Constant headaches, pulsatile tinnitus, worried sick

For a few months I’ve had tension like headaches a lot. I didn’t think much of them, thought it was maybe wearing my contact lenses too much or stress etc. 

Back in April I got woken from my sleep with a really bad throbbing pain deep in my head. It went away with painkillers and I forgot about it. Until last week and it happened again, went to bed fine and woke with a horrendous throbbing in my head in the middle of the night, it went away when I got out of bed. Since then I’ve had a constant dull, tension like headache. All day my head hurts in some form, pains in my forehead and eyes etc.

Went to the Optician and they see nothing wrong. Blood pressure normal. Seeing the doctor this Friday. 

The only other thing is I have pulsatile tinnitus which I’ve had over 10 years. Got an mri when it started and it was normal. I feel like it’s worse recently, in the mornings etc and changing positions I can hear my pulse really loudly in my head. 

I have health anxiety and I’m finding it hard not to panic about this. I know I shouldn’t google but I have and read that tumours can cause a constant dull headache and pulsatile tinnitus. Also that it’s a red flag to have a headache that wakes you from your sleep. 

I guess I need somewhere to turn. Has anyone else experienced issues like this? Thank you 

  • I'm sorry to hear about your symptoms Smoore921. It sounds like it's a lot to deal with and it's completely understandable, and natural, to be worried about this.

    Hopefully you will hear back from some of our members who have contended with similar issues soon but in the meantime, if you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses, they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. Although they can't diagnose, they will do all they can to support you and answer any other questions you may have at this time.

    We're thinking of you Smoore921 and wishing you all the best with your GP appointment tomorrow.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator