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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Persistent Headaches?

My 13 year old daughter has been having stabbing headaches periodically for the last year or so. She can have several in a day or week and then go for months without any. She has seen a neurologist who is convinced they re not from a tumor or anything serious based on tests he did in his office. He would like her to come back in a few weeks for an EEG. My daughter has been suffering from anxiety and mild, situational depression for the last 8 months or so. She began her period almost a year ago but has only had it two or three times. Is the EEG necessary?
posted on Fri, 12 Dec 2014
Twitter Sat, 6 Jun 2015 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 8 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on
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  User's Response
Hello!

Thank you for your question on HCM!

I think that her symptoms may be migraine or primary stabbing headache.

The diagnosis of these two types of headaches is made clinically, without need of EEG. So I do not think that an EEG is necessary. Her symptoms are not likely to be epilepsy, which would need follow up with EEG.

I would recommend you to perform a brain CT scan if the symptoms worsen, to exclude any possible brain lesion.

I think that an antidepressant would be very helpful for the headaches and her emotional state. A SSRI group antidepressant can be safe at her age, besides psychotherapy.

Hope to have been helpful!

Greetings! Dr. Aida
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What Causes Persistent Headaches?

Hello! Thank you for your question on HCM! I think that her symptoms may be migraine or primary stabbing headache. The diagnosis of these two types of headaches is made clinically, without need of EEG. So I do not think that an EEG is necessary. Her symptoms are not likely to be epilepsy, which would need follow up with EEG. I would recommend you to perform a brain CT scan if the symptoms worsen, to exclude any possible brain lesion. I think that an antidepressant would be very helpful for the headaches and her emotional state. A SSRI group antidepressant can be safe at her age, besides psychotherapy. Hope to have been helpful! Greetings! Dr. Aida