What Causes Muscle Pain In Back Area Along With Enlarged Vein On Forehead?

Posted on Wed, 3 Dec 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 3 Dec 2014 Answered on

Mon, 29 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I periodically get back muscle pain (every 4 months or so) accompanied by a headache. I usually take Advil and it goes away for good. Yesterday, I developed this kind of pain and soreness and eventually a headache (about a 5 on the pain scale). I took Advil. It partially subsided and I went to bed, but not before noticing an enlarged vein on my forehead over my right eye. It is quite painful to the touch. I woke this morning feeling normal but the soreness and headache crept slowly in throughout the day. I took Advil tonight and it did nothing. Same, achy headache. Pain increases upon touching that large vein. Advice?
FYI, you can't see the vein just looking at me. I can only feel it and compare it to the other side, which is about half the size.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Sharma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
May be Migraine and B12 deficiency.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM
I am Dr Rakesh Sharma answering your query.
I can understand your concern.
Your symptoms are suggestive of Migraine and vitamin deficiency, specially Vitamin B12.
Enlarged, pulsating vein is also one of the common symptom of migraine.
If I were your treating doctor, I would have advised you to stop Advil(it has more side effects than acetaminophen).Instead advised acetaminophen and metoclopramide for head ache and body ache SOS.
For vitamin B12 you can get generic preparation with the same name.
But injectables have shown more potent and faster results than oral medication.
You can also get your blood work done for B12 deficiency.
If not improved , you may have to see a doctor for clinical evaluation.
Hope you have answer to your query, if any thing else you are welcome.
Good luck.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar