What are the common causes of having a headache and dizziness at the same time? Discover the potential medical emergencies, migraines, head injuries, and other conditions that can lead to this concerning symptom combination.

Potential Medical Emergencies Causing Headache and Dizziness

While rarely, a headache accompanied by dizziness can sometimes indicate a serious medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Two such conditions are brain aneurysms and strokes.

Brain Aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is a bulging or ballooning of a blood vessel in the brain. When these aneurysms rupture, they often cause a sudden, severe headache along with dizziness. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, neck pain, seizures, sensitivity to light, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. Like a brain aneurysm, a stroke can trigger a sudden, severe headache as well as dizziness. Additional stroke symptoms include numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, and difficulty walking or maintaining balance.

Both brain aneurysms and strokes are medical emergencies that require immediate treatment to avoid potentially devastating and life-threatening consequences. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial if you experience a sudden, severe headache along with dizziness or any other concerning symptoms.

Migraines

Migraines are intense, throbbing headaches that can occur on one or both sides of the head. Dizziness is a common accompanying symptom of migraines. Other migraine symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances like seeing flashing lights or spots (known as an “aura”).

While there is no cure for migraines, various treatments can help manage the symptoms or prevent them from occurring. Working closely with your doctor to find an effective migraine treatment tailored to your individual needs is recommended.

Head Injuries

Head injuries, both external and internal, can also cause a combination of headache and dizziness symptoms. External head injuries, which affect the scalp but not the brain, may lead to mild headaches but typically not dizziness.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

In contrast, internal head injuries, such as those resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI), often cause both headaches and dizziness, sometimes for weeks or even months after the initial injury. Mild TBIs, like concussions, can lead to temporary loss of consciousness, confusion, memory problems, ringing in the ears, nausea, and vomiting. More severe TBIs, such as skull fractures, may cause prolonged loss of consciousness, seizures, fluid drainage from the nose or ears, pupil dilation, and unusual behavior.

Post-Concussion Syndrome

Post-concussion syndrome is a condition that can develop after a concussion, causing a range of symptoms, including headaches and dizziness, for an extended period. These headaches may feel similar to migraines or tension headaches. Other symptoms include trouble sleeping, anxiety, irritability, memory or concentration problems, and sensitivity to noise and light.

If you suspect a head injury, it’s important to seek medical attention right away to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Mild TBIs may only require a visit to urgent care, while more severe TBIs need emergency room care.

Infectious Causes

Headaches and dizziness can also be caused by common bacterial or viral infections. These symptoms may occur as part of the body’s response to the infection, such as with the flu or other illnesses.

While not usually a sign of a serious underlying condition, it’s still important to consult a healthcare provider if you experience persistent or worsening headaches and dizziness, as they may require medical treatment.

Other Potential Causes

In addition to the more serious conditions mentioned, headaches and dizziness can also be caused by a variety of other factors, including:

• Dehydration
• Anxiety or stress
• Certain medications
• Ear infections or inner ear problems
• Low blood pressure
• Neck or spine issues

If you are experiencing persistent or concerning headaches and dizziness, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Migraines, Head Injuries, and Other Causes

Overview

It’s often alarming to have a headache and dizziness at the same time. However, many things can cause the combination of these two symptoms, from dehydration to anxiety.

We’ll go over the signs that your headache and dizziness might be a sign of something more serious before diving into other, more common potential causes.

While rare, a headache with dizziness can sometimes indicate a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Brain aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is a balloon that forms in the blood vessels of your brain. These aneurysms often don’t cause symptoms until they rupture. When they do rupture, the first sign is usually a severe headache that comes on suddenly. You may also feel dizzy.

Other symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm include:

• nausea and vomiting
• blurred vision
• neck pain or stiffness
• seizures
• sensitivity to light
• confusion
• loss of consciousness
• a droopy eyelid
• double vision

If you have a severe headache and feel dizzy or notice any other symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm, seek emergency medical treatment.

Stroke

Strokes occur when something interrupts the flow of blood to a part of your brain, cutting off the supply of oxygen and other nutrients it needs to function. Without a steady blood supply, brain cells quickly start to die.

Like brain aneurysms, strokes can cause a severe headache. They can also cause sudden dizziness.

Other symptoms of a stroke include:

• numbness or weakness, often on one side of the body
• sudden confusion
• trouble speaking or understanding speech
• sudden vision problems
• sudden difficulty walking or maintaining balance

Strokes require quick treatment to avoid lasting complications, so seek emergency treatment as soon as you notice any symptoms of a stroke. Here’s how to recognize the signs of a stroke.

Migraines are intense headaches that happen on one or both sides of your head. People who often get migraines describe the pain as throbbing. This intense pain can be accompanied by dizziness.

Other symptoms include:

• nausea and vomiting
• sensitivity to light or sound
• trouble seeing
• seeing flashing lights or spots (aura)

There’s no cure for migraines, but certain things may help to reduce your symptoms or prevent them in the future. The effectiveness of different treatments tends to vary from person to person, so it’s a good idea to work with your doctor to find a treatment that works best for you. In the meantime, you can try these 10 natural ways to soothe a migraine.

There are two types of head injuries, known as external and internal injuries. An external head injury affects your scalp, not your brain. External head injuries may cause a headache, but usually not dizziness. When they do cause a headache and dizziness, it’s usually mild and goes away within a few hours.

Internal injuries, on the other hand, often cause both headaches and dizziness, sometimes for weeks after the initial injury.

Traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are usually caused by a blow to the head or violent shaking. They often happen due to car accidents, hard falls, or playing contact sports. Both headaches and dizziness are common symptoms of mild and severe TBIs.

Additional symptoms of a mild TBI, such as a concussion, include:

• temporary loss of consciousness
• confusion
• memory problems
• ringing in the ears
• nausea and vomiting

Other symptoms of a more severe TBI, such as a skull fracture, include:

• loss of consciousness for at least several minutes
• seizures
• fluid draining from the nose or ears
• dilation of one or both pupils
• severe confusion
• unusual behavior, such as aggression or combativeness

If you think you or someone else might have a TBI, it’s important to contact a doctor right away. Someone with a mild TBI may just need to go to urgent care to make sure there’s no major damage. However, someone with a more severe TBI needs to go to the emergency room right away.

Post-concussion syndrome

Post-concussion syndrome is a condition that sometimes happens after a concussion. It causes a range of symptoms, which usually include a headache and dizziness, for weeks or even months after the original injury. The headaches associated with post-concussion syndrome often feel similar to migraines or tension headaches.

Other symptoms include:

• trouble sleeping
• anxiety
• irritability
• memory or concentration problems
• ringing in the ears
• sensitivity to noise and light

Post-concussion syndrome isn’t a sign that you have a more serious underlying injury, but it can quickly get in the way of your day-to-day life. If you have lingering symptoms after a concussion, talk to your doctor. In addition to ruling out any other injuries, they can come up with a treatment plan to help manage your symptoms.

Bacterial and viral infections

If you have a headache accompanied by dizziness, you may just have a bug that’s going around. These are both common symptoms when your body’s exhausted and trying to fight off an infection. In addition, severe congestion and taking over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines can also cause a headache and dizziness in some people.

Examples of bacterial and viral infections that can cause a headache and dizziness include:

• the flu
• a common cold
• sinus infections
• ear infections
• pneumonia
• strep throat

If you don’t start to feel better after a few days, make an appointment with your doctor. You may have a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, which requires antibiotics.

Dehydration

Dehydration happens when you lose more fluids than you take in. Hot weather, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and taking certain medications can all cause dehydration. A headache, especially with dizziness, is one of the main signs of dehydration.

Other symptoms of dehydration include:

• dark-colored urine
• decreased urination
• extreme thirst
• confusion
• fatigue

Most cases of mild dehydration are treatable by simply drinking more water. However, more severe cases, including those in which you can’t keep fluids down, might require intravenous fluids.

Low blood sugar

Low blood sugar happens when your body’s blood glucose level drops below its usual level. Without enough glucose, your body can’t function properly. While low blood sugar is usually associated with diabetes, it can affect anyone who hasn’t eaten in a while.

In addition to a headache and dizziness, low blood sugar can cause:

• sweating
• shaking
• nausea
• hunger
• tingling sensations around the mouth
• irritability
• fatigue
• pale or clammy skin

If you have diabetes, low blood sugar may be a sign that you need to adjust your insulin levels. If you don’t have diabetes, try drinking something with a bit of sugar, such as fruit juice, or eating a piece of bread.

Anxiety

People with anxiety experience fear or worry that’s often out of proportion with reality. The symptoms of anxiety vary from person to person and can include both psychological and physical symptoms. Headaches and dizziness are two of the more common physical symptoms of anxiety.

Other symptoms include:

• irritability
• trouble concentrating
• extreme fatigue
• restlessness or feeling wound up
• muscle tension

There are several ways to manage anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy, medications, exercise, and meditation. Work with your doctor to come up with a combination of treatments that work for you. They can also give you a referral to a mental health professional.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an inner ear infection that causes inflammation of a delicate part of your ear called the labyrinth. The most common cause of labyrinthitis is a viral infection, such as a cold or flu.

In addition to a headache and dizziness, labyrinthitis can also cause:

• vertigo
• minor hearing loss
• flu-like symptoms
• ringing in the ears
• blurred or double vision
• ear pain

Labyrinthitis usually goes away on its own within a week or two.

Anemia

Anemia occurs when you don’t have enough red blood cells to effectively transport oxygen throughout the body. Without enough oxygen, your body quickly becomes weak and fatigued. For many people, this results in a headache and in some cases, dizziness.

Other symptoms of anemia include:

• an irregular heartbeat
• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• cold hands and feet

Treating anemia depends on its underlying cause, but most cases respond well to increasing your intake of iron, vitamin B-12, and folate.

Poor vision

Sometimes, a headache and dizziness may just be a sign that you need glasses or a new prescription for your existing lenses. Headaches are a common sign that your eyes are working extra hard. In addition, dizziness sometimes indicates that your eyes are having trouble adjusting from seeing things far away to those that are closer.

If your headache and dizziness seem worse after you’ve been reading or using the computer, make an appointment with an eye doctor.

Autoimmune conditions

Autoimmune conditions result from your body mistakenly attacking healthy tissue as if it were an infectious invader. There are more than 80 autoimmune conditions, each with their own set of symptoms. However, many of them share a few common symptoms, including frequent headaches and dizziness.

Other general symptoms of an autoimmune condition include:

• fatigue
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• ongoing fever
• high blood sugar

There are a variety of treatments available for autoimmune conditions, but it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis first. If you think you might have an autoimmune condition, make an appointment with your doctor. They can start by doing a complete blood count test before testing for other things, such as specific antibodies.

Medication side effects

Headaches and dizziness are both common side effects of many medications, especially when you first start taking them.

Medications that often cause dizziness and headaches include:

• antidepressants
• sedatives
• tranquilizers
• blood pressure medications
• erectile dysfunction medications
• antibiotics
• birth control pills
• pain medications

Many times, side effects may only occur in the first few weeks. If they continue, ask your doctor about adjusting your dose or putting you on a new medication. Never stop taking a medication without talking to your doctor first.

Many things can cause a headache and dizziness at the same time.

If you or someone else is showing signs of a stroke, ruptured brain aneurysm, or severe head injury, seek emergency medical attention immediately. If you’re still not sure what’s causing yours, make an appointment with your doctor to help rule out other causes.

Migraines, Head Injuries, and Other Causes

Overview

It’s often alarming to have a headache and dizziness at the same time. However, many things can cause the combination of these two symptoms, from dehydration to anxiety.

We’ll go over the signs that your headache and dizziness might be a sign of something more serious before diving into other, more common potential causes.

While rare, a headache with dizziness can sometimes indicate a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Brain aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is a balloon that forms in the blood vessels of your brain. These aneurysms often don’t cause symptoms until they rupture. When they do rupture, the first sign is usually a severe headache that comes on suddenly. You may also feel dizzy.

Other symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm include:

• nausea and vomiting
• blurred vision
• neck pain or stiffness
• seizures
• sensitivity to light
• confusion
• loss of consciousness
• a droopy eyelid
• double vision

If you have a severe headache and feel dizzy or notice any other symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm, seek emergency medical treatment.

Stroke

Strokes occur when something interrupts the flow of blood to a part of your brain, cutting off the supply of oxygen and other nutrients it needs to function. Without a steady blood supply, brain cells quickly start to die.

Like brain aneurysms, strokes can cause a severe headache. They can also cause sudden dizziness.

Other symptoms of a stroke include:

• numbness or weakness, often on one side of the body
• sudden confusion
• trouble speaking or understanding speech
• sudden vision problems
• sudden difficulty walking or maintaining balance

Strokes require quick treatment to avoid lasting complications, so seek emergency treatment as soon as you notice any symptoms of a stroke. Here’s how to recognize the signs of a stroke.

Migraines are intense headaches that happen on one or both sides of your head. People who often get migraines describe the pain as throbbing. This intense pain can be accompanied by dizziness.

Other symptoms include:

• nausea and vomiting
• sensitivity to light or sound
• trouble seeing
• seeing flashing lights or spots (aura)

There’s no cure for migraines, but certain things may help to reduce your symptoms or prevent them in the future. The effectiveness of different treatments tends to vary from person to person, so it’s a good idea to work with your doctor to find a treatment that works best for you. In the meantime, you can try these 10 natural ways to soothe a migraine.

There are two types of head injuries, known as external and internal injuries. An external head injury affects your scalp, not your brain. External head injuries may cause a headache, but usually not dizziness. When they do cause a headache and dizziness, it’s usually mild and goes away within a few hours.

Internal injuries, on the other hand, often cause both headaches and dizziness, sometimes for weeks after the initial injury.

Traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are usually caused by a blow to the head or violent shaking. They often happen due to car accidents, hard falls, or playing contact sports. Both headaches and dizziness are common symptoms of mild and severe TBIs.

Additional symptoms of a mild TBI, such as a concussion, include:

• temporary loss of consciousness
• confusion
• memory problems
• ringing in the ears
• nausea and vomiting

Other symptoms of a more severe TBI, such as a skull fracture, include:

• loss of consciousness for at least several minutes
• seizures
• fluid draining from the nose or ears
• dilation of one or both pupils
• severe confusion
• unusual behavior, such as aggression or combativeness

If you think you or someone else might have a TBI, it’s important to contact a doctor right away. Someone with a mild TBI may just need to go to urgent care to make sure there’s no major damage. However, someone with a more severe TBI needs to go to the emergency room right away.

Post-concussion syndrome

Post-concussion syndrome is a condition that sometimes happens after a concussion. It causes a range of symptoms, which usually include a headache and dizziness, for weeks or even months after the original injury. The headaches associated with post-concussion syndrome often feel similar to migraines or tension headaches.

Other symptoms include:

• trouble sleeping
• anxiety
• irritability
• memory or concentration problems
• ringing in the ears
• sensitivity to noise and light

Post-concussion syndrome isn’t a sign that you have a more serious underlying injury, but it can quickly get in the way of your day-to-day life. If you have lingering symptoms after a concussion, talk to your doctor. In addition to ruling out any other injuries, they can come up with a treatment plan to help manage your symptoms.

Bacterial and viral infections

If you have a headache accompanied by dizziness, you may just have a bug that’s going around. These are both common symptoms when your body’s exhausted and trying to fight off an infection. In addition, severe congestion and taking over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines can also cause a headache and dizziness in some people.

Examples of bacterial and viral infections that can cause a headache and dizziness include:

• the flu
• a common cold
• sinus infections
• ear infections
• pneumonia
• strep throat

If you don’t start to feel better after a few days, make an appointment with your doctor. You may have a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, which requires antibiotics.

Dehydration

Dehydration happens when you lose more fluids than you take in. Hot weather, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and taking certain medications can all cause dehydration. A headache, especially with dizziness, is one of the main signs of dehydration.

Other symptoms of dehydration include:

• dark-colored urine
• decreased urination
• extreme thirst
• confusion
• fatigue

Most cases of mild dehydration are treatable by simply drinking more water. However, more severe cases, including those in which you can’t keep fluids down, might require intravenous fluids.

Low blood sugar

Low blood sugar happens when your body’s blood glucose level drops below its usual level. Without enough glucose, your body can’t function properly. While low blood sugar is usually associated with diabetes, it can affect anyone who hasn’t eaten in a while.

In addition to a headache and dizziness, low blood sugar can cause:

• sweating
• shaking
• nausea
• hunger
• tingling sensations around the mouth
• irritability
• fatigue
• pale or clammy skin

If you have diabetes, low blood sugar may be a sign that you need to adjust your insulin levels. If you don’t have diabetes, try drinking something with a bit of sugar, such as fruit juice, or eating a piece of bread.

Anxiety

People with anxiety experience fear or worry that’s often out of proportion with reality. The symptoms of anxiety vary from person to person and can include both psychological and physical symptoms. Headaches and dizziness are two of the more common physical symptoms of anxiety.

Other symptoms include:

• irritability
• trouble concentrating
• extreme fatigue
• restlessness or feeling wound up
• muscle tension

There are several ways to manage anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy, medications, exercise, and meditation. Work with your doctor to come up with a combination of treatments that work for you. They can also give you a referral to a mental health professional.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an inner ear infection that causes inflammation of a delicate part of your ear called the labyrinth. The most common cause of labyrinthitis is a viral infection, such as a cold or flu.

In addition to a headache and dizziness, labyrinthitis can also cause:

• vertigo
• minor hearing loss
• flu-like symptoms
• ringing in the ears
• blurred or double vision
• ear pain

Labyrinthitis usually goes away on its own within a week or two.

Anemia

Anemia occurs when you don’t have enough red blood cells to effectively transport oxygen throughout the body. Without enough oxygen, your body quickly becomes weak and fatigued. For many people, this results in a headache and in some cases, dizziness.

Other symptoms of anemia include:

• an irregular heartbeat
• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• cold hands and feet

Treating anemia depends on its underlying cause, but most cases respond well to increasing your intake of iron, vitamin B-12, and folate.

Poor vision

Sometimes, a headache and dizziness may just be a sign that you need glasses or a new prescription for your existing lenses. Headaches are a common sign that your eyes are working extra hard. In addition, dizziness sometimes indicates that your eyes are having trouble adjusting from seeing things far away to those that are closer.

If your headache and dizziness seem worse after you’ve been reading or using the computer, make an appointment with an eye doctor.

Autoimmune conditions

Autoimmune conditions result from your body mistakenly attacking healthy tissue as if it were an infectious invader. There are more than 80 autoimmune conditions, each with their own set of symptoms. However, many of them share a few common symptoms, including frequent headaches and dizziness.

Other general symptoms of an autoimmune condition include:

• fatigue
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• ongoing fever
• high blood sugar

There are a variety of treatments available for autoimmune conditions, but it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis first. If you think you might have an autoimmune condition, make an appointment with your doctor. They can start by doing a complete blood count test before testing for other things, such as specific antibodies.

Medication side effects

Headaches and dizziness are both common side effects of many medications, especially when you first start taking them.

Medications that often cause dizziness and headaches include:

• antidepressants
• sedatives
• tranquilizers
• blood pressure medications
• erectile dysfunction medications
• antibiotics
• birth control pills
• pain medications

Many times, side effects may only occur in the first few weeks. If they continue, ask your doctor about adjusting your dose or putting you on a new medication. Never stop taking a medication without talking to your doctor first.

Many things can cause a headache and dizziness at the same time.

If you or someone else is showing signs of a stroke, ruptured brain aneurysm, or severe head injury, seek emergency medical attention immediately. If you’re still not sure what’s causing yours, make an appointment with your doctor to help rule out other causes.

What diseases can cause a headache?

Yulia Vladimirovna Vostretsova, anesthesiologist-resuscitator, specialist in pain treatment of the Department of Treatment of Patients with Chronic Pain Syndromes of City Clinical Hospital No. 52

Tells Secondary headache is a symptom of some underlying disease.
With secondary headaches, the main task is to treat the underlying disease, since if it is successful, this also has a positive effect on the symptom of headache – it either stops completely or at least greatly decreases.

Headache associated with brain tumors

Contrary to popular belief, headache is not a common symptom of a brain tumor. Only 30% of patients with a diagnosed tumor complain of headache at the initial appointment, and only 1-2% of patients have headache as the only symptom of the tumor.

This pain is often accompanied by other neurological symptoms, aggravated by exertion or changes in body position, and causes nocturnal awakenings. However, such symptoms can also be with primary headaches, such as cluster headache and migraine, which we talked about in the previous article.

Vomiting a week before the onset of headache may be a sign of a posterior fossa mass, as can pain from coughing, lifting heavy objects, or bending over. The appearance of discharge from the nipples or amenorrhea in itself should alert the doctor and the patient, and in combination with a headache should suggest such diseases as polycystic ovary syndrome or prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma. In patients with an already confirmed oncological diagnosis, a new headache requires the exclusion of brain metastases or carcinomatous meningitis.

Headache associated with vascular disease

Subarachnoid haemorrhage – “the most terrible pain imaginable”, a thunderous headache. Accompanied by stiff neck muscles at normal body temperature. Approximately 25% of all thunderclap headache cases are associated with subarachnoid bleeding. However, in 50% of patients with hemorrhages, the headache may be milder. The main features of headache associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage are localization in the occipital region, a piercing character, an ultra-rapid increase in pain intensity, and meningeal signs.

Isolated headache may be a symptom of a ruptured aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation, or intracerebral hemorrhage. Aneurysm of the posterior communicating artery can be manifested by double vision, absence or decrease in the reaction of the icon to light, loss of focus, divergent strabismus, anterior communicating artery – weakness of both lower extremities, middle cerebral artery – weakness in the limbs on one side. A sharp increase in intracranial pressure in the posterior cranial fossa can lead to limited eyeball mobility, strabismus, double vision, nystagmus, dizziness, and loss of balance. In the presence of the above symptoms and suspicion of subarachnoid hemorrhage, CT without contrast and lumbar puncture are performed, if necessary, MR or CT angiography.

Arterial dissection

Headache occurs in most cases of dissections (dissections) of the carotid artery – it is unilateral and intense, often accompanied by pain in the face and neck on the same side, the occurrence of Horner’s syndrome (drooping of the eyelid, pupillary constriction, exophthalmos).

Stroke

In ischemic stroke, headache occurs in only 27% of cases. The diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical symptoms, which vary depending on the location of the stroke. It must be borne in mind that migraine with aura increases the risk of stroke.

Thrombosis of the venous sinus

This is a rather rare pathology in which headache is present in 90% of cases. Other symptoms are altered consciousness and papilledema. Risk factors include female gender, pregnancy and the postpartum period, as well as taking estrogen-containing hormonal contraceptives.

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome

Characterized by recurrent attacks of very high intensity headache with sudden onset and rapid peaking (thunder headache). Angiography visualizes vasoconstriction (narrowing) of the arteries of the brain, which resolves within the next 3 months. The cause of this pathology is not fully understood, however, it is known that certain substances, such as marijuana, tacrolimus, cyclophosphamide, as well as some drugs from the group of antidepressants, can be triggers. The incidence is also higher in the postpartum period. Headache is usually bilateral with attacks lasting 1 to 3 hours recurring over several weeks. Approximately 40% of patients experience nausea, vomiting, and neurological deficits. This condition is transient and requires symptomatic treatment.

Arterial hypertension

More often develops with an increase in systolic pressure up to 180 mm Hg. Art. or diastolic up to 120 mm Hg. Art. This type of headache usually worsens with increasing pressure and decreases with decreasing pressure. The pain is usually bilateral or diffuse, may be throbbing and worse with physical activity.

Headache due to heart disease

It is known that myocardial ischemia may also be accompanied by headache. A characteristic feature of such pain is its reduction against the background of resolution of ischemia (with the introduction of nitroglycerin, etc.).

Headache associated with systemic diseases

Giant cell arteritis

Headache, which first appeared in a patient after 50 years of age and is accompanied by a weakening of the temporal artery pulsation, should suggest giant cell arteritis.

This is a systemic vascular disease with a predominant lesion of the extracranial arteries of medium and large caliber. The disease begins acutely or subacutely with general weakness, subfebrile temperature, night sweats, insomnia, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, pain in muscles and joints. Headache is the most characteristic symptom of temporal arteritis. It is localized more often in the temporal region, sometimes in the frontal and parietal regions of the head, less often in the occipital region (in case of involvement of the occipital artery).

The spread of the process to the arteries of the face is accompanied by the appearance of acute spontaneous facial pains or a kind of “intermittent claudication” syndrome, that is, pain in the masticatory muscles and tongue when eating and talking. This symptom is pathognomonic for temporal arteritis. Many patients develop visual impairment that can lead to complete blindness. The cause of blindness is either ischemic damage to the optic nerve with damage to the ophthalmic and posterior ciliary arteries, or blockage of the central retinal artery. Laboratory revealed an increase in CRP and ESR. This diagnosis can be accurately confirmed only after a biopsy of the temporal muscle.

Tholos-Hunt Syndrome

The syndrome is characterized by intense unilateral headache, accompanied by impaired movement of the eyeball, attacks occur every few months or even years. Most often, people over 40 years of age are affected. The pathogenesis is associated with non-specific inflammation in the cavernous sinus of the superior palpebral fissure or orbital cavity. Violation or complete absence of movement of the eyeball occurs as a result of granulomatous inflammation of the cranial nerves. The main clinical manifestations are acute unilateral pain in the eye area, the appearance of double vision.

Headache associated with infection

It is not worth dwelling on this point in detail, since so many infectious diseases can be accompanied by headache. With a very high intensity headache accompanied by neck stiffness and other meningeal symptoms, it is important to perform the necessary examinations in time and start treatment.

Post-traumatic headache

Headache occurs in 70-90% of head injuries. It can be considered post-traumatic if it occurs within 7 days after the injury or 7 days after the recovery of consciousness and the withdrawal of painkillers. The pain phenotype can be variable, often migraine or tension-type headache, and may be accompanied by nausea, dizziness, cognitive impairment, anxiety, and insomnia.

Pain after craniotomy

This pain also occurs within 7 days after surgery and usually regresses over the next 3 months. In some cases, headache can become chronic. As risk factors for chronicity, the patient has a history of primary headaches, as well as surgical interventions in the suboccipital region.

Headache associated with diseases of the eyes, nose, ear, sinuses and other craniofacial structures

Acute angle-closure glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma is a form of pathology in which fluid accumulates inside the eye due to lack of access to the drainage system (the iris covers the anterior chamber angle). The result is an increase in intraocular pressure, which can lead to an acute pain attack. An attack of angle-closure glaucoma can be similar to migraine, as it is a unilateral pain in the eye area, accompanied by nausea/vomiting, photophobia, visual disturbances in the form of blurred visual images and iridescent halos around the light spot. When examined during an attack, redness of the conjunctiva and a moderately dilated pupil are noted. Between attacks, the appearance of the eyeball and intraocular pressure are usually normal. Seizure triggers are often: a sudden change in lighting, prolonged reading, as well as certain drugs, such as tricyclic antidepressants, topiramate, acetazolamide, etc. An ophthalmologist will help establish the diagnosis.

Trochleitis

Trochleitis is an inflammation of the oblique muscle of the eye. The pain most often occurs in the inner corner or above the eyeball and can spread to the entire half of the head. The pain increases with eye movement, the paraorbital region is painful on palpation. Lachrymation and nasal discharge are usually absent. Some patients may experience diplopia. The cause of trochleitis is often unknown (idiopathic trochleitis), but most commonly occurs in patients with rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, enteropathic arthropathy, and psoriasis.

Rhinosinusitis

The symptoms of rhinosinusitis are familiar to many. Rhinosinusitis can be both an independent cause of headache, and can exacerbate the primary headache. The diagnosis is made on the basis of X-ray diagnostics by an ENT doctor. Usually this pain is preceded by an infectious disease with rhinorrhea and nasal congestion.

Headache associated with pathology of the temporomandibular joint

Joint dysfunction can be caused by trauma, joint asymmetry, disc displacement, joint hypermobility, osteoarthritis. The headache associated with this pathology usually corresponds to the side of the affected joint, but may be bilateral if the muscles are involved in the pathological process. Pain occurs in the projection of the joint and the periarticular region and has the character of a pulling, aching, pulsating or acute pain that can radiate to the ear, temporal or parietal region. Pain can also occur at rest, but is often provoked by chewing or simply by movement in the temporomandibular joint.

Ask for help!

Headache must not be ignored! A specialist in the pain treatment clinic is called upon to deal with the probable causes of its appearance. After a detailed neurological examination, an additional examination may be prescribed to clarify the underlying disease, the symptom of which is pain in the head. Our pain treatment clinic uses a variety of treatment methods – which one can help a particular patient, the doctor will decide at an in-person consultation.

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Headache – causes, symptoms and diagnosis, indications for visiting a doctor

Perhaps there is no such person in the world who has not had a headache at least once in his life, and about 20% of people suffer from chronic pain. Mentions of this problem are found in ancient manuscripts – the works of doctors and literary works of ancient Egyptian, Greek, Babylonian, Chinese authors. Even then, doctors were trying to find patterns in which pain in the head occurs, and treatment options. In ancient Egypt, there were even special priests who dealt only with the problem of headaches. A panacea has not been found so far, but modern medicine has made significant progress. Now there are effective methods of assistance, and high-precision diagnostic equipment will help to understand the causes of the problem.

Sometimes a completely healthy person can have a headache, and in some cases a headache can be the only practical symptom of some dangerous diseases. Why does pain arise, how to help yourself at home, when you need a doctor’s help, and when there is nothing to worry about – we will consider these issues in more detail with the doctors of the Kutuzovsky Medical Center.

Types and causes of headaches

We feel a headache in those areas where there are pain receptors. It can be different in strength, duration, accompanying symptoms and character. The manifestations and symptoms of a headache are different: someone has a headache in the temples, others complain of frequent headaches in the forehead. Consider the main options.

Migraines

This is an intense headache in the temples on one side of the head, mostly of a throbbing character. The patient exacerbated and painfully reacts to bright light, loud sounds, smells. The attack lasts from several hours to three days, may be accompanied by nausea (in 90% of cases) and vomiting (in 30% of cases). Unpleasant sensations are aggravated by physical exertion, especially sharp ones. Often the whole right side of the head (or left) hurts, and not just the temple.

Migraine is a primary headache, that is, it is not a symptom of any other disease. The cause of migraine is the appearance of inflammatory substances around the nerves and vessels of the head, which provoke pain. Why such a mechanism is activated is not known for certain. An attack can be provoked by mental or physical overstrain, stress, changes in weather, diet, hormonal drugs.

Migraines can be hereditary, women are twice as likely to suffer from them. Several genes have been identified that are responsible for migraines.

Seizures recur periodically throughout life – from several times a week to several times a year. Migraines begin during puberty (less often in childhood).

15-60 minutes before a migraine attack, some people may notice the appearance of a migraine precursor – an aura. This is a neurological phenomenon in which short-term visual disturbances appear (flickering, fogging, narrowing of the field of vision), dizziness, sensory symptoms – tingling, loss of sensation in the hands, nasolabial folds. After an attack for a day or more, the patient may experience general weakness, a weaker headache in the temples than during the acute phase, a state of “hangover”, confusion of thoughts.

Tension pains

This is a pain that “compresses” the head. She is often described as having a tight helmet over her head. There is a headache in the temples, the back of the head, on the forehead, the crown of the head – unpleasant sensations can be, both throughout the head, and in some part. This is the most common type of headache. Feelings are usually moderate, there is no acute pain (as with migraines).

Among the causes that cause this pain are muscle tension due to the same type of work, mental and visual stress, uncomfortable postures, stress, weather changes, non-compliance with the regime of work and rest. An attack can last up to several days. Tension pain is more common in people prone to deep emotional experiences, depression, stress.

Cluster headaches

Most intense pain with severe attacks. They last from 20 minutes to one hour with several attacks per day. In some cases, they may occur daily for a long time (up to several weeks).

During an attack, the head hurts in the forehead or eyes, lacrimation, swelling in the nose, drooping of the eyelids may begin. Middle-aged men are six times more likely to suffer from cluster pain, and about 0.5% of people are familiar with the problem.

These are the main three types of primary headache. Less common, but may be pain from physical or sexual activity, medication.

There is also a secondary headache – it is a symptom of some disease. These include pain associated with:

• Traumatic brain injury. Their other symptoms: dizziness, irritability, memory impairment.
• Injuries or diseases of the cervical spine (osteochondrosis and others). With them, the head hurts in the back of the head, visual acuity and hearing may decrease.
• Pathologies of cerebral vessels – stratification of the walls, atherosclerosis, aneurysms, strokes and other vascular changes.
• Arterial hypertension – high or low blood pressure. With hypertension, the back of the head hurts, with hypotension, there is weakness, and the head is spinning.
• Infections – encephalitis, meningitis, and other infectious lesions.
• Tumors in the head or neck.
• Diseases and injuries of the ears, sinuses, jaws and teeth, eyes and other structures of the skull. Where and how it will hurt depends on the root cause. So, with glaucoma, a headache is a pain in the eyes that radiates to the forehead.
• Mental illness.
• Overuse of painkillers, including for headaches.

Diagnosis and treatment

Why does my head hurt and what should I do? The answer to this question will help to give modern diagnostic techniques. This does not mean that the doctor can conclusively find the only “culprit” – the root cause. Especially when it comes to primary headaches (migraine, tension and cluster pain). The physiological processes of their occurrence are not fully understood, although medicine knows a number of factors that provoke an attack.

The main task is to determine the type of headache: primary or secondary. The first – although they deliver a lot of discomfort to the patient, interfere with the ability to work, but are not dangerous to health. The pain will go away on its own or after taking medication.

Management of primary headaches:

• Relief of an attack with pain medications: analgesics or other drugs.
• Prophylaxis with drugs that reduce the frequency or intensity of seizures.
• Avoidance of precipitating factors – overwork, certain foods, periodic breaks in work, sufficient sleep and others.

The situation is different with secondary headaches. To help the patient, you need to determine the symptom of what disease is the headache. And treat him. This is especially important for serious pathologies that threaten life or health. Stroke, meningitis, brain tumors – these and other diseases are manifested by headaches.

Help in finding the cause:

• Examination by a neurologist, competent collection of complaints and anamnesis. This is the most important thing in diagnosing headaches.
• Laboratory diagnostics – determination of the main indicators of the body’s work: the level of cholesterol, glucose, leukocytes and other parameters.
• Instrumental diagnostics: MRI of the brain, vessels, neck, dopplerography or duplex examination of the vessels of the brain and neck, radiography.
• Examinations – electroencephalogram, examination by an ophthalmologist, measurement of blood pressure and others.

The main doctor who treats headaches is a neurologist. When it comes to secondary headaches, an ENT doctor, an ophthalmologist, a therapist, and some other specialized specialists may be needed.

Medical center “Kutuzovsky” – a medical center where they will help to deal with the causes of headaches and the right treatment.

It is beneficial to contact us for many reasons:

• The clinic has all the doctors of all necessary specialties who will work together to solve the problem.