Headache

Headache can be the result of a severe disease process, or it can be the result of a harmless side effect of a medication. Normally it is pretty simple to differentiate between the two processes to figure out if the headache is harmless or an emergency. But for the patient a headache is always an inconvenience. That is why we are here to talk about ways to help figure out he cause of the headache, and whether not its an emergency or not.

​Tension Headaches: This headache is the result of many side effects to medications, and or muscle tension located around the circumference/boundaries of the head. The symptoms of this type of headache is a tension like band of pain that squeezes the head. It is typically present on both sides of the head and can last for days.  It is not typically associated with nausea, vomiting, or aura with visual shapes. If you have a tension type headache the best way to treat is to take over the counter pain medications such as Tylenol or ibuprofen. These medications are the best way to take care of tension type headaches. They are also low risk and have little side effects.  Another good way to avoid tension type headaches is to see if you are getting a medication side effect from another medication that can cause tension type headaches. If you are taking too many pain medication drugs currently, you might have a tension headache from medication withdrawal. It is best to notice when you have the headache and fix the issue that is associated with the headache. If you have more questions about headaches contact us at our toll free hotline. For further questions call 1 919-759-5430.

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Causes of Headache

Migraines: This is a more severe headache than a tension type headache. This headache differs from a tension headache in that it can be a one sided and two sided headache. When it is one-sided it can be located behind the eye. It is typically more severe but lasts for a much shorter duration of time. The migraine headache typically tends to only last for hours at a time, not days like the tension type headache. It is also associated with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, and aura with visual shapes. If you have any of the above symptoms it is likely that you are experiencing migraine headaches. Migraine headaches also typically run in the family. If you have migraine headaches that increases the chances that family members would also experience migraine headaches. Migraine headaches also have an onset at a young age. People who have migraines will notice that they have had this problem since they were a kid.  They may be mild headaches at the time of youth, but may progress to be more severe with age. It is very rare that an adult will experience new onset migraine headaches and if this does occur, imaging should be done for evaluation. The best way to treat migraine headaches acutely is with abortive medications such as over the counter pain medications. Ibuprofen, Tylenol all work for this issue. Ergotamine and triptans can be prescribed in the emergency department for severe headaches. Prophylactic medications can be given as well to help prevent migraine headaches with medications such as beta blockers, tricylclic antidepressants and calcium channel blockers. If you have more questions about migraines call our toll free number now. For further questions call 1 919-759-5430.

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Emergent causes of headaches

Malignant Hypertension: If you are having terrible headaches and you have a blood pressure issue then there is a chance that you could have a condition called malignant hypertension. Check your blood pressure at a local CVS, or Walmart, and if your pressure is over 180-200 systolic then you will want to get evaluated at an emergency department right away. The high blood pressure focus in the brain can cause a rupture in blood vessels if you blood pressure gets to high and lead to brain bleeding, coma, and death. Go to the emergency department right away so that the emergency physician can get control of your blood pressure immediately.

​Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: This is a fancy term for bleeding in the brain.  This can be caused by a ruptured aneurysm that was present in your blood vessel.  Once this blood vessel ruptures it can lead to hemorrhage and increased pressure on your brain and brainstem.  The blood products also interfere with the normal process and functioning of the brain and can lead to severe symptoms such as coma and death. The symptoms for this headache is typically a severe headache described as the worst headache of your life. If you are having a severe headache unlike any you have experienced before, do not hesitate to call 911. Call now if you have more questions about a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

​Brain Tumor: Brain tumors can cause growth of brain tissue and exert pressure on the inside of the skull leading to headache and neurological deficits. Typically a person will wake up in the morning with nausea and vomiting, but upon sitting up symptoms will abate.  Once the symptoms go away they are able to resume their regular day. This condition can range from tension type headaches to migraine headaches and even seizures. If you are experiencing any headache with numbness, tingling, weakness, or paresthesia's then contact you physician right away as you could have a brain tumor. Call us if you have anymore questions about brain tumor at our toll free hotline. For further questions call 1 919-759-5430.

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