What causes headaches that last for several days. How to identify different types of persistent headaches. When should you seek medical attention for a prolonged headache. What are the best treatment options for long-lasting headaches.

Understanding the Nature of Persistent Headaches

Headaches that persist for several days can be more than just a nuisance; they can significantly impact your quality of life and may indicate underlying health issues. While occasional headaches are common, those that linger for extended periods warrant closer attention.

A persistent headache is defined as pain in the head that lasts for more than 24 hours, often extending to several days or even weeks. These prolonged episodes can stem from various causes, ranging from simple tension to more complex neurological conditions.

Common Characteristics of Long-Lasting Headaches

• Duration exceeding 24 hours
• Varying intensity throughout the day
• Potential resistance to over-the-counter medications
• Possible accompanying symptoms like nausea or sensitivity to light

Do persistent headaches always indicate a serious condition? Not necessarily. While some long-lasting headaches can be a sign of underlying health issues, many are benign and can be managed with appropriate care and lifestyle adjustments.

Identifying Different Types of Persistent Headaches

Understanding the specific type of headache you’re experiencing is crucial for effective management and treatment. Several distinct categories of persistent headaches exist, each with its own set of characteristics and potential causes.

Migraine Headaches

Migraines are a common type of persistent headache, characterized by intense, throbbing pain often localized to one side of the head. These headaches can last for days or even weeks, significantly impacting daily life.

What are the key symptoms of a migraine headache?

• Pulsating or throbbing pain
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Nausea and vomiting
• Visual disturbances (aura) in some cases
• Fatigue and irritability

Tension-Type Headaches

Tension-type headaches are the most common form of persistent headache. They’re often described as a constant, dull ache or pressure around the head, particularly the forehead or back of the head and neck.

How can you distinguish a tension-type headache?

• Steady, non-pulsating pain
• Tightness or pressure across the forehead or back of the head
• Tenderness in the scalp, neck, and shoulder muscles
• Typically bilateral (affecting both sides of the head)

Cervicogenic Headaches

Cervicogenic headaches originate from issues in the neck but manifest as head pain. These headaches are often misdiagnosed as migraines or tension-type headaches due to overlapping symptoms.

What are the distinguishing features of cervicogenic headaches?

• Pain starting in the neck and radiating to the head
• Reduced range of motion in the neck
• Pain exacerbated by certain neck movements or positions
• Possible accompanying symptoms like vertigo or ear ringing

Causes of Headaches That Last for Days

Persistent headaches can be triggered by a variety of factors, ranging from lifestyle choices to underlying medical conditions. Understanding these causes is essential for effective prevention and treatment.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

• Stress and anxiety
• Poor sleep habits
• Dehydration
• Dietary triggers (e.g., caffeine, alcohol, certain foods)
• Prolonged screen time
• Changes in weather or barometric pressure

Medical Conditions

• Hormonal imbalances
• Sinus infections
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• High blood pressure
• Brain tumors (rare)
• Intracranial pressure changes

Can medications cause persistent headaches? Yes, certain medications, particularly when overused, can lead to what’s known as medication overuse headaches or rebound headaches. These occur when pain relievers are used too frequently, paradoxically leading to more frequent and intense headaches.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Persistent Headaches

While many persistent headaches can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. It’s crucial to recognize these red flags to ensure timely and appropriate care.

Warning Signs Requiring Urgent Care

• Sudden, severe headache often described as the “worst headache of your life”
• Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, or seizures
• Headache following a head injury
• New or different headache pain if you’re over 50
• Headache with vision changes, speech difficulties, or weakness on one side of the body
• Headache that worsens with coughing, exertion, or sudden movement

Should you see a doctor for a headache that lasts more than three days? Yes, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider if your headache persists for more than 72 hours, especially if it’s interfering with your daily activities or sleep.

Diagnostic Approaches for Persistent Headaches

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of persistent headaches. Healthcare providers employ various methods to determine the underlying cause and type of headache you’re experiencing.

Medical History and Physical Examination

Your doctor will likely start by taking a detailed medical history, asking about your symptoms, their duration, frequency, and any potential triggers. A physical examination, including a neurological assessment, will also be conducted.

Headache Diary

Keeping a headache diary can be invaluable in diagnosis. Record details such as:

• When headaches occur
• Duration of each episode
• Pain intensity and location
• Associated symptoms
• Potential triggers (food, activities, stress)
• Medications taken and their effectiveness

Imaging Studies

In some cases, your doctor may recommend imaging studies to rule out structural issues or other underlying conditions. These may include:

• CT (Computed Tomography) scan
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• X-rays (particularly for cervicogenic headaches)

Are blood tests useful in diagnosing persistent headaches? While not always necessary, blood tests can help identify certain conditions that may be contributing to your headaches, such as infections, thyroid disorders, or anemia.

Treatment Strategies for Long-Lasting Headaches

Managing persistent headaches often requires a multifaceted approach, combining medication, lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies. The specific treatment plan will depend on the type and cause of your headaches.

Pharmacological Interventions

• Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
• Prescription medications (e.g., triptans for migraines)
• Preventive medications for chronic headaches
• Muscle relaxants for tension-type headaches

Non-Pharmacological Approaches

• Stress management techniques (meditation, deep breathing exercises)
• Regular exercise and physical therapy
• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Dietary modifications

Can lifestyle changes really help with persistent headaches? Absolutely. Many people find significant relief by making changes to their daily habits, such as improving sleep hygiene, staying hydrated, and managing stress effectively.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Some individuals find relief through alternative therapies, although scientific evidence for their effectiveness varies:

• Herbal supplements (e.g., feverfew, butterbur)
• Essential oils (e.g., peppermint, lavender)
• Biofeedback
• Chiropractic care

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, especially alternative therapies, to ensure they’re safe and appropriate for your specific situation.

Prevention Strategies for Recurrent Headaches

While not all headaches can be prevented, implementing certain strategies can help reduce the frequency and intensity of persistent headaches.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule
• Stay hydrated throughout the day
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Practice stress-reduction techniques
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
• Avoid known dietary triggers

Ergonomic Adjustments

For those who spend long hours at a desk or computer, ergonomic improvements can help prevent tension-type and cervicogenic headaches:

• Adjust chair and desk height for proper posture
• Use a supportive chair with good lumbar support
• Position computer screens at eye level
• Take regular breaks to stretch and move

Stress Management

Stress is a common trigger for many types of headaches. Implementing effective stress management techniques can significantly reduce headache frequency:

• Practice mindfulness meditation
• Engage in regular relaxation exercises
• Seek support through therapy or support groups
• Prioritize self-care activities

How effective is a consistent sleep schedule in preventing headaches? Maintaining a regular sleep pattern can be highly effective in reducing the frequency of headaches, particularly migraines. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night and try to go to bed and wake up at consistent times, even on weekends.

Living with Chronic Headaches: Coping Strategies and Support

For individuals dealing with persistent or chronic headaches, developing effective coping strategies and seeking support can significantly improve quality of life.

Building a Support Network

• Join support groups (online or in-person)
• Communicate openly with family and friends about your condition
• Consider counseling or therapy to address emotional impacts

Workplace Accommodations

If persistent headaches are affecting your work life, consider discussing potential accommodations with your employer:

• Flexible work hours
• Reduced screen time
• Adjustments to lighting or noise levels
• Option to work remotely when symptoms are severe

Self-Care Practices

Developing a self-care routine can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being:

• Practice gentle yoga or stretching
• Use heat or cold therapy
• Explore relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods

Can mindfulness practices help in managing chronic headaches? Yes, mindfulness techniques have shown promise in reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches for many individuals. Regular practice can help increase pain tolerance, reduce stress, and improve overall quality of life.

Educating Yourself and Others

Understanding your condition and educating those around you can lead to better management and support:

• Stay informed about the latest research and treatment options
• Share information with family, friends, and coworkers to increase understanding
• Advocate for yourself in medical settings

Living with persistent headaches can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, many individuals find effective ways to manage their symptoms and maintain a fulfilling life. Remember, every person’s experience with headaches is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s important to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized management plan that addresses your specific needs and circumstances.

What to Do If a Headache Won’t Go Away

A long lasting headache that persists for days can be a symptom of a neurological condition, such as migraine, a headache disorder, or an injury. You may need medical care, especially if you have other symptoms.

Everyone experiences a headache from time to time. It’s even possible to have a headache that lasts for more than one day. There are many reasons why a headache can last a while, from hormonal changes to more serious underlying conditions.

While it can be alarming for a headache to last a long time — so long that you may not be able to sleep it off — most headaches aren’t life threatening. But it’s no fun when a lingering headache affects your ability to do the things you enjoy.

Let’s take a look at what can cause these headaches and how you can get relief.

If you’ve been experiencing the same headache for more than one day, it’s possible that you could have a more serious underlying condition that requires emergency medical care. Seek medical attention right away if you’re experiencing:

• a severe headache that began abruptly (within a few seconds)
• a migraine that has lasted several days, or even weeks
• any new symptoms you haven’t previously experienced along with the headache (disorientation, loss of vision or vision changes, fatigue, or fever)
• kidney, heart, or liver disease with a headache
• a severe or ongoing headache in pregnancy, which could indicate complications like preeclampsia
• HIV or another immune system disorder along with a headache
• headache associated with fever and stiff neck

There are multiple conditions that can cause a persistent headache that lasts for more than a day. Some of those include:

Rebound headaches

Regularly taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication for your headaches can actually cause your head to hurt between doses. While this type of headache often doesn’t hang around, it can recur over the course of a day or more.

Migraine

Migraine can be a severe type of headache that can last for days, or even weeks, at a time. They start with a feeling of general illness that takes hold one or two days before the headache begins. Some people experience aura, or bright, flashing vision changes before the pain begins.

Then, there’s the headache itself, with symptoms that may include:

• throbbing pain on either side (or both sides) of your head
• pain behind your eyes
• nausea
• vomiting
• light and sound sensitivity
• sensitivity to odors and fragrances

After your migraine lifts, you may experience a hangover-like feeling of fatigue and exhaustion.

Headaches related to stress or mood disorders

Anxiety, stress, and mood disorders can trigger headaches that linger for more than a day. Specifically, those with panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder tend to experience prolonged headaches more often than those without.

Cervicogenic headaches

Sometimes your headaches actually aren’t coming from your head at all. They’re coming from your neck.

In cervicogenic headaches, pain is referred to your head from an area in your neck. You may not even realize where it’s originating from. And if the underlying cause — the problem in your neck — isn’t treated, your headache won’t go away.

Cervicogenic headaches can be caused by injuries, arthritis, bone fractures, tumors, or infection. Your posture or falling asleep in an awkward position could cause a cervicogenic headache. It’s also possible that disc-related wear can also cause these types of headaches.

Concussions and other head injuries

If you’ve recently experienced a concussion or similar head injury, you could be dealing with an ongoing headache. This is called post-concussion syndrome, and it’s a mild injury to your brain caused by the initial trauma. It can last for months after a concussion — possibly up to a year.

Symptoms of post-concussion syndrome include:

• recurrent or ongoing headaches
• fatigue
• dizziness
• periods of irritability
• difficulty concentrating
• short-term memory issues
• anxious feelings
• ringing sensation in your ears
• difficulty sleeping
• sensitivity to sound and light
• blurred vision
• sensory disturbances like a lessened sense of smell and taste

A variety of treatment options, including home treatments and medical care, can help relieve symptoms of a prolonged headache.

Rebound headaches

Overusing OTC pain medications can actually cause headaches. These headaches are known as rebound or medication overuse headaches.

If you’re experiencing ongoing rebound headaches, you can start addressing your symptoms at home by reducing the amount of OTC medications you take.

You shouldn’t take medicine for pain for more than 15 days out of every month, and prescription pain medications shouldn’t be used for more than 10 days out of every month.

Your doctor or pharmacist can guide you regarding medication ingredients and potential side effects.

If you continue to experience chronic headache pain, your doctor may be able to help. Make an appointment to speak with them about preventative medicines.

Ask your healthcare professional for alternative treatment options for headaches and migraine, like antidepressants for headaches caused by chronic tension.

Waiting until your headache starts could keep you in a cycle of OTC treatment, so prevention is key.

Migraine

To address your migraine symptoms at home consider building a predictable schedule that minimizes stress and keeps you in a routine. Focus on adhering to regular mealtimes and a solid sleep schedule.

Exercise can help prevent migraine attacks, but be sure to warm up slowly before diving right in, as too much strenuous exercise can cause a headache.

Prescriptions containing estrogen, like the birth control pill, could also contribute to your migraine. You might need to speak with your doctor about stopping or changing those medications.

Your doctor may prescribe medications specifically for migraine that can prevent the headaches from occurring. They may also prescribe pain medications that are stronger than OTC options to stop your symptoms once they’ve begun.

Anti-nausea medication or corticosteroid treatments are sometimes prescribed by physicians for migraine symptoms as well.

Headaches related to stress or mood disorders

Work to reduce stress and promote relaxation in your environment. Self-massage or massage therapy may help ease the tension that causes ongoing headaches. You may also benefit from reducing stimuli and resting in a dark, quiet room.

Your doctor can help you address your stress, anxiety, or mood disorder through a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.

Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications that can help relieve the tension and stress causing your prolonged headaches. Some medications for anxiety also work to reduce the number or intensity of headaches.

Cervicogenic headaches

Because cervicogenic headaches can be caused by injuries or issues in the neck, the underlying cause must be addressed to relieve your headache. Your doctor will examine you to rule out other types of headaches arising from other sources, like tension headaches.

Once the cause of pain is identified, your doctor may prescribe pain medication or nerve blocks to manage pain. They may also recommend physical therapy or a therapeutic exercise routine for pain management.

Concussions and other head injuries

While post-concussion syndrome does not have a specific treatment regimen, your doctor will work with you to address your specific symptoms. You can also take comfort measures at home to reduce your pain, like resting and limiting stimuli when you’re hurting.

Your doctor might advise you to take OTC medication for mild pain, or they may prescribe stronger pain management medication for headaches.

However, remember that overuse of pain medication can contribute to rebound headaches. So discuss with your doctor if you feel you’re taking too much.

Unexplained or general headaches

For unexplained, ongoing headaches, you may be able to manage or ease your symptoms at home through comfort measures, rest, and responsible use of medication.

Massage therapy can ease muscle tension that contributes to headaches, or you can perform self-massage techniques at home.

Managing your stress can help reduce your pain. Also, consider reducing the intensity of your exercise schedule or focusing on your form while exercising.

If your headache continues to persist, see your doctor. You may have an underlying condition that they can diagnose. With proper treatment, you’ll be able to address your persistent headache pain and return to your normal quality of life.

You may be able to prevent persistent headaches before they begin by taking a few steps every day. These include:

• drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• exercising regularly
• avoiding environmental triggers
• getting needed support for your mental health
• seeking hormonal support, particularly if you’re premenopausal or experiencing menopause
• reducing stress

Headaches that won’t go away are alarming, but they usually aren’t serious. It’s important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

With the appropriate diagnosis and the right approach to treatment, you can get relief from your persistent headache and return to your usual quality of life.

What to Do If a Headache Won’t Go Away

A long lasting headache that persists for days can be a symptom of a neurological condition, such as migraine, a headache disorder, or an injury. You may need medical care, especially if you have other symptoms.

Everyone experiences a headache from time to time. It’s even possible to have a headache that lasts for more than one day. There are many reasons why a headache can last a while, from hormonal changes to more serious underlying conditions.

While it can be alarming for a headache to last a long time — so long that you may not be able to sleep it off — most headaches aren’t life threatening. But it’s no fun when a lingering headache affects your ability to do the things you enjoy.

Let’s take a look at what can cause these headaches and how you can get relief.

If you’ve been experiencing the same headache for more than one day, it’s possible that you could have a more serious underlying condition that requires emergency medical care. Seek medical attention right away if you’re experiencing:

• a severe headache that began abruptly (within a few seconds)
• a migraine that has lasted several days, or even weeks
• any new symptoms you haven’t previously experienced along with the headache (disorientation, loss of vision or vision changes, fatigue, or fever)
• kidney, heart, or liver disease with a headache
• a severe or ongoing headache in pregnancy, which could indicate complications like preeclampsia
• HIV or another immune system disorder along with a headache
• headache associated with fever and stiff neck

There are multiple conditions that can cause a persistent headache that lasts for more than a day. Some of those include:

Rebound headaches

Regularly taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication for your headaches can actually cause your head to hurt between doses. While this type of headache often doesn’t hang around, it can recur over the course of a day or more.

Migraine

Migraine can be a severe type of headache that can last for days, or even weeks, at a time. They start with a feeling of general illness that takes hold one or two days before the headache begins. Some people experience aura, or bright, flashing vision changes before the pain begins.

Then, there’s the headache itself, with symptoms that may include:

• throbbing pain on either side (or both sides) of your head
• pain behind your eyes
• nausea
• vomiting
• light and sound sensitivity
• sensitivity to odors and fragrances

After your migraine lifts, you may experience a hangover-like feeling of fatigue and exhaustion.

Headaches related to stress or mood disorders

Anxiety, stress, and mood disorders can trigger headaches that linger for more than a day. Specifically, those with panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder tend to experience prolonged headaches more often than those without.

Cervicogenic headaches

Sometimes your headaches actually aren’t coming from your head at all. They’re coming from your neck.

In cervicogenic headaches, pain is referred to your head from an area in your neck. You may not even realize where it’s originating from. And if the underlying cause — the problem in your neck — isn’t treated, your headache won’t go away.

Cervicogenic headaches can be caused by injuries, arthritis, bone fractures, tumors, or infection. Your posture or falling asleep in an awkward position could cause a cervicogenic headache. It’s also possible that disc-related wear can also cause these types of headaches.

Concussions and other head injuries

If you’ve recently experienced a concussion or similar head injury, you could be dealing with an ongoing headache. This is called post-concussion syndrome, and it’s a mild injury to your brain caused by the initial trauma. It can last for months after a concussion — possibly up to a year.

Symptoms of post-concussion syndrome include:

• recurrent or ongoing headaches
• fatigue
• dizziness
• periods of irritability
• difficulty concentrating
• short-term memory issues
• anxious feelings
• ringing sensation in your ears
• difficulty sleeping
• sensitivity to sound and light
• blurred vision
• sensory disturbances like a lessened sense of smell and taste

A variety of treatment options, including home treatments and medical care, can help relieve symptoms of a prolonged headache.

Rebound headaches

Overusing OTC pain medications can actually cause headaches. These headaches are known as rebound or medication overuse headaches.

If you’re experiencing ongoing rebound headaches, you can start addressing your symptoms at home by reducing the amount of OTC medications you take.

You shouldn’t take medicine for pain for more than 15 days out of every month, and prescription pain medications shouldn’t be used for more than 10 days out of every month.

Your doctor or pharmacist can guide you regarding medication ingredients and potential side effects.

If you continue to experience chronic headache pain, your doctor may be able to help. Make an appointment to speak with them about preventative medicines.

Ask your healthcare professional for alternative treatment options for headaches and migraine, like antidepressants for headaches caused by chronic tension.

Waiting until your headache starts could keep you in a cycle of OTC treatment, so prevention is key.

Migraine

To address your migraine symptoms at home consider building a predictable schedule that minimizes stress and keeps you in a routine. Focus on adhering to regular mealtimes and a solid sleep schedule.

Exercise can help prevent migraine attacks, but be sure to warm up slowly before diving right in, as too much strenuous exercise can cause a headache.

Prescriptions containing estrogen, like the birth control pill, could also contribute to your migraine. You might need to speak with your doctor about stopping or changing those medications.

Your doctor may prescribe medications specifically for migraine that can prevent the headaches from occurring. They may also prescribe pain medications that are stronger than OTC options to stop your symptoms once they’ve begun.

Anti-nausea medication or corticosteroid treatments are sometimes prescribed by physicians for migraine symptoms as well.

Headaches related to stress or mood disorders

Work to reduce stress and promote relaxation in your environment. Self-massage or massage therapy may help ease the tension that causes ongoing headaches. You may also benefit from reducing stimuli and resting in a dark, quiet room.

Your doctor can help you address your stress, anxiety, or mood disorder through a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.

Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications that can help relieve the tension and stress causing your prolonged headaches. Some medications for anxiety also work to reduce the number or intensity of headaches.

Cervicogenic headaches

Because cervicogenic headaches can be caused by injuries or issues in the neck, the underlying cause must be addressed to relieve your headache. Your doctor will examine you to rule out other types of headaches arising from other sources, like tension headaches.

Once the cause of pain is identified, your doctor may prescribe pain medication or nerve blocks to manage pain. They may also recommend physical therapy or a therapeutic exercise routine for pain management.

Concussions and other head injuries

While post-concussion syndrome does not have a specific treatment regimen, your doctor will work with you to address your specific symptoms. You can also take comfort measures at home to reduce your pain, like resting and limiting stimuli when you’re hurting.

Your doctor might advise you to take OTC medication for mild pain, or they may prescribe stronger pain management medication for headaches.

However, remember that overuse of pain medication can contribute to rebound headaches. So discuss with your doctor if you feel you’re taking too much.

Unexplained or general headaches

For unexplained, ongoing headaches, you may be able to manage or ease your symptoms at home through comfort measures, rest, and responsible use of medication.

Massage therapy can ease muscle tension that contributes to headaches, or you can perform self-massage techniques at home.

Managing your stress can help reduce your pain. Also, consider reducing the intensity of your exercise schedule or focusing on your form while exercising.

If your headache continues to persist, see your doctor. You may have an underlying condition that they can diagnose. With proper treatment, you’ll be able to address your persistent headache pain and return to your normal quality of life.

You may be able to prevent persistent headaches before they begin by taking a few steps every day. These include:

• drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• exercising regularly
• avoiding environmental triggers
• getting needed support for your mental health
• seeking hormonal support, particularly if you’re premenopausal or experiencing menopause
• reducing stress

Headaches that won’t go away are alarming, but they usually aren’t serious. It’s important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

With the appropriate diagnosis and the right approach to treatment, you can get relief from your persistent headache and return to your usual quality of life.

Treatment of chronic daily headache – causes, cost, appointment in St. Petersburg [MEDICA]

What is chronic daily headache?

Chronic daily headache (CDH) is not a diagnosis. This is a term that includes headaches that occur 15 or more days a month for more than 3 months.

What are the types of chronic daily headache?

There are several types of HEGB and they differ in cause. The most common are chronic tension-type headache and headache associated with excessive use of drugs (painkillers) drugs (overuse headache). If you would like more information, there is an information leaflet on tension headache. Abusive headache can develop from migraine and tension headache.

Who gets HEGB?

Oddly enough, this condition is very common. Approximately one patient out of 20 develops this problem at some time in their life. HEGB is more common in women than in men; it can also develop in children.

What are the symptoms of CEHD?

The main manifestation is very frequent headaches. The pain can have different intensity, its character is usually dull. In addition to pain, there is often a feeling of fatigue, lightheadedness, irritability, and sleep disturbances. Sometimes a headache can be unbearable, although its severity may vary throughout the day. The intensity of the headache associated with excessive use of drugs, as a rule, is greatest in the morning.

Can HEGB pass?

Treatment for CEHD depends on the diagnosis and its cause. The selection of the right therapy is very important, so a doctor’s supervision is necessary.

In all types of CEHD, pain medications and anti-migraine drugs can provide temporary relief, but in many cases the effect is only partial and passes quickly. Such treatment may worsen the condition.

If the headache is already provoked by excessive intake of painkillers, then these drugs should be discontinued. Discontinuation of the “guilty” drug helps to reduce the frequency of headaches.

Do you need additional examinations?

Regardless of the cause of chronic daily headache at present, there are no tests that confirm this diagnosis. Diagnosis is based on your description of the characteristics of the headache and accompanying symptoms, and the absence of any abnormalities on physical examination is mandatory. Try to describe your headache to the doctor in as much detail as possible. It is very important to let your doctor know how often and how much you are taking painkillers or other medications for your headache.

Most likely, your doctor will tell you that you have nothing serious, that you just have a chronic daily headache. If the nature of your pain suddenly changes, or if the doctor is in doubt about the correctness of the diagnosis, he may prescribe additional tests for you, including neuroimaging (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging), to rule out other causes of headache. As a rule, this is not often necessary. If the doctor has not ordered additional studies, this means that he is confident in the diagnosis and conducting examinations will in no way facilitate the appointment of treatment.

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What is overuse headache (overuse headache)?

Any medication you take for headaches can cause overuse headache if taken very often over a long period of time. Aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen, codeine – virtually all overused analgesics can lead to this problem. However, it can be not only analgesics. Drugs intended for the specific treatment of a migraine attack, if abused, can also cause overuse headache. These drugs include triptans and, to a greater extent, ergotamine.

Similar headaches (although not exactly drug-induced headaches) can result from excessive caffeine intake. Usually caffeine enters the body with coffee, tea or cola, but it can also be contained in headache pills (combined analgesics).

The mechanism of development of drug-induced headache is not fully understood and may vary depending on the drug that caused this headache. Triptans or ergotamine preparations can cause withdrawal headaches: the pain returns after the drug wears off. It is assumed that analgesics cause changes in the brain systems that conduct pain impulses over time. Thus, drugs are beginning to be used to treat abuse headaches, and you need more and more pain pills.

For most people with episodic headaches, analgesics are safe and effective. However, drug-induced headache can develop in anyone who takes analgesics more than 3 days a week. Patients with overbusy headache usually have tension headache or, more commonly, migraine at the onset. For various reasons, headache attacks are becoming more and more frequent. This may be the natural course of the disease or due to the addition of another type of headache, possibly associated with stress or muscle tension. An increase in the frequency of pain attacks leads to an increase in medication to reduce existing symptoms, which, in the end, leads to daily and repeated use of drugs.

Many people who find themselves in this situation are aware that they are abusing drugs and try to stop them. This leads to the development of a withdrawal syndrome and an increase in headache, which again requires the use of an analgesic. It is easy to guess that there is a vicious circle that is very difficult to break. It’s not how much medication you take that matters: if you only use a full dose of an analgesic 1-2 days a week, you’re unlikely to develop an overuse headache. But if you take only 2 tablets of an analgesic, but most of the time, then the likelihood of developing a drug-induced headache will increase significantly. Thus, the problem is the frequent use of drugs for a long time.

What can you do to help yourself?

The only way to get rid of a drug-induced headache is to stop the drug that caused the addiction; clinical studies have shown that the abolition of the “guilty” drug significantly improves well-being. However, it may take up to three months for you to feel the final improvement. Even if the headaches persist despite discontinuation of the drug, they become milder and more responsive to the right treatment.

You can stop the drug at once, or do it gradually, reducing the dose over 2-3 weeks. Whichever route you choose, drink plenty of fluids during this time (but avoid caffeinated drinks). If you stop the drug at the same time, read for sure, you will experience withdrawal symptoms: increased headache, nausea, possibly vomiting, anxiety, sleep disturbances. These symptoms occur within 48 hours of withdrawal and persist for a maximum of two weeks. However, patients who attempt to slowly withdraw the drug are more likely to experience failure, possibly because it takes longer.

When deciding to stop a drug, do not do it before important events. Warn co-workers that you may not be at work for several days.

What happens if you leave everything as it is?

If the abuse of analgesics is the cause of your headache, then letting things take their course is not the way out. You will develop more frequent headaches that will no longer be relieved by analgesics and will not respond to preventive treatment. Over time, you can harm your body, such as damage your liver or kidneys.

What other treatments are available?

Your doctor may prescribe certain medications for you to take every day that will help you stop taking painkillers. But these drugs will only work if you stop taking all pain medications.

Can you be sure that the headache will never come back?

Drug-induced headache significantly alters the course of the primary headache (migraine or tension-type headache) for which you started taking pain medication. This means that after your abuse headache subsides after stopping the “guilty” drug, you will return to your original type of headache again. There are separate leaflets containing information about migraine and tension headache.

If necessary, you can cautiously resume taking pain medication as soon as the headache becomes better, but not earlier than after a few weeks.

Be careful as there is a risk of developing the same condition again. To prevent this from happening, avoid taking painkillers more than three days in a row or on a regular basis more than three times a week. Do not forget to read the information on the packaging of the medicine and the instructions for using the drug.

If the headache does not go away, or comes back again, do not take medication on your own without consulting a doctor.

Headache diary

Keeping a diary will help gather important information about your headache: how often your head hurts, when it occurs and how long the headache lasts, and what symptoms accompany it. This information is very valuable for making a correct diagnosis, identifying factors that provoke headaches and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment.

For people at high risk of developing drug-induced headache, keeping a diary is especially important, as it allows you to get an idea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe frequency and amount of medications.

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diagnosis, causes and symptoms.

Are you suffering from headaches more often? Enough tolerating this!

According to statistics, more than 80% of the population of our planet periodically experience a headache. The prevalence of this condition in many has formed the belief that treatment is not necessary. But if you do not pay attention to discomfort and do not look for the causes of persistent headaches, you can miss the beginning of the development of serious ailments. Judging by the data of medical research, frequent headaches in many cases lead to a noticeable decrease in the quality of life and performance of patients, aggravating the course of various diseases.

A headache can manifest itself in a very diverse way – be persistent and strong or, on the contrary, weak, cover some specific zones or the entire “territory” of the head. It is important to understand that frequent headaches of any intensity require attention and treatment.

Classification of frequent headaches and their causes

The most common types of persistent headaches include:

• vascular headache caused by spasm or vasodilation, lack of venous tone, lack of oxygen. The most common example of such pain is migraine, which can last for several days;
• muscle tension headache which occurs due to muscle overexertion or pathology of the cervical spine;
• headache due to too high or low intracranial pressure;
• neuralgic headache occurs when the nerves are irritated by any pathological processes;
• psychogenic frequent headaches and dizziness develop as a result of the effects of stress and depression, which a person prefers not to treat, but to wait until it “passes by itself”;
• Mixed headache may occur with a combination of the above types.

Headache can also manifest itself in full force against the background of various diseases, including infectious ones. Who has not experienced SARS or the flu when the head hurts against the background of fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat and other similar symptoms?

The causes of persistent headache can only be established by an experienced doctor.

Remember that persistent headaches require treatment as soon as possible, because they can be harbingers of serious diseases such as stroke, brain tumors and others.

Do you suffer from headaches every day and want to know the reasons? Contact the doctors of the International Medical Center ON CLINIC. Our doors are open for you at any time on any day of the week!

Symptoms of frequent headaches

Depending on the reasons that led to the appearance of discomfort, headaches can be as follows:

• throbbing, pounding in the temples, aching, covering one side of the head or both at once, with nausea and vomiting, with weakness and general deterioration of well-being;
• dotted, strongly pronounced, occurring periodically;
• covering the front of the head (they occur most often with allergies, runny nose and complications). Leaning forward makes the pain worse.

The whole palette of headache symptoms cannot be accurately classified, because any disease of the internal organs can lead to the appearance of a certain type of headache, when, for example, periodic pains on one side of the head alternate with point pains, and vice versa.

In order to identify the causes of frequent headaches as soon as possible and undergo an effective course of treatment, please contact the International Medical Center ON CLINIC.

Treatment of frequent headaches in ON CLINIC

Doctors of our clinic treat persistent headaches in three stages:

• getting rid of headache attacks and enabling the patient to lead a normal life, work and rest;
• prevention of recurrence and return of pain;
• treatment of diseases and elimination of conditions that caused headaches.

By trusting our therapists and neurologists, you can be sure that you will be offered the most modern methods of diagnosing and treating chronic headaches. Doctors will select an individual therapy program, taking into account all the previously transferred and currently existing diseases in the patient.

In ON CLINIC, only those methods of treatment are used for treatment, which are time-tested and have helped restore health to thousands of people!

To establish the cause of daily headaches, x-rays, MRI of the head and spine, ultrasound, ECG, daily monitoring of blood pressure, and laboratory tests may be required.

Also, in the process of diagnosis and treatment, the help of such specialists as an otorhinolaryngologist, cardiologist, psychotherapist, physiotherapist, massage therapist, and even a dentist and maxillofacial surgeon may be required – frequent headaches can be directly related to dental problems.

ON CLINIC is a multidisciplinary medical center. Therefore, all the necessary specialists will be involved in the process of your treatment, who will deal with a comprehensive solution to your problem.