On and off headaches for a week

Headache Pain: When to Worry, What to Do - Harvard Health Publishing

Nearly everyone has had headache pain, and most of us have had it many times. A minor headache is little more than a nuisance that's relieved by an over-the-counter pain reliever, some food or coffee, or a short rest. But if your headache is severe or unusual, you might worry about stroke, a tumor, or a blood clot. Fortunately, such problems are rare. Still, you should know when a headache needs urgent care and how to control the vast majority of headaches that are not threatening to your health.

What causes headaches?

Doctors don't fully understand what causes most headaches. They do know that the brain tissue and the skull are never responsible since they don't have nerves that register pain. But the blood vessels in the head and neck can signal pain, as can the tissues that surround the brain and some major nerves that originate in the brain. The scalp, sinuses, teeth, and muscles and joints of the neck can also cause head pain.

When to worry about a headache

You can take care of many types of headaches by yourself, and your doctor can give you medication to control most of the tougher headaches. But some headaches call for prompt medical care. Here are some warning signs for when you should worry about headaches:

Headaches that first develop after age 50
A major change in the pattern of your headaches
An unusually severe headache
Head pain that increases with coughing or movement
Headaches that get steadily worse
Changes in personality or mental function
Headaches that are accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, decreased alertness or memory, or neurological symptoms such as visual disturbances, slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or seizures
Headaches that are accompanied by a painful red eye
Headaches that are accompanied by pain and tenderness near the temples
Headaches after a blow to the head
Headaches that prevent normal daily activities
Headaches that come on abruptly, especially if they wake you up
Headaches in patients with cancer or impaired immune systems

Types of headaches

There are more than 300 types of headaches, but only about 10% of headaches have a known cause. The others are called primary headaches. Here is a rundown on some major primary headaches.

Tension headaches

Occurring in about three of every four adults, tension headaches are the most common of all headaches. In most cases, they are mild to moderate in severity and occur infrequently. But a few people get severe tension headaches, and some are troubled by them for three or four times a week.

The typical tension headache produces a dull, squeezing pain on both sides of the head. People with strong tension headaches may feel like their head is in a vise. The shoulders and neck can also ache. Some tension headaches are triggered by fatigue, emotional stress, or problems involving the muscles or joints of the neck or jaw. Most last for 20 minutes to two hours.

If you get occasional tension-type headaches, you can take care of them yourself. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, other brands) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, naproxen (Aleve, other brands), or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, other brands) often do the trick, but follow the directions on the label, and never take more than you should. A heating pad or warm shower may help; some people feel better with a short nap or light snack.

If you get frequent tension-type headaches, try to identify triggers so you can avoid them. Don't get overtired or skip meals. Learn relaxation techniques; yoga is particularly helpful because it can relax both your mind and your neck muscles. If you clench your jaw or grind your teeth at night, a bite plate may help.

If you need more help, your doctor may prescribe a stronger pain medication or a muscle relaxant to control headache pain. Many people with recurrent tension-type headaches can prevent attacks by taking a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, generic). Fortunately, most people with tension-type headaches will do very well with simpler programs.

Migraine

Migraines occur less often than tension headaches, but they are usually much more severe. They are two to three times more common in women than men, but that's small consolation if you are among the 6% to 8% of all men who have migraines. And since a Harvard study of 20,084 men age 40 to 84 reported that having migraines boosts the risk of heart attacks by 42%, men with migraines should take their headaches to heart.

Neurologists believe that migraines are caused by changes in the brain's blood flow and nerve cell activity. Genetics play a role since 70% of migraine victims have at least one close relative with the problem.

Migraine triggers. Although a migraine can come on without warning, it is often set off by a trigger. The things that set off a migraine vary from person to person, but a migraine sufferer usually remains sensitive to the same triggers. The table lists some of the most common ones.

Major migraine triggers

Changing weather: rising humidity, heat
Lack of sleep or oversleeping
Fatigue
Emotional stress
Sensory triggers: bright or flickering lights, loud noises, strong smells
Dietary triggers:
- missing a meal
- alcohol, especially red wine
- chocolate
- nitrates in cured meats and fish
- aged cheese
- an increase or decrease in caffeine
- MSG (often present in Asian and prepared foods)

Migraine symptoms. Migraines often begin in the evening or during sleep. In some people, the attacks are preceded by several hours of fatigue, depression, and sluggishness or by irritability and restlessness. Because migraine symptoms vary widely, at least half of all migraine sufferers think they have sinus or tension headaches, not migraines.

About 20% of migraines begin with one or more neurological symptoms called an aura. Visual complaints are most common. They may include halos, sparkles or flashing lights, wavy lines, and even temporary loss of vision. The aura may also produce numbness or tingling on one side of the body, especially the face or hand. Some patients develop aura symptoms without getting headaches; they often think they are having a stroke, not a migraine.

The majority of migraines develop without an aura. In typical cases, the pain is on one side of the head, often beginning around the eye and temple before spreading to the back of the head. The pain is frequently severe and is described as throbbing or pulsating. Nausea is common, and many migraine patients have a watering eye, a running nose, or congestion. If these symptoms are prominent, they may lead to a misdiagnosis of sinus headaches. One way to remember the features of migraine is to use the word POUND

P is for pulsating pain
O for one-day duration of severe untreated attacks
U for unilateral (one-sided) pain
N for nausea and vomiting
D for disabling intensity.

Without effective treatment, migraine attacks usually last for four to 24 hours. When you're suffering a migraine, even four hours is far too long — and that's why early treatment for a migraine is so important.

Migraine treatment. If you spot a migraine in its very earliest stages, you may be able to control it with nonprescription pain relievers. Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and a combination of pain medications and caffeine are all effective — if you take a full dose very early in the attack.

When prescription drugs are needed, most doctors turn to the triptans, which are available as tablets, nasal sprays, or as injections that patients can learn to give to themselves. Examples include sumatriptan (Imitrex), zolmitriptan (Zomig), and rizatriptan (Maxalt). Triptans provide complete relief within two hours for up to 70% of patients; the response is best if treatment is started early. Some patients require a second dose within 12 to 24 hours. Patients with cardiovascular disease and those who take a high dose of certain antidepressants need to discuss the risks of using them with their doctor.

Work with your doctor to find the migraine treatment that works best for you. Remember, though, that overuse can lead to rebound headaches and a vicious cycle of drugs and headaches. So, if you need treatment more than two or three times a week, consider preventive medications.

Migraine prevention. Some people can prevent migraines simply by avoiding triggers. Others do well with prompt therapy for occasional attacks. But patients who suffer frequent migraine attacks often benefit from preventive medications. Effective prescription drugs include beta blockers (such as propranolol, nadolol and atenolol), certain antidepressants (such as amitriptyline), and certain antiseizure medications (such topiramate and valproate). Difficult cases may benefit from referral to a headache specialist.

Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches are uncommon but very severe headaches, and they occur five times more often in men than women. Although anyone can get cluster headaches, the typical patient is a middle-aged man with a history of smoking.

The problem gets its name because the headaches tend to come in clusters, with one to eight headaches a day during a one- to three-month period every year or two, often at the same time of year. The pain always strikes one side of the head and is very severe. The eye on the painful side is red and watery, the eyelid may droop, and the nose runs or is blocked. The attack starts abruptly and lasts for 30 to 60 minutes. Most sufferers become restless and agitated during the attack; unable to sit still, they pace, jog in place, or beat their head against a wall. Nausea and sensitivity to light and sound may accompany the pain.

Inhaling high flow oxygen soon after the onset of the headache can often stop the attack. Sumatriptan is often effective for cluster headaches, particularly when given by injection. Other triptans may also help. Some patients favor lidocaine nose drops, dihydroergotamine injections, or other treatments. The most effective medication for preventing cluster headache attacks is verapamil, a calcium-channel blocker. Other drugs that may help include divalproex, topiramate, and lithium.

Other types of headaches

Doctors have diagnosed hundreds of conditions associated with headaches. Here are just a few:

Medication headaches. Many drugs number headaches among their side effects. And although it seems paradoxical, many medications used to treat headaches can also cause medication overuse headaches or rebound headaches. Migraine sufferers are particularly vulnerable to a vicious cycle of pain leading to more medication, which triggers more pain. If you have frequent headaches and use medication, OTC or prescription, or both, for more than 10 to 15 days a month, you may have medication overuse headaches. The way to find out is to discontinue or taper your medication — but always consult your doctor first. A corticosteroid such as prednisone may help control pain during the withdrawal period.

Sinus headaches. Acute sinusitis causes pain over the forehead, around the nose and eyes, over the cheeks, or in the upper teeth. Stooping forward increases the pain. Thick nasal discharge, congestion, and fever pinpoint the problem to the sinuses. When the acute infection resolves, the pain disappears. Sinusitis is not a common cause of chronic or recurrent headaches.

Ice cream headaches. Some people develop sharp, sudden headache pain when they eat anything cold. The pain is over in less than a minute, even if you keep eating. If you are bothered by ice cream headaches, try eating slowly and warming the cold food at the front of your mouth before you swallow it.

Headache from high blood pressure. Except in cases of very high blood pressure, hypertension does not cause headaches. In fact, most people with high blood pressure don't have any symptoms at all, and a study of 51,234 people reported that hypertension was associated with a reduced incidence of headaches. But that's no reason to neglect your blood pressure. Hypertension leads to strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, and kidney disease, so all men should have their pressure checked, and then take steps to correct abnormalities.

Headache from exercise and sex. Sudden, strenuous exercise can bring on a headache. Gradual warm-ups or treatment with an anti-inflammatory medication before exercise can help. Sexual intercourse may also trigger headaches; some men note only dull pain, but others suffer from severe attacks called orgasmic headaches. Some people can prevent orgasmic headaches by taking an NSAID 30 to 60 minutes before intercourse.

Headache testing

Modern medicine depends on tests to diagnose many problems. For most headaches, though, a good old-fashioned history and physical will do the job. In fact, CT scans, MRIs, and EEGs (brain wave tests) look normal in tension-type headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches. Still, these tests can be vital in patients with warning signs or other worrisome headaches.

Living with constant headaches

For most of us, an occasional headache is nothing more than a temporary speed bump in the course of a busy day. Even so, most men can ease the problem with simple lifestyle measures and nonprescription medications. Relaxation techniques, biofeedback, yoga, and acupuncture may also help. But for some of us, headaches are a big problem. Learn to recognize warning signs that call for prompt medical care. Work with your doctor to develop a program to prevent and treat migraines and other serious headaches. And don't fall into the trap of overusing medications; for some gents, rebound headaches are the biggest pain of all.

Image: wavebreakmedia LLC/Getty Images

Headaches: What to know, when to worry

Everyone gets the occasional when-will-this-day-end headache. These headaches may even follow a certain pattern. (Mine usually strike like clockwork if I miss my morning cup of French press coffee.)

But when is a headache cause for concern?

"Most bouts of regular headaches are not serious and can be treated on their own," says Dr. Elizabeth Loder, chief of the division of headache in the department of neurology at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital. "However, being aware of the features of the different types of headaches can help you determine if your headaches are something more serious that requires medical attention."

Headache know-how

There are three main types of headache: tension, migraine, and cluster. Here is a look at each one.

Tension. This is the most common type of headache. A typical attack produces a dull, squeezing pain on both sides of the head like it’s in a vise. The shoulders and neck can also ache. Episodes can last 30 minutes to seven days.

Although the cause of tension headaches is unknown, triggers include stress, fatigue, and lack of sleep.

The good news is that you can treat most tension headaches with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). You could also try a warm shower, a nap, or a light snack.

Migraine. Migraines are more severe and can be quite debilitating. The pain often is centered on one side of the head, beginning around the eye and temple and spreading to the back of the head. Episodes can last from four to 72 hours.

According to Dr. Loder, one way to remember the features of a migraine is the acronym POUND:

P: pulsating pain
O: one-day duration of severe untreated attacks
U: unilateral (one-sided) pain
N: nausea and vomiting
D: disabling intensity.

Although migraines can strike without warning, they may be set off or worsened by specific triggers or aggravating factors, such as loud noises, a bright light, or strong smells. In some people, attacks are preceded by several hours of fatigue, depression, and irritability.

Almost a quarter of people with migraines often have an aura beforehand and experience halos, sparkles or flashing lights, and wavy lines. Numbness or tingling is also common. This often appears on one side of the body, usually in the face or hand.

If you catch a migraine early, you may be able to control it with an OTC pain reliever. If this doesn’t help, or if your migraines become more frequent or severe, ask your doctor about a stronger prescription drug. Common options include triptans, such as rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), and zolmitriptan (Zomig). These are available as tablets, nasal sprays, or injections that patients can give to themselves. Triptans often provide complete relief within two hours. Other medicines — and even botulism injections — may help, too.

Cluster. Cluster headaches strike five times more often in men than in women. This type of headache gets its name because they come in clusters; for example, one to eight headaches a day over a one-to-three-month period that may reoccur every few years.

The pain is quite severe and always strikes one side of the head. The headache begins abruptly and lasts for 30 minutes to an hour, on average. Also, the eye on the painful side tends to become red and watery, the eyelid often droops, and the nose gets runny. Most people become restless and agitated during an attack, and nausea and sensitivity to light and sound is common.

Unfortunately, OTC drugs usually don’t offer much, if any, relief. High-dose oxygen can be effective if taken during the onset of pain. Several medications can help shorten the duration of attacks. For example, sumatriptan can often provide quick relief, especially when given by injection, but a nasal or oral triptan also may help. And an injectable medicine called galcanezumab (Emgality), used for migraine prevention, is now FDA-approved to reduce episodes of cluster headaches.

Other types of headaches

Headaches also can be caused by other conditions or situations. These are often short-lived and easily treated. For example:

Sinus headaches. A sinus infection can cause pain over the forehead, around the nose and eyes, over the cheeks, or in the upper teeth. When the infection resolves, the pain disappears.

Brain freezes. Some people develop a sharp, sudden headache when they eat or drink something cold. The pain usually goes away within a few minutes. If this is a common problem, try to warm the cold food at the front of your mouth before swallowing.

Exercise headaches. Strenuous exercise can sometimes trigger a headache. Make sure you are well hydrated before and after exercise. Taking an OTC anti-inflammatory beforehand also may help.

When to worry about a headache

Most headaches respond to self-care, OTC pain relievers, or medication your doctor prescribes. For some headaches, though, it’s best to promptly seek medical advice. Warning signs include a headache that:

is unusually severe or steadily worsens
follows a blow to the head
is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, decreased alertness or memory, or neurological symptoms such as visual disturbances, slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or seizures.

Image: kimberrywood/Getty Images

Headache for a week. What could be the cause of weekly pain.

Gimranov Rinat Fazylzhanovich
Neurologist, neurophysiologist, experience - 33 years;
Professor of Neurology, MD;
Clinic for Rehabilitation Neurology. About the author

Publication date: February 16, 2022

Updated: November 29, 2022

Cephalgia (head pain) is a common nuisance that every person periodically encounters. When it is situational, that is, it rarely comes, the attack goes away after taking a pill or breathing fresh air, then it is not a problem. nine0010

Causes of a headache for a week or even more in time can be both constantly negatively affecting external factors, and the development of a serious pathology, and the disease does not necessarily affect the head directly (1).

Article content:

1 Types of prolonged headache
2 Causes of pain in the head during the week
3 Diagnosis
4 Treatment
5 Prevention

Types of prolonged headache

You need to think about possible health problems if cephalalgia comes on a regular basis or drags on for days, weeks, analgesics become ineffective.

If the cephalalgia lasts longer than a week or if the attacks occur regularly, you should contact the clinic.

In such cases examination and diagnostics are required. Based on the results, the issue of treatment is decided.

Depending on the characteristics of sensations and the localization of prolonged cephalalgia, the doctor will make an assumption about the possible initial cause of the development of unpleasant sensations. nine0010

By type, headaches lasting more than a week can be:

Throbbing, rhythmic. Arise in a specific place and spread to the entire head. This type is a signal of unstable blood pressure or vegetovascular dystonia. These conditions lead to the expansion and narrowing of the size of the vessels that feed the brain. At the same time, unpleasant sensations gradually accumulate, intensifying day by day. As a rule, the peak occurs on the third day of the continuous manifestation of the symptom. nine0023

Dull soreness. This is evidence of a gradual swelling of the walls of blood vessels, which occurs due to a strong lack of oxygen for the full functioning of the brain. Additionally, a person feels increased fatigue, periodic dizziness, loss of orientation in space. The condition is considered dangerous, since a chronic lack of oxygen supply can lead to the development of encephalopathy, an organic brain lesion.

Aching, monotonous. It can accompany the appearance and increase of neoplasms, benign and malignant, or violations of vascular tone. Due to the pressure on the brain tissue, discomfort constantly reminds of itself. In this case, painkillers, as a rule, act weakly.

There are also types of headaches lasting for one or two weeks, according to the criterion of the underlying cause that causes them (2):

vascular, the cause of which are problems of various types with the cardiovascular system; nine0023
tension pain, also involving the upper parts of the spine;
toxic, caused by regular ingestion of toxic substances into the body;
nervous, resulting from constant nervous or physical strain;
infectious - a reaction to the processes of inflammation occurring in the brain or ENT organs under the influence of any infection.

Reasons for the development of pain in the head during the week

The nature of cephalalgia directly depends on the specific problem that causes it. Therefore, it is important to inform the doctor not only about the duration, intensity of the attack, but also about the characteristics of well-being during this period. nine0010

Typical types of conditions when the head hurts for a whole week or five days:

Migraine in some people can last intermittently up to several weeks. A striking symptom is acute attacks of pain localized in one half of the head. At the same time, there is photophobia, intolerance to loud sounds. There is a treatment.

Cluster pain. Sharp unpleasant attacks cover only one part of the head, last 10-15 minutes, then pass. The attack is repeated 4-6 times a day. Such series of short but debilitating cephalalgias can last from two weeks to several months. nine0023

Intracranial hypertension. Cerebrospinal fluid, liquor, accumulates and begins to put pressure on the structures of the brain.

Tumors, benign and malignant, growing, constantly put pressure on neighboring areas and membranes of the brain.

Tension pains are moderate but constant. They signal an excessive load in any type of activity and a regular lack of rest, in particular, sleep. nine0023

Poisoning or intoxication. We may not even notice how every day we slowly kill our body. We inhale, a strange smell in the office, taking doses of alcohol or eating unhealthy food. A disaster if a person lives near an industrial enterprise.

Physical trauma to the head can cause regular bouts of cephalalgia for months while the recovery process is ongoing (3).

If you have been having a very bad headache for a whole week, then you need to find out the specific causes, determine what it could be, before deciding what to do during the attack to alleviate the condition. This should be done by a specialist doctor. nine0010

Diagnosis

Weekly cephalgia is not normal. Each such episode should not be left to chance, otherwise there is a high risk of losing time and health.

If for one or two weeks the head hurts very badly or regularly, and it is difficult to determine a specific external cause, then it is necessary to seek medical help for a detailed examination and identification of the disease that led to such well-being.

First, a preliminary inspection and interview is carried out. The results make it possible to make assumptions about the characteristics of the patient's health and identify the cause of the condition. Then the doctor will refer you for instrumental examinations:

CT scan or MRI of the brain to exclude the possibility of a neoplasm.
X-ray of the cervical spine allows you to determine the possible pathology of the muscles and bones.
Transcranial dopplerography, ultrasound examination of the state of the vessels of the neck and brain.
Laboratory blood tests, biochemical, electrolytes, hormones.

Based on the results of the diagnosis, the doctor will be able to accurately determine the cause of poor health. Based on the results, he will draw up a treatment plan or refer the patient for further treatment to a specialized doctor. nine0010

Treatment

For many, cephalalgia is a habitual condition almost every day due to constant fatigue, but if the head hurts for a week in a row, then a second, a third, while several different remedies do not work, the cause may be a serious disease that requires specialized treatment .

Methods can vary greatly depending on the diagnosis, but for the most part they involve complex therapy.

Depending on the specific problem, the course includes:

Medicines (4). Not only painkillers are used that eliminate only the symptom, but also means aimed at treating the original problem.

Physiotherapeutic procedures prescribed depending on which specific body system has been affected.

Various compresses and aromatherapy sessions.

Acupuncture, acupuncture procedures

Physiotherapy and gymnastics courses. nine0023

Massages and self-massages, after completing a special training course, which can also be given by your doctor.

All treatment, including additional aids and procedures, should only be prescribed by a specialist. If you want to try any folk method or a method suggested by friends, be sure to consult your doctor. There is a risk that in your case one or another method will not coincide with the prescribed treatment or will not work for other reasons. nine0010

Surgical intervention is used in particularly difficult cases. When, in order to save the life and health of the patient, it is necessary to remove a neoplasm or deformed sections of blood vessels, to correct the consequences of a serious head injury.

Prevention

Often there are cases when, even after a thorough examination, the pathological process cannot be identified, and the symptom does not go away. Then the question arises before the patient: what to do if the head hurts for 7-8 days in a row, and sometimes more than a week? nine0010

Such a conclusion makes it possible to make sure that nothing threatens health. But it will be useful to repeat the visit to the doctor in 3-6 months if the symptoms persist.

Immediately contact the clinic if you feel worse

In case of successful diagnostic results, doctors advise you to reconsider your lifestyle and take preventive measures to get rid of discomfort:

Normalize sleep. The problem can be both its lack (insomnia) and its excess. The best option is to sleep 8-9hours every day, while going to bed not too late and getting up early in the morning.
Reduce the amount of invigorating drinks consumed. This number includes coffee, energy drinks, strong tea.
Review the daily routine with the condition of reducing the load. Constant fatigue, physical or mental, overexertion and processing do not benefit the body. In the long term, they will lead to the development of serious diseases.
Stress reduction. Including with the help of specialized means, the use of soothing folk methods. Psychotherapy in neurology can also give a result. nine0023
Cessation of bad habits: drinking alcohol or drugs, smoking cigarettes or using other substances containing nicotine.
Regular ventilation of all rooms in which you spend a long time.

Regular light exercise. A small 20-minute walk every day and two or three light sports a week will be enough to maintain vigor and get rid of unpleasant symptoms.

But we must not forget that all these measures work only in the case when the cause of the headache from 7 days to 2 weeks in a row is associated with external circumstances, and not with a developing pathology.

If life changes do not help, you should go to the clinic for specialized help (5).

References

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Gimranov Rinat Fazylzhanovich

Make an appointment with a specialist

Constant headache - what to do?

Headache (cephalgia) is an extremely common condition, familiar to almost 90% of the population. It is important to know that headache is not an independent disease, but a serious symptom indicating internal, including quite serious, disorders. If the pain is temporary, rarely manifests itself, passes quickly and is easily stopped with the help of an analgesic, do not worry. However, persistent, frequent and intense headaches can be a sign of a serious illness and a reason to see a doctor. A comprehensive examination, consultation with a specialist will help identify the cause, prescribe the appropriate treatment, and receive valuable recommendations on lifestyle. nine0010

CONTENT OF ARTICLE

1. Types of disease
2. Major causes of headache
3. First Aid
4. Methods of treatment

Types of the disease

Periodic or persistent headaches can manifest as a reaction of the body to physiological or psychophysiological changes in the structures of the brain, vascular disorders, violations of the tone of the muscles of the neck or skull. In neurology, several types of cephalalgia are distinguished, each of which has its own characteristics, character, localization and intensity:

Migraine is a sharp and severe headache, often throbbing. Accompanied by nausea, intolerance to light and strong odors. Pain sensations are more often unilateral in nature, spread to the lower jaw, cervical muscles. The attack can last from several minutes to several hours, appears in the evening. Migraine mostly affects women between the ages of 25 and 35.
Tension pain is the most common, occurs with the same frequency in women and men. Pressing or squeezing in nature, it can cover the entire head or only the back of the head, forehead, and crown. Often appears after physical or mental overstrain, stress, lack of sleep, prolonged work at the computer. It is well stopped with the help of analgesics or goes away on its own after rest or sleep. nine0023
Cluster (Horton's) is one of the most severe types of headache, which can disturb a person with prolonged attacks of a pulsating nature. Mostly unilateral, radiates to the eye area, temple. Attacks last from 20 minutes to several hours, then subside and repeat again.
Post-traumatic - develops with a bruise or concussion. The intensity depends on the nature of the injury and the degree of damage to the structures of the skull.

There are many reasons for frequent headaches, you should not look for the source of pain on your own, you should consult a neurologist. According to medical observations, vascular diseases are the main cause of persistent headaches. These include vegetovascular dystonia, hypertension, ischemia, subarachnoid hemorrhage, stroke and other life-threatening conditions. A pulsating character may indicate an impending stroke, supplemented by dizziness, impaired consciousness, palpitations and other pronounced symptoms. It is localized in the back of the head, frontal part, accompanied by tinnitus, "goosebumps", nausea, discomfort behind the sternum. Disappears after stabilization of arterial pressure. Dangerous headache, usually "pressing" or "bursting", which develops against the background of increased intracranial pressure. It can be caused by malignant or benign brain tumors, craniocerebral trauma. In addition to severe pain, patients feel nausea, urge to vomit, dizziness. nine0010

The main causes of headache

The etiology of headache depends on the underlying cause. This symptom is characteristic of many pathologies, but mainly develops against the background of the following diseases and conditions:

hypertension;
migraine;
increased intracranial pressure;
osteochondrosis of the cervical spine;
chronic stress, psychosomatic disorders;
infectious diseases;
trauma to the brain or spine;
any intoxication of the body;
neuralgia of the occipital nerve;
tumors;
hormonal imbalance.

Persistent headaches can appear not only on the background of diseases, but also be the result of an unhealthy lifestyle. Provoking factors include:

meteorological dependence;
stress, depression;
fasting, dieting;
overwork;
physical and mental stress;
smoking;
dental diseases;
alcohol abuse.
taking strong drugs.

Any changes in the body can cause an attack of cephalalgia, but if it is poorly controlled by analgesics, you should not hesitate to visit a doctor who, after taking an anamnesis and examination results, will make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment. nine0010

Diagnosis

To find out why your head constantly hurts, you should contact a neurologist . The specialist, after collecting an anamnesis, visual examination and studying the patient's medical history, will prescribe a series of examinations:

Electroencephalography (EEG) - evaluates the work of the brain, detects vascular pathologies, hematomas, tumors.
X-ray - determines injuries, sinusitis, sinusitis and other changes in the cranium.

CT - detects changes in brain structures, determines tumors, cysts, injuries, thrombosis and other pathologies.
Ultrasound - diagnoses pathologies and anomalies of blood vessels, impaired blood flow.
Laboratory methods - detect infectious processes in the body, autoimmune disorders, determine the level of cholesterol in the blood plasma and other important indicators. nine0023

The results of the examination allow the doctor to get a complete clinical picture, make the correct diagnosis, and prescribe the necessary treatment. Constant headaches should not be ignored, early diagnosis and properly conducted therapy will help eliminate serious consequences.

First Aid

Headache can appear at the most inopportune moment. How to help a person, especially if there are no painkillers at hand.

Provide complete rest. Eliminate all kinds of irritating factors, muffle sounds, lie down, close your eyes and try to relax.
Gentle head massage.
Do not overload the body - exclude smoking and drinking alcohol, physical and mental stress.
Place a flat pillow under the head.
Take moderate painkillers. It is not recommended to take potent drugs or those drugs that have not been taken before. nine0023
Measure pressure. With elevated rates, take an antihypertensive drug.
A cold compress can be applied to the forehead for 10-15 minutes.

In more severe cases, call an ambulance or take the person to a hospital. If, with constant headaches, the examination does not reveal the disease, you should pay attention to the lifestyle. This symptom often affects people who experience chronic fatigue, lack of sleep, sit on "hungry" diets, smoke a lot, abuse alcohol, or have a tendency to depressive states. In this case, doctors recommend changing the daily routine, paying more attention to your health, rest and nutrition. nine0010

Methods of treatment

If you have persistent headaches, a competent consultation with a neurologist is indispensable. Treatment will directly depend on the underlying cause. To relieve pain, a wide range of medications is recommended, including analgesics, anti-inflammatory, vasodilators, antispasmodics, anticonvulsants. It is extremely important, at the same time, not to self-medicate, only a doctor can prescribe the correct therapy, the time and frequency of taking medications. Constant headaches are a sign of internal diseases, so the doctor will prescribe other medications in accordance with the diagnosis when making a diagnosis. Adjuvant therapy may include: