[43F] Experiencing severe migraines, ear pain, and fatigue

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

• Migraine: This is a common condition characterized by severe headaches, often accompanied by sensitivity to light. Your description of your headaches, including their severity and your light sensitivity, is consistent with this condition.

  • Treatment typically involves pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen which you've found helpful, as well as identifying and avoiding triggers.

• Ear Infection: You mentioned that you recently took antibiotics for an infection and are now experiencing ear pain again. This could suggest that the infection has returned or was not fully cleared.

  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics. However, given your allergy to penicillin, a different class of antibiotics would need to be used.

• Allergies or Common Cold: Your sneezing could be due to a common cold or an allergic reaction.

  • Treatment for a cold involves rest and hydration. Allergies can be managed with antihistamines and avoiding the allergen, once identified.

• Fatigue and Dizziness: These are common symptoms that can be caused by a wide range of conditions, including migraines, infections, allergies, and side effects of medication. Your epilepsy medication (Lamictal and Keppra) can also cause these symptoms.

  • Treatment depends on the underlying cause. If the symptoms are due to your medication, your doctor may adjust the dosage or switch you to a different medication.

What you can do

1. Consult a healthcare professional: Given the severity of your headaches and your history of epilepsy, it's important to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary.

2. Manage your migraines: Continue to use ibuprofen for pain relief, if it's helping. Try to identify any potential triggers for your migraines, such as certain foods, stress, or lack of sleep, and avoid them if possible.

3. Rest and hydrate: If your sneezing is due to a cold, rest and hydration can help your body recover.

4. Monitor your symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms and any changes. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• A sudden, severe headache
• A headache accompanied by a fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness, or speaking difficulties
• A headache after a head injury, especially if the headache gets worse
• A chronic headache that is worse in the morning

Remember, while this advice provides a general understanding of your symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.