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Permalink Reply by Louise on May 4, 2011 at 2:53pm

Thanks Mike. I am going to do some journalling about the symptoms until I can find time to see the Dr. See that I should have posted 'Headaches-are they sometimes related to CPAP?!! Need to read before clicking!

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Permalink Reply by RL on May 8, 2011 at 3:43pm

How do you define "migraine"? Do you have a diagnosis of migraine? Do you take migraine specific medications like "triptans"?  I'm just asking, since the way you are referring to this is different than I have heard it described before.  If you are having migraine symptoms that progress to a migraine headache, then the treatment for that may be different than if you have another type of headache that is not neurological like migraine.  

 

Sleep Apnea can trigger a migraine and also non migraine headaches.  One possible cause is the lack of oxygen to the brain if your cpap therapy is not functioning correctly (mask issues, consistent use issues, sinus congestion issues, etc.)  There are so many possible causes of headaches; if you are having significantly stronger, long lasting or repeat headaches,  you should definitely see your doctor asap! It can be a combination of things as well, so keep that in mind when thinking about the possible causes and solutions.  It may take more than one thing to fix it.

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Permalink Reply by Rock Conner on May 10, 2011 at 1:07pm

My severe headaches were relieved when I started using CPAP consistently over 20 years ago, but most headaches are not caused by OSA.  Since you have noticed a sudden onset of persistent headaches, I advise that you get worked up by someone who knows how (neurologist, etc.)

 

Rock

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Permalink Reply by Corinne on May 10, 2011 at 2:01pm

I had constant headaches along with morning headaches which most of them disappear when I use my CPAP consistently.  I do notice they come right back if I do not sleep with the CPAP.  I noticed my headaches were coupled with fatigue and my family has a history of sleep apnea so that why my doctor recommend seeing a sleep specialist.  Sometimes it is from my allergies which is relieve by medicine.  Everyone is different so you should you get check it out.

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Permalink Reply by James Skinner on May 10, 2011 at 3:48pm

Headaches are common if your apnea is not being treated well enough.  Do you have a CPAP that records data such as AHI so that you can monitor your treatment?

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Permalink Reply by Mack D Jones, MD, SAAN on May 10, 2011 at 4:24pm

You need a neurological evaluation, preferably by a neurologist who specializes in headache. Ordinarily, headaches caused by OSA will be relieved by effective PAP treatment. A thorough history, physical exam including a neurological exam and possible diagnostic studies should be done to get to the bottom of your problem. A close look at your PAP machine in use needs to be done as well. I am a retired neurologist with a past history of migraine and OSA myself and I can tell you the list of headache causes is extensive.

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Permalink Reply by Cindy Ketchum on May 10, 2011 at 4:36pm

Hi Louise,

I suffer from headaces, as well, the next day after using my VPAP. I went to my dr about them and was told that I needed a machine with the humidifier. Well, mine has that. So, I make sure that is full of "distilled" water all of the time. I, too, am on oxygen 24/7 and my machine has a spot to hook up the oxygen to it. Between the two I, also, have such a dry nose. I feel it is not a good combination at all. But I am learning to deal with the headaches and dry nose, and throat. My dr did suggest using a nasal saline solution to help with the dryness. It has been helping so far. Good Luck to you! I hope you find what works for you. ttfn

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Permalink Reply by John C. Gifford on May 10, 2011 at 7:16pm

I was having chronic headaches and I quit diet soda.  The sweetener was giving me a headache.  I use a C Pap and that was not the problem.

 

Good Luck with that.

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Permalink Reply by Louise on May 11, 2011 at 9:08am

Thanks everyone! I have determined ( at least I think I have) that the headaches are mostly from my neck. I am going back to my DME about a different mask. I have a nasal mask, but often wakeup readjusting it so it isn't leaking. I think I am holding my head in a certain position during sleep to keep the mask from leaking. I have small features on my face & I think my next mask should maybe be the pillows for nose only. I do have a humidifier on my VPAP and always use it.

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Permalink Reply by charles ladner on May 11, 2011 at 11:19pm

I suffered for years averages1-3x a week  migrains with nausea / light sensitivity in my eyes/ ect...  I been using my bipap for two years sleep apnea  got 100% better but I still had  bad headaches .  I came across an article on the side effects of apartame( I drank 5-8 diet pepsi aday). I went cold turkey off aspartame, detoxed and few months later relieved of my weekly migranes...moral of this story is dont be too quickly to blame it on apnea therapy,,u might want to look in other areas too.

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