Monthly Headaches: Causes and When to Seek Help

Headache issues?

Hello Doctor: I experience headaches for several days each month, during which I feel like crying and have the urge to vomit.
I initially thought it was related to eye pressure, so I have been regularly following up with an ophthalmologist.
However, the ophthalmologist believes that the results of the regular check-ups indicate that the headaches are not caused by any eye issues.
Recently, due to increased busyness, I have also experienced some dizziness, which feels like someone is hitting the back of my head with a stick, and it is quite uncomfortable.
Could you help determine what might be causing this? Thank you.

Juzi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/08/16

Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology

If the headaches are recurrent and of the same nature, they may be vascular headaches.
However, if the headaches have occurred recently within the past month, it is necessary to check for any intracranial diseases.

Reply Date: 2010/08/16

More Info

Headaches can be a common yet complex issue, and understanding their underlying causes is crucial for effective management. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing recurrent headaches that occur monthly, accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and a sensation of pressure at the back of your head. This pattern of symptoms can be indicative of several potential causes, and it is essential to consider both primary and secondary headache disorders.

Potential Causes of Monthly Headaches
1. Tension-Type Headaches: These are the most common type of headaches and are often triggered by stress, anxiety, or muscle tension. Symptoms typically include a dull, aching sensation all over the head, tightness or pressure across the forehead or on the sides and back of the head. Given your busy schedule, stress could be a significant factor contributing to your headaches.

2. Migraine: Migraines are characterized by intense, throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The fact that you feel like crying and have nausea during your headaches could suggest a migraine. Migraines can also be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, or environmental factors.

3. Cervicogenic Headaches: These headaches originate from issues in the cervical spine (neck) and can cause pain that radiates to the back of the head. If you have poor posture or spend long hours in front of a computer, this could lead to muscle strain and cervicogenic headaches.

4. Cluster Headaches: Although less common, cluster headaches are severe and occur in cyclical patterns or clusters. They are characterized by intense pain around one eye or one side of the head and can be accompanied by tearing or nasal congestion.

5. Secondary Headaches: These headaches are symptoms of another condition, such as sinusitis, hypertension, or even more serious issues like a brain tumor or aneurysm. Given your symptoms of feeling faint and the pressure sensation, it is essential to rule out any secondary causes.

When to Seek Help
Given that your headaches have a recurring pattern and are accompanied by significant discomfort, it is advisable to seek further medical evaluation. Here are some guidelines on when to consult a healthcare professional:
- Duration and Frequency: If your headaches persist for more than a few days or occur frequently (more than 15 days a month), it is essential to seek medical advice.

- Severity: If the intensity of your headaches increases or if they become debilitating, it is crucial to consult a doctor.

- Accompanying Symptoms: If you experience additional symptoms such as visual disturbances, confusion, weakness, or changes in consciousness, seek immediate medical attention.

- Impact on Daily Life: If your headaches interfere with your daily activities or quality of life, it is time to discuss this with a healthcare provider.

Diagnostic Approach
When you visit a healthcare professional, they may conduct a thorough history and physical examination. They might also recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan, to rule out any structural abnormalities in the brain. Blood tests may also be performed to check for underlying conditions that could be contributing to your headaches.

Management Strategies
In the meantime, consider implementing some lifestyle modifications that may help alleviate your symptoms:
- Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation can help reduce stress and tension.

- Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.

- Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet, as dehydration and certain foods can trigger headaches.

- Sleep Hygiene: Establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a restful sleep environment can improve sleep quality and reduce headache frequency.

In conclusion, while monthly headaches can be caused by various factors, understanding the nature of your headaches and when to seek help is vital. Given your symptoms, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored management plan.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Headaches: Causes, Management, and When to Seek Help

Hello, I often experience headaches, at least once a month, which feel like they are coming from deep within my eye sockets, accompanied by nausea. Occasionally, I may vomit. After lying down for a short rest of about half an hour, the pain sometimes worsens. I have taken pain re...

Dr. Chen Bozhang reply Family Medicine
Hello! It is recommended that you consult with a family medicine clinic for a professional diagnosis to avoid delaying treatment. Thank you!

Understanding Recurring Headaches: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello Dr. Chen, Around the evening of February 12th, I suddenly experienced dizziness and headaches. I took some acetaminophen on my own, and I felt much better the next day. However, on February 15th or 16th, similar symptoms reappeared, and I took acetaminophen again, which he...

Dr. Chen Changxun reply Internal Medicine
To my friend DRAGON: Headaches have become bothersome in your daily life over the past two days. Various diseases can induce headaches, with upper respiratory infections, fever, and diarrhea being frequent causes. However, if the symptoms persist for more than a month, you should...

Understanding Your Daily Headaches: When to Seek Medical Help

It has been almost a month since the school started, but I have been experiencing headaches every day. On average, I have 2-3 episodes of pain per hour, which feels like tightness on both sides or in the front of my head. When I'm not in pain, I often feel dizzy and lack ene...

Dr. Sun Xiaoru reply Psychiatry
Thank you for your letter. There are various causes of headaches, and their severity can vary. Treatment methods must correspond to the underlying cause of the headache to be effective. Medical evaluations should assess both organic and psychological factors. If you could keep a ...

Daily Headaches and Dizziness: Understanding Neurological Concerns

I am currently in my senior year of high school and have a history of low blood pressure. I am managing my diet, and I also have a 23-degree scoliosis. I experience daily headaches or dizziness; sometimes the pain is mild, but at other times it feels like my head is going to expl...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, according to your description, the definition of chronic daily headache is: occurring on at least 15 days per month for a duration of at least 6 months. When migraines occur on at least 15 days per month, we refer to it as "chronic migraine." When tension-type he...