Headaches

Most people with fibromyalgia endure headaches as part of their FM symptoms.  They can be debilitating and it is up to the treating physician to determine the type of headache plaguing the patient and to treat it accordingly.  Various headache medications are available, including ergot alkaloids, sumatriptan, calcium channel blockers and beta blockers.  Besides medication body mechanics such as altering positions every thirty minutes while reading or studying can help relieve stress on the back of the neck which can help decrease the pain of some headaches. Other types of fibromyalgia headaches include:  Tension/migraine headaches (the majority of FM patients have these), TMJ problems that can cause jaw pain, dizziness and head pain; post-concussive syndrome from injury such as whiplash; allergies with congestions or cold symptoms including sinus problems; referred pain from tender/trigger points in neck and shoulder area; side effects from medications used to treat FM, such as tricyclic antidepressants, beta-blockers, migraine medicines and muscle relaxants; hormonal changes in women; dry eye syndromes and eye strain; and conditions unrelated to fibromyalgia such as hypertension, renal disorder, infection, eye disease, cervical osteoarthritis, vasculitis, cerebral hemorrhage, brain tumor and birth control pills.   Since headaches can vary from day to day the patient should discuss the specific kind of headache pain she or he is experiencing so the doctor will have clues to guide appropriate treatment.