Your Headaches: Is It Just Migraines or Something More?

Headache

I am currently a senior in college and occasionally experience headaches.
During my senior year of high school, while preparing for the college entrance exam, I developed a habit of leaning my head against the back of the chair while sitting.
I noticed that after a while, this would lead to headaches, and it took me a long time to break that habit.
However, I also discovered that if I studied for an extended period, the same area (the upper back of my head) would hurt.
There was even one time after an exam when I was playing table tennis, and the pain became so severe that I was unable to do anything.
Fortunately, I haven't experienced pain that intense since then.
Later, I went to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for an examination, including a CT scan of my head, but nothing significant was found.
They only mentioned it was migraine.
To this day, whenever I study for a long time, I start to feel a slight pain, but as long as I get some sleep, it goes away.
Is this really just a typical migraine?

A Peng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2000/11/15

Dr. Huang Yingzhe reply Neurology

Your symptoms do not seem to resemble typical migraines; instead, they sound like myofascial pain.
Based on the results of the examinations you have undergone, there should be no danger! Therefore, symptomatic treatment is currently a viable approach.
However, the pain that occurred suddenly while playing table tennis may need further clarification to determine if it is related to the same issue!

Reply Date: 2000/11/15

More Info

Headaches can be a complex issue, especially for students who often experience stress and fatigue due to their academic responsibilities. Based on your description, it seems that your headaches may be related to a combination of factors, including posture, stress, and possibly tension-type headaches or migraines.

Firstly, it’s important to understand the different types of headaches. Tension-type headaches are the most common and are often triggered by stress, poor posture, or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. Given that you mentioned a habit of leaning your head against the back of the chair while studying, this could contribute to muscle strain and tension in the neck, leading to headaches. Additionally, prolonged periods of studying can lead to mental fatigue, which may exacerbate headache symptoms.

Migraines, on the other hand, are typically characterized by more severe, throbbing pain, often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes aura symptoms (visual disturbances). You mentioned that your headaches tend to occur after long study sessions and can be alleviated with sleep, which is more consistent with tension-type headaches. However, if you experience any severe symptoms or if the headaches significantly impact your daily life, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional.

The fact that you underwent a CT scan and no abnormalities were found is reassuring. It suggests that there are no serious underlying conditions, such as tumors or structural issues in the brain. However, if your headaches persist or worsen, it may be beneficial to seek further evaluation from a neurologist or headache specialist. They can provide a more comprehensive assessment and may recommend additional tests or treatments.

In terms of management, there are several strategies you can employ to help alleviate your headaches:
1. Posture Correction: Be mindful of your posture while studying. Ensure that your chair and desk are ergonomically set up to reduce strain on your neck and back. Consider using a chair that provides good lumbar support and keeping your computer screen at eye level.

2. Regular Breaks: Implement the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This can help reduce eye strain and mental fatigue.

3. Stress Management: Engage in stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation, or yoga. These practices can help alleviate tension and improve overall well-being.

4. Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are drinking enough water and eating balanced meals. Dehydration and low blood sugar can also trigger headaches.

5. Sleep Hygiene: Prioritize good sleep habits. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, and try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

6. Medication: If your headaches are frequent and bothersome, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be effective. However, it’s important to use these medications sparingly to avoid rebound headaches.

In conclusion, while your headaches may be related to tension and stress from studying, it’s essential to monitor your symptoms and seek medical advice if they persist or worsen. Implementing lifestyle changes and stress management techniques can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce the frequency of your headaches. If you have any concerns or if your symptoms change, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and management.

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