Some questions.....

Any particular area of the head hurt? Sinuses, temple area, back of the head, neck?????

Any areas of the face or head red? Ears, nose, cheeks, scalp?

Any history of migraines? Other types of headaches?

Any history of RA in the neck?

Jen

I would say it is time for him to see a doctor. And I doubt very much it is RA. It attacks the joints, and although there are 2 joints in the neck RA very occasionally attacks, I don't think that would make the whole head hurt.

Oh, and the jaws of course. TMJ from RA is horrific. But it still doesn't involve the whole head. Although his jaw could be dislocated. I had that last year from a flare in my jaw. It affects all the muscles and was very painful.

Please tell the mom to get her son to a doctor if it continues. It could be helped by meds, but not until a doctor diagnoses it.

He regularly has flares in his jaw and neck, yes. He does get migraines 4-5 times a week since he started Orencia; he got one a week beforehand.

Then he needs to talk to his rheumy about Orencia and whether he should try stopping it to see if the headaches stop.

I do have Ra inflammation in the top 2 vertebrae in my neck and when they flare, they can make the entire back of the head feel warm and ache but I found the brain fog to be even more of a problem. I couldn't think and even had trouble talking. The inflammation occurs around 2 arteries that go to the back of the brain and can interfere with that blood flow. I wouldn't call it it hot or or even a headache but more of a pressure and sense that the brain is not working right but the neck sure was warm.

Time for him to see the doc. Could be meds or could be another complication of Ra called giant cell arteritis where the blood vessels of the head (especially the temples) become inflamed.

hugs..........Jen

There are nerves that cause pain much like neuropathy one would feel in the feet & hands. Although for me the burning pain is not the the same nor does it encompass the entire head. It's extremely painful. I get the nerve block for it, thanks be to God it provides relief.
He does need to speak to his doctor. Especially if headaches increased with Orencia.
Is he feeling any relief from Orencia?
Some times it's about weighing the pros & cons of certain meds.
Hate headaches & cannot function with migraines & nerve related.
Hope he finds some relief & the cause.
Sammy