I wake in the mornings with stiffness in legs, which is pretty usual with PD. But I also recently have a “muzzy” headache on wakening, which seems to be related in intensity to the degree of stiffness in my legs. The headache then gradually lessens during the morning. It may recur slightly in late evening.
It is nothing like a migraine (thankfully), my headache is on both sides of the head, and it does not throb. I understand some with PD have migraines which must be dreadful.
I did find someone else who reckoned it was PD related.
I am on Sinemet three times in the day and Sinemet half CR at night.
Has anyone else experienced this headache on waking?
What did you find helpful to alleviate it, (apart from pain killers)?
Unfortunately, pain can be a major issue for some people with Parkinson’s.
Headaches can occur at any stage in your condition and occasionally may be caused by the medication used to treat Parkinson’s. Normally, over-the-counter painkillers are enough to help with the pain. If you do experience drug-resistant headaches, tell your GP, specialist or Parkinson’s nurse.
If you need more information and support on this, please give our helpline a call on 0808 800 0303.
I have no experience of headaches related to medication but one school of thought is that most headaches are caused by dehydration. Drink a pink of water on waking and see if that helps. It certainly can’t hurt you. All the best.
I also suffer from what I call a “fuzzy” head but the doctor did not understand the technical term. However he did do various tests but found nothing untoward. He eventually suggested low blood sugar levels first thing in the morning which could be managed by a glass of fruit juice on waking giving an immediate sugar rush, then follow with a piece of fruit. It works a treat for me and sets me up for the rest of the day.
