Seeking help for my 22 year old son

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Hi I am desperately seeking help for my 22 year old son who has suffered from a almost constant headache since he was able 14. I have taken him to doctors, gotten MRI’s and he’s been in severally different medications. He now a junior in college and these headaches are affecting him so badly he wants to just give up. I have taken him before to see a therapist but because he is now over 18 I can’t force the issue. I have tried to go into his Drs appointments with him but he doesn’t want me there. My thinking is as his mom I could be more forceful on finding out what is causing this. He has been told that some people just have a constant headache and there’s nothing physically wrong with them, they just have the headaches. They deal with it. I am afraid for him because they are wearing him down and his life is just beginning. 

Is there anyone out there that can relate to what he is going through?  Does anyone have any suggestions on what type of questions or comments that he can ask his Dr to better relay his frustration. He has been given pain medication in the past but it’s something that I give  to him. The last thing I need is him addicted to them. He does get relief but it’s very brief. I am getting just a frustrated as a mother because I can’t help him and he doesn’t know how to help himself. 

So please agin if anyone can relate or give suggestions on how to help I would appreciate it. He has a bright future ahead of him if we can get these headaches under control. 

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  • Posted

    Hi Michele, I know you both are exhausted with this.  I went to a neurologist and they determined mine were coming from my neck. If he played any sports or was injured in any "whiplash" type accidents you may need to check on this.  There is also an auto immune disorder that causes headaches with the blood being too thick, Antiphospholipid syndrome. This is usually diagnosed by a doctor by blood work and c-reactive protein testing.  They treat this with blood thinners and baby aspirin. Beta blockers help with chronic headaches but usually prescribed in last resort situations.  Hormones could cause migraines, g6pd deficiency, allergies, and sinus issues. He would have a multitude of symptoms with either of these.  Narrow down the other symptoms and see an internal medicine specialist.  Don't discount any other symptoms.

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