Unpredictable Head Pain: Causes and Solutions

Q: Unpredictable Head Pain: Causes and Solutions

Hello Mr. <br>Huang： You mentioned that "the symptoms in the forehead and brow ridge are more pronounced" and also noted that "exercising more and massaging the neck, along with the topical medication you prescribed, have provided some improvement." It may be necessary to conside

Intermittent head pain?

Hello Doctor, about two weeks ago, I started experiencing a mild pain at the top of my head.
The next day, I began to feel intermittent pain throughout my entire head, even extending to the eye sockets, and I also had a stiff sensation in my neck.
I later sought medical attention, and the doctor advised me to exercise more and massage my neck, and he prescribed me a topical ointment, which provided some improvement.
However, I still have some symptoms:
1.
Location: The pain is located at the top of my head, temples, forehead, back of the head, jaw, collarbone, and occasionally in the back and front of my neck.
The brow ridge and eye sockets are also affected.

2.
Pain sensation: It doesn't feel quite like tension-type headaches, but there is a mild pressure sensation with sudden pain that lasts about 10 seconds before subsiding.

3.
Other: I experience some pain when lying down (but not when I don't use a pillow), and sometimes pressing on my head causes pain.
Occasionally, I feel slightly dizzy, but it lasts for a shorter duration.
Recently, the symptoms in my forehead and brow ridge have become more pronounced, sometimes feeling sore.
Sleeping helps alleviate the symptoms, but they return shortly after.

I would appreciate your assistance in addressing these concerns.
Thank you, Doctor.

Huang Tongxue, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/20

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello Mr.
Huang: You mentioned that "the symptoms in the forehead and brow ridge are more pronounced" and also noted that "exercising more and massaging the neck, along with the topical medication you prescribed, have provided some improvement." It may be necessary to consider myofascial inflammation in the upper cervical region, which could be related to overuse of the cervical spine.
This condition is characterized by pain at the affected site, discomfort, muscle stiffness, and possibly neurological symptoms.
Symptoms may worsen upon waking in the morning or with changes in weather, but can be alleviated with stretching activities, often recurring.
During acute episodes, there may be local muscle tension and spasms, leading to restricted movement.
It is recommended to change positions every 15 minutes to allow the neck tissues to rest; maintaining any position (including a normal one) for an extended period can lead to fatigue and inflammation of the tissues, so moving around briefly can reduce the risk of muscle inflammation.
I suggest consulting a neurologist or a rehabilitation physician for further evaluation and treatment.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions! Wishing you good health, peace, and happiness.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Medical Center, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2022/07/20

More Info

Understanding unpredictable head pain can be quite complex, as it can stem from a variety of causes, each requiring a different approach to treatment. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing a range of symptoms that could be indicative of several underlying issues.

Firstly, the locations of your pain—top of the head, temples, forehead, back of the head, jaw, collarbone, and neck—suggest that you may be dealing with a combination of tension-type headaches and possibly cervicogenic headaches. Tension-type headaches are the most common form of headache, often triggered by stress, muscle tension, or poor posture. They typically present as a dull, aching sensation and can be accompanied by tightness in the neck and shoulders.

The sudden, brief episodes of pain you describe, lasting about 10 seconds, could also be related to nerve irritation or muscle spasms in the neck. This is especially plausible given your mention of neck stiffness. The neck and head are closely interconnected, and issues in one area can easily lead to discomfort in the other.
Your symptoms of occasional dizziness and the fact that lying down exacerbates the pain could indicate that your headaches are influenced by your posture or the alignment of your spine. Poor posture, especially when sitting for long periods (like working at a computer), can lead to muscle fatigue and tension, which in turn can trigger headaches.
The fact that you experience relief after sleeping but then have a recurrence of symptoms suggests that your body may be responding to rest, but the underlying issues—such as muscle tension or stress—remain unresolved. It may be beneficial to incorporate regular stretching and strengthening exercises for your neck and upper back, as well as practicing good ergonomics while working.

Additionally, you mentioned that you were prescribed a topical medication and advised to exercise and massage your neck. These are excellent strategies for managing tension headaches. Regular physical activity can help reduce stress and improve overall muscle tone, while massage can alleviate muscle tightness and improve circulation.

However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, it is crucial to seek further evaluation from a healthcare professional, particularly a neurologist or a headache specialist. They may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan, to rule out any structural issues or other neurological conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms.

In summary, your unpredictable head pain could be attributed to a combination of tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, and possibly postural issues. Maintaining good posture, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress are essential steps in alleviating your symptoms. If the pain continues or significantly impacts your daily life, further medical evaluation is warranted to ensure a comprehensive approach to your treatment.

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