Persistent Headaches: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

Headaches in many situations?

Hello, I often experience headaches in various situations, such as when it's cold or windy.
I also get headaches when I don't get enough sleep, and I find it quite strange that I feel discomfort in my stomach when it's bloated and food hasn't digested properly; this can also trigger headaches (sometimes vomiting those foods alleviates the headache a bit).
Occasionally, the pain lasts for several days.
Typically, the pain is on one side, but sometimes it switches to the other side.
I've seen a doctor a few times before, but nothing was found...
yet I still have headaches.
I've undergone EEG and CT scans, but I'm unsure if I can get checked when I'm not currently experiencing a headache.
Previously, when I wanted to see a doctor while not in pain, I was advised against it, as they said it would be difficult to determine the cause without symptoms.
Is this true? I really want to get this treated quickly...
sometimes the pain feels unbearable.
Thank you.

MIKA, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/12/21

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology

Migraine is a type of moderate to severe headache that can be intolerable.
It is often triggered by various factors such as temperature changes, wind, insufficient or excessive sleep, hunger or overeating, emotional stress, and certain foods or odors.
Accompanying symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, as well as sensitivity to light and sound, and increased discomfort with physical activity.
Diagnostic tests typically show no abnormalities, which aligns with the nature of this primary headache, as it is not something that can be identified through testing during an active episode.
Headaches that are assessed during an episode may indicate vascular spasms, which are often associated with neurological deficits, particularly visual disturbances and unilateral numbness.
If headaches occur twice a month to the extent that they hinder work, or if pain relief medication is needed three days a week, preventive treatment should be considered.
This involves taking a prescribed preventive medication daily for six to eight months, after which it can be discontinued to avoid the continuous use of pain relief medications.

Reply Date: 2013/12/21

More Info

Persistent headaches can be a challenging and frustrating experience, especially when they seem to arise from various triggers such as weather changes, lack of sleep, or digestive issues. Understanding the potential causes and symptoms of your headaches is crucial in determining when to seek medical help.

Causes of Persistent Headaches
1. Tension-Type Headaches: These are the most common type of headaches and can be triggered by stress, anxiety, or muscle tension. They often present as a dull, aching sensation on both sides of the head and can be accompanied by tightness in the neck and shoulders.

2. Migraine: Migraines are characterized by intense, throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. They can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Triggers can include hormonal changes, certain foods, stress, and environmental factors.

3. Cluster Headaches: These are less common but extremely painful headaches that occur in cyclical patterns or clusters. They often cause intense pain around one eye and can be accompanied by nasal congestion or tearing.

4. Sinus Headaches: These occur when the sinuses become inflamed due to infection or allergies, leading to pressure and pain in the forehead, cheeks, and around the eyes.

5. Gastrointestinal Issues: As you mentioned, feeling bloated or having digestive discomfort can also lead to headaches. This could be due to the gut-brain connection, where gastrointestinal distress can trigger headaches.

6. Environmental Factors: Changes in weather, such as cold temperatures or high humidity, can also trigger headaches in some individuals.

Symptoms to Monitor
- Location and Type of Pain: Note whether the pain is unilateral (one-sided) or bilateral (both sides), and whether it is throbbing, dull, or sharp.

- Associated Symptoms: Pay attention to any accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, or visual disturbances.

- Duration and Frequency: Keep track of how long the headaches last and how often they occur.

When to Seek Help
While it can be challenging to get a diagnosis when you are not experiencing pain, it is still important to consult a healthcare professional if you have persistent headaches. Here are some guidelines on when to seek help:
1. Frequent Occurrences: If you experience headaches more than a few times a month, it’s advisable to consult a doctor.

2. Severe Pain: If the headaches are severe enough to disrupt your daily activities or require medication to alleviate, this is a sign to seek medical attention.

3. Change in Pattern: If you notice a change in the frequency, intensity, or nature of your headaches, it’s important to discuss this with a healthcare provider.

4. Accompanying Symptoms: If you experience symptoms such as confusion, difficulty speaking, vision changes, or loss of consciousness, seek immediate medical attention.

Diagnostic Tests
While it can be difficult to diagnose headaches when you are not currently experiencing pain, there are several tests that can be conducted to rule out serious conditions. These may include:
- Imaging Tests: CT scans or MRIs can help identify structural issues in the brain.

- Blood Tests: To check for underlying conditions such as infections or inflammation.

- Neurological Examination: A thorough assessment by a neurologist can help determine the type of headache and appropriate treatment.

Conclusion
Persistent headaches can stem from a variety of causes, and understanding these can help you manage your symptoms more effectively. It’s essential to keep a headache diary to track your symptoms and triggers, which can be a valuable tool when discussing your condition with a healthcare provider. If your headaches persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice, even if you are not currently in pain. Early intervention can lead to better management and improved quality of life.

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