Persistent Headaches: Could Past Injuries Be the Cause?

Headache

Hello Doctor, I often experience intermittent headaches that can last for quite a long time.
However, I don't take over-the-counter pain relievers; I just try to rest more.
Sometimes, I even sleep for most of the day.
Recently, I have also been experiencing excessive sleepiness.
I thought it was due to stress, as I have heard that stress can cause headaches, and that relieving stress can lead to spontaneous resolution of headaches.
Therefore, I tend to ignore it.
However, a long time ago, I fell from the back of a truck and hit my head on the ground.
I only had a large bump and did not bleed, so I didn't seek medical attention.
I would like to ask if my headaches could be related to that impact.
Also, my headaches are not migraines; rather, I feel discomfort in the back of my head, and sometimes in my forehead, which feels like pressure on my head.
I'm not sure if I have provided enough detail, and I hope you can help me with my questions.
Thank you.

GIGI, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/01/19

Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology

Headaches are a bothersome issue and can range from minor to serious conditions, with each individual's experience varying to some extent.
Concerning and dangerous headache-related conditions include intracranial hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, brain tumors, and encephalitis.
If there is no likelihood of having these conditions, there is generally no need to worry about headaches.
However, mild headaches may be indicative of these diseases, so it is important to pay attention.
Severe pain that persists from the back of the neck to the back of the head may be caused by factors such as stress or poor posture, leading to muscle contractions in the neck and back of the head.
This type of headache can feel like a tight band around the head, with a dull ache that radiates from the back of the neck to the back of the head, accompanied by throbbing pain that feels like a pulse.
Alternatively, it may present as a constant pain that feels like being covered by a pot.
This condition is known as tension-type headache.
If there is paroxysmal pain in the forehead that coincides with a pulsing sensation, it may indicate a migraine.
Rest can alleviate the symptoms, but if headaches occur frequently and affect daily life, it is essential to consult a neurologist.
Migraines are a type of vascular headache caused by the dilation of intracranial blood vessels, which may occur once or twice a year or several times a week.
Fatigue and stress are contributing factors.
Another cause is temperature changes.
Sudden dilation or constriction of blood vessels can trigger migraines.
For instance, moving abruptly from a warm environment to a cold one can cause blood vessels to constrict suddenly, leading to headache symptoms.
Headaches caused by fatigue or stress, such as migraines or tension-type headaches, are typically temporary and may result from a brief impact to the head, unless it leads to intracranial hemorrhage, which usually does not cause significant issues.
However, if headaches frequently interfere with daily life or are severe, it is crucial to seek prompt evaluation and treatment from a neurologist.

Reply Date: 2008/01/19

More Info

Persistent headaches can indeed be linked to past injuries, particularly if those injuries involved trauma to the head. In your case, the history of falling from the back of a truck and hitting your head, even if it seemed minor at the time, could potentially have long-term effects that manifest as chronic headaches.
Headaches can be classified into various types, including tension-type headaches, migraines, and secondary headaches, which are caused by underlying conditions. Given your description of the pain as a feeling of pressure in the back of your head and sometimes in the forehead, it sounds like you may be experiencing tension-type headaches. These are often associated with muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, stress, and poor posture.
The fact that you also experience excessive sleepiness could indicate that your body is trying to cope with stress or fatigue, which can exacerbate headache symptoms. Stress is a well-known trigger for tension-type headaches, and it can create a vicious cycle where headaches lead to more stress, which in turn leads to more headaches.
Regarding your past injury, even if you did not experience immediate severe symptoms, it is possible that the impact could have caused subtle changes in your brain or neck that might contribute to your ongoing headaches. For instance, a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury can lead to persistent headaches, dizziness, and cognitive changes.
It is essential to consider that while tension-type headaches are common, other serious conditions could also be at play, especially given your history of head trauma. These could include post-concussion syndrome, which can occur after a head injury and lead to prolonged symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties.
If your headaches are frequent, persistent, or worsening, it is crucial to seek medical evaluation from a healthcare professional, preferably a neurologist. They may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan, to rule out any structural issues or complications from your past injury. Additionally, they can provide a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms and develop a tailored treatment plan that may include lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, or medication if necessary.

In the meantime, consider implementing stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or regular physical activity, which can help alleviate tension and improve your overall well-being. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and ensuring you have a comfortable sleep environment can also help improve your sleep quality, which may, in turn, reduce headache frequency and intensity.

In summary, while your headaches could be related to stress and tension, your history of head trauma warrants further investigation to rule out any serious underlying conditions. Seeking professional medical advice is the best course of action to address your concerns and improve your quality of life.

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