are in need of better treatments. Migraine has a prevalence of 10% in the general population and its societal costs are high. Although the precise mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of migraine are still elusive, the last decades have witnessed some progress (e.g. involvement of serotonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, nitric oxide, etc). Nitric oxide (NO) is a very important molecule in the regulation of cerebral and extra cerebral cranial blood flow and arterial diameters. It is also involved in nociceptive processing. Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), a pro-drug for NO, causes headache in normal volunteers and a so called delayed headache that fulfils criteria for migraine without aura in migraine sufferers. Blockade of nitric oxide synthases (NOS) by L-NMMA effectively treats attacks of migraine without aura. Similar results have been obtained for chronic tension-type headache and cluster headache. Inhibition of the breakdown of cGMP also provokes migraine in sufferers, indicating that cGMP is the effector of NO-induced migraine. Several relationships exist between NO, calcitonin gene-related peptide and other molecules important in migraine. Also ion channels, particularly the K(ATP) channels, are important for the action of NO. In conclusion, inhibition of NO production or blockade of steps in the NO-cGMP pathway or scavenging of NO may be targets for new drugs for treating migraine and other headaches. Indeed, selective n-NOS and i-NOS inhibitors are already in early clinical development.

   
  

   

Based on the information i found so far i hypothise that 4 gram of l lysine a day is a potential effective treatment

[TheMeditatorAtRest]

Brilliant. I'll pick up some Lysine on monday and will report.

[medievil]

Besides l lysine minocycline depletes NO, but if l lysine doesnt work that may not too, i need to do some further research on this matter.

 

For migraines lsd works, so 1plsd they sell in the UK would work in treshold doses but from what ive read that has a differened pathalogy.

[medievil]

So nitric oxide seems to be implicated in alot of headache related pathalogys, thx to you too, learned something new again.

 

http://www.ncbi.nlm..../pubmed/7538702

Edited by medievil, 27 February 2016 - 06:44 PM.

[kpavel]

If lysine works then chamomile should do.

 

Potential effect and mechanism of action of topical chamomile (Matricaria chammomila L.) oil on migraine headache: A medical hypothesis.

Zargaran A¹, Borhani-Haghighi A², Faridi P³, Daneshamouz S⁴, Kordafshari G⁵, Mohagheghzadeh A³.

Author information

Abstract

Migraine is a chronic recurring headache for which no complete treatment has been found yet. Therefore, finding new treatment approaches and medicines is important. In this review, we consider the probable mechanism of action of a traditional and ethnic formulary of chamomile extract in sesame oil as a new topical medication for migraine pain relief. Chamomile oil is prepared in Traditional Persian Medicine by boiling aqueous extract of chamomile in sesame oil. To optimize the procedure, we can use a Clevenger-type apparatus to extract the essential oil and add it to the end product. The preparation includes both essential oils (chamazulene and bisabolol oxide) and polyphenols (a flavonoid such as apigenin and its derivatives). It probably possesses pain relief effects for migraines because of the following properties: (1) chamazulene and apigenin, which inhibit iNOS expression in activated macrophages and can lead to the prohibition of NO release and synthesis; (2) chamomile flavonoids, which have a strong inhibitory effect on endogenous prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in RAW 264.7 macrophages and can play the role of selective COX-2 inhibitor; (3) chamomile polyphenols, which possess anti-inflammatory effects due to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory biomarkers in THP1 macrophages and which can reduce inflammation in neurovascular units (NVU) at the site of migraine pain; (4) chamomile, which has neuroprotective effects because of reduced NO levels; (5) sesamine in sesame oil, which possesses an anti-inflammatory effect. These effects are supported by main pathophysiological theories of migraine such as neural and sensitization theories. Chamomile oil is a traditional formulation still used in Iran as an ethno-medicine. Because of the mentioned mechanisms of action, it can be hypothesized that chamomile oil is a novel medicine for the relief of migraine pain.

but you don't want to reduce nNOS and cGMP much cause this can harm in sexual life.

May be better trying lower serotonin with something safe and useful.

 

The influence of tryptophan and parachlorophenylalanine on the sexual activity in man.

Sicuteri F, Del Bene E.

Abstract

The effects on the sexual tone of parachlorophenylalanine, a selective inhibtor of 5-hydroxytryptamine synthesis, testosterone and placebo were evaluated in patients complaining of migraine-headache and sexual deficiency. The combined treatment with parachlorophenylalanine and testosterone significantly increases the sexual stimulus more than parachlorophenylalanine, testosterone and placebo, when given on their own. Conversely subjects with normal or excessive sexual activity, reported a decrease of sexual tone, during chronic treatment with tryptophan. The hypothesis of an implication of brain 5-HT in the mechanism of psychogenic sexual deficiency and the possibility of a therapeutic approach with drugs able to interfere with 5-HT turnover are discussed.

Shilajit seems to be a one.
 

    Effect of Shilajit on memory, anxiety and brain monoamines in rats


ABSTRACT
The effect of Shilajit was investigated for putative nootropic and anxiolytic activity, and its
effect on rat brain monoamines using Charles Foster strain albino rats. Nootropic activity
was assessed by passive avoidance learning and active avoidance learning acquisition and
retention. Anxiolytic activity was evaluated by the elevated plus-maze technique. Rat brain
monoamines and monoamine metaboliteswere estimated bya HPLC technique. The results
indicated that Shilajit had significant nootropic and anxiolytic activity. The biochemical
studies indicated that acute treatment with Shilajit had insignificant effects on rat brain
monoamine and monoamine metabolite levels. However, following subacute (5days) treatment,
there was decrease in 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid concentrations
and an increase in the levels of dopamine, homovanillic acid and
3.4-dihydroxyphenyl-acetic acid concentrations, with insignificant effects on noradrenaline
and 3-methoxy-4- hydroxyphenylethylene glycol levels. The observed neurochemical effects
induced by Shilajit, indicating a decrease in rat brain 5-hydroxytryptamine turnover, associated
with an increase in dopaminergic activity, helps to explain the observed nootropic and
anxiolytic effects of the drug.

 

Serotonin 5ht(2a) receptor clearly plays a significant role. As a former tension headache sufferer I approve this way of pain relieving [] . Though your headache is quite different from mine. Berberine is a natural antagonist for this receptor.
  

2002 Wolff Award. 5 -HT2A receptor activation and nitric oxide synthesis: a possible mechanism determining migraine attacks.
    Srikiatkhachorn A1, Suwattanasophon C, Ruangpattanatawee U, Phansuwan-Pujito P.
    Author information
    Abstract
    OBJECTIVE:

    To determine the effect of the 5-HT2A receptor in control of spinal nociception, cerebral circulation, and nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression in trigeminovascular neurons.
    BACKGROUND:

    The plasticity of the 5-HT2A receptor is a possible factor determining the course of migraine. Up-regulation of this receptor has been demonstrated to correlate with the increasing frequency of migraine attacks and may underlie the development of chronic daily headache.
    METHODS:

    Adult male Wistar rats were divided into groups receiving the 5-HT2A agonist, 1,2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl-2-aminopropane (DOI), nitroglycerin, or normal saline. The tail flick test and chemical nociception-evoked Fos-expression in dorsal horn neurons were used as indicators of nociception. Regional cerebral blood flow was monitored using laser Doppler flowmetry. Expression of Fos and nNOS was studied using immunohistochemical method.
    RESULTS:

    Administration of DOI led to the shortening of tail flick latency (1.3 +/- 0.2 and 7.2 +/- 0.6 seconds for DOI-treated and control groups, respectively). The number of Fos-immunoreactive neurons was also greater in the DOI-treated group compared with the control group. DOI also produced long-lasting cerebral hyperemia (123% of baseline value) associated with the enlargement of perivascular nNOS-immunoreactive nerve fibers and increased nNOS-immunoreactive neurons in trigeminal ganglia and trigeminal nucleus caudalis. These findings resembled those observed in the rats exposed to nitroglycerin.
    CONCLUSION:

    Our results suggest that activation of the 5-HT2A receptor leads to an enhancement of NO production in trigeminovascular pathway. NO may trigger migraine attacks by inducing cerebral vasodilation and sensitizing the perivascular nociceptors and central nociceptive neurons in trigeminovascular system. Up-regulation of this pronociceptive receptor can increase headache attacks and contributes to the development of chronic daily headache.

 

[kpavel]

Mineral magnesium resensitizes 5ht(2a). Anyway magnesium is a helpful and relaxing mineral.

The multifaceted and widespread pathology of magnesium deficiency.

http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/11425281

 

http://patient.info/...graines--271174

 

+ this correlates http://www.diagnose-...tonin-level.php

Tyrosine didn't help me.

Zinc may cause headaches (probably because of letting more serotonin to its receptors).
https://answers.yaho...20110457AApMfgp

Hope this helps.

[TheMeditatorAtRest]

This is all good stuff! Also, since you have experienced tension headaches, would you mind describing in which ways they differ from mine? This would be great, so that I have real case to compare with instead of the generic "dull, aching head pain".

 

Many thanks!

Edited by TheMeditatorAtRest, 27 February 2016 - 08:38 PM.

[kpavel]

Mine were connected with excessive stress and appeared almost everywhere most frequently in area from neck to top of ears. Sometime on top of my head and above temples (especially during the weather where sun is bright but it's not warm/hot outside). In winter I had more tooth pain spreading to temples. The migraines could be stronger or weaker through the day. Usually better in the evening and no problems when sleeping. Also I didn't smoke cigarettes but I'm still a heavy caffeine consumer. More of  black tea and chocolate of all sorts though. I do have a short withdrawal period when I stop drinking coffee and this is no problem.

[TheMeditatorAtRest]

Hello again.

 

Took 1000 mg of L-lysine about two hours ago. My headache has slowly decreased from severe to barely noticeable. Still difficult to say if the supplement is responsible for the improvement, as I still don't know what factors play into this. But I'm starting to think after reading the above posts that nitric oxide absolutely has a crucial role. So far, so good. Great improvement.

Edited by TheMeditatorAtRest, 29 February 2016 - 03:23 PM.

[medievil]

You need 4 gram for complete no depletion i think, but just see how much you need

[TheMeditatorAtRest]

Yes, I'm not done for the day, so I'll experiment with the dosages. Thanks for the find, medievil, might just be the first thing that has actually helped.

[yowza]

Since 2010, I have taken Oxcarbazapine at ultra low dosages (compounded to about 25 mg but since divided up a 150 mg tablet in 1/8's many years not exact but some years back had it compounded to 10 mg daily) most days to help with stress and anxiety.

 

It is a sodium inhibitor anticonvulsant that doesn't quite cause as much brainfog/difficulty thinking as Calcium Inhibitors like Gabapentin have for me.  It helps with thought fluidity and sensory integration disorder a bit for me as well in terms of cognition dropping/lowering in the event of noise.  

 

That being said, it is difficult to come off of.  Intense pressure sensations as it wears off make Lamictal seemingly a better option I've tried as well (just fount it to be a bit more cognitively dulling perhaps due to it's different mechanisms of action but at least didn't have the constant wearoff/pressury sensations before taking the next ultra small Oxcarbazapine dosage).  When on Oxcarbazapine, emotional flatness and difficulty with personal relationships can happen despite work relationships being smoother for me.

 

Anyway, I don't have an aching sensation just pressury sensation always on left side of head as it wears off.  It does help right after taking it though but 10 hr half life makes ultra low dosages a bit difficult...

 

Luvox an SSRI helps as well but again it's an SSRI and sometimes the Sigma agonist aspect of the drug is what matters perhaps but also felt lots mental fatigue on...

 

Memantine I will try next but wary of it's nicotonergic blocking action..  The D2 agonist may help with mental flexibility though.  The main benefit purportedly "uncompetitive antagonist" of NMDA Glutamate Receptors (not a "non-competitive" antagonist) perhaps would allow for enhanced cognition and lowering of head pressure sensations to an extent (although I do wonder if after get through the initial 2 weeks of blunted thinking that the "uncompetitive" antagonism NMDA receptors would maybe make things worse as glutamate processing conversely enhanced to compensate but suppose I'll have to find out).

 

Some people on Abilify seem to get some kind of benefit from that despite the pharmacologic profile hitting way too many targets than would be preferable being that it's an antipsychotic (reason never tried it).

 

I didn't struggle with tention headaches I'd say until after the Oxcarbazapine but then again there was clearly something interfering with thinking from noise and so forth that dropped cognition or perceptions of using one side of head to think more than the other (just minor sensations time to time)...  Subclinical Epilepsy dealing with ion channels isn't diagnosed much nor are cardiocascular aspects as far as diagnosis goes so I also wonder when there will be a decent medication for head tension (pressury feeling) without an aching sensation.

 

Some typical headache meds with the aching sensation go for the whole vasoconstriction aspect (triptans for instance) as the supplement suggestions above seem to go for as well.  I think on the opposite end of the spectrum (where I may fall as things like caffeine seem to worsen it while of course others who may benefit from vasoconstriction may help) gingko may help too... 

 

It all comes down to the cause of the headache and/or head pressure sensations without the ache that physicians just don't diagnose nor care to spend the time on until moving onto the next person...  There are only limited options out there.

Edited by yowza, 15 December 2019 - 03:21 AM.

[kurdishfella]

For me when I eat my neck burns and forehead feels cold.. I assume it has to do with healing because it is pleaseant for most part and also my abdomen

..  

Edited by kurdishfella, 24 December 2022 - 08:29 PM.