How long can a headache persist. What are the common causes of prolonged headaches. When should you seek medical attention for a lingering headache. What are the treatment options for persistent headaches. How can you prevent long-lasting headaches.

Understanding Persistent Headaches: Duration and Causes

Headaches are a common ailment that most people experience at some point in their lives. While many headaches resolve quickly, some can persist for extended periods, causing discomfort and disrupting daily activities. Understanding the potential causes and duration of headaches is crucial for proper management and treatment.

So, how long can a headache last? The duration of a headache can vary significantly depending on its type and underlying cause. Some headaches may last for a few hours, while others can persist for days or even weeks. Let’s explore the various factors that can contribute to prolonged headaches and when you should be concerned.

Common Types of Persistent Headaches

• Migraines
• Tension headaches
• Cluster headaches
• Cervicogenic headaches
• Rebound headaches

Each of these headache types can have different durations and characteristics. For instance, migraines can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours, while tension headaches may persist for several days. Understanding the specific type of headache you’re experiencing can help guide appropriate treatment strategies.

Recognizing Warning Signs: When to Seek Medical Attention

While most headaches are not life-threatening, there are instances where a persistent headache may indicate a more serious underlying condition. It’s essential to recognize the warning signs that warrant immediate medical attention.

When should you seek medical help for a lingering headache? Consider seeking medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• A sudden, severe headache that develops within seconds
• A headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, and confusion
• Persistent headache following a head injury
• Headache with neurological symptoms such as vision changes, weakness, or numbness
• Chronic headaches that worsen over time
• Headaches that don’t respond to over-the-counter medications

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional promptly to rule out serious conditions such as meningitis, brain tumors, or intracranial pressure issues.

Migraines: A Common Cause of Long-Lasting Headaches

Migraines are a prevalent type of headache that can persist for extended periods. These intense headaches often come with additional symptoms that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

What characterizes a migraine headache? Migraines typically involve:

• Throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Nausea and vomiting
• Visual disturbances (aura) in some cases
• Fatigue and mood changes before or after the headache

Migraines can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours if left untreated. Some individuals may experience migraine attacks that persist for several days, known as status migrainosus. This condition often requires medical intervention to break the cycle of pain.

Migraine Triggers and Prevention

Identifying and avoiding migraine triggers can help reduce the frequency and duration of attacks. Common triggers include:

1. Stress
2. Hormonal changes
3. Certain foods and beverages
4. Changes in sleep patterns
5. Environmental factors like bright lights or strong odors

Keeping a headache diary can help you identify your personal triggers and work with your healthcare provider to develop an effective prevention strategy.

The Impact of Stress and Mood Disorders on Headache Duration

Stress and mood disorders can significantly influence the duration and intensity of headaches. Anxiety, depression, and chronic stress can all contribute to persistent headaches that may last for days or even weeks.

How do stress and mood disorders affect headaches? These conditions can:

• Increase muscle tension, leading to tension headaches
• Alter pain perception, making headaches feel more intense
• Disrupt sleep patterns, which can trigger or exacerbate headaches
• Lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms that may worsen headaches

Managing stress and addressing underlying mood disorders is crucial for reducing the frequency and duration of headaches. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and regular exercise can be beneficial in managing stress-related headaches.

Cervicogenic Headaches: When Your Neck Is the Culprit

Cervicogenic headaches are a type of secondary headache that originates from issues in the neck. These headaches can be persistent and may not respond to typical headache treatments if the underlying neck problem is not addressed.

What causes cervicogenic headaches? Common causes include:

• Neck injuries or whiplash
• Arthritis in the upper cervical spine
• Poor posture
• Occupational strain (e.g., prolonged computer use)
• Cervical disc degeneration

Cervicogenic headaches often present with pain that starts in the neck and radiates to the head. They may be accompanied by reduced neck mobility and tenderness in the neck muscles. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying neck issue through physical therapy, chiropractic care, or in some cases, medical interventions.

Rebound Headaches: The Paradox of Pain Medication Overuse

Ironically, the overuse of pain medications intended to relieve headaches can lead to a condition known as rebound headaches or medication overuse headaches. This paradoxical effect can result in chronic daily headaches that persist for extended periods.

How do rebound headaches develop? They typically occur when:

• Pain medications are used more than 15 days per month for over three months
• The body becomes dependent on the medication for pain relief
• Withdrawal symptoms occur between doses, triggering new headaches

Breaking the cycle of rebound headaches often requires gradually reducing medication use under medical supervision. This process can be challenging and may temporarily worsen headaches before improvement occurs. Alternative pain management strategies and preventive treatments are usually implemented to support this transition.

Treatment Approaches for Persistent Headaches

Managing long-lasting headaches often requires a multifaceted approach tailored to the specific type of headache and its underlying causes. Treatment strategies may include:

1. Medication management: Using appropriate acute and preventive medications as prescribed by a healthcare provider
2. Lifestyle modifications: Addressing triggers such as sleep patterns, diet, and stress
3. Physical therapy: Especially beneficial for cervicogenic headaches and tension-type headaches
4. Stress reduction techniques: Including mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation exercises
5. Complementary therapies: Such as acupuncture or massage, which may provide relief for some individuals
6. Cognitive-behavioral therapy: To address psychological factors contributing to chronic headaches
7. Botox injections: For chronic migraine prevention in eligible patients

It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop an individualized treatment plan. This may involve trying different approaches and combinations of treatments to find the most effective strategy for managing persistent headaches.

Emerging Treatments for Chronic Headaches

Research in headache management continues to evolve, with new treatments emerging that show promise for individuals with persistent headaches. Some innovative approaches include:

• Neuromodulation devices: Non-invasive devices that stimulate specific nerves to reduce headache pain
• CGRP antagonists: A new class of medications specifically designed for migraine prevention
• Biofeedback techniques: Teaching patients to control certain bodily processes to reduce headache frequency and intensity
• Precision medicine approaches: Tailoring treatments based on genetic and biomarker profiles

While these treatments may not be suitable for everyone, they represent exciting developments in the field of headache management and offer hope for those struggling with chronic headaches.

Preventing Long-Lasting Headaches: Strategies for Headache Management

Prevention is key when it comes to managing persistent headaches. By implementing certain lifestyle changes and adopting preventive strategies, you may be able to reduce the frequency and duration of your headaches.

What are some effective ways to prevent long-lasting headaches? Consider the following strategies:

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
• Stay hydrated and eat regular, balanced meals
• Exercise regularly to reduce stress and improve overall health
• Practice good posture, especially if you spend long hours at a desk
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
• Avoid known triggers, which may vary from person to person
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or counseling
• Use medications as directed and avoid overuse

Remember that prevention strategies may need to be personalized based on your specific headache type and triggers. Working with a healthcare provider can help you develop an effective prevention plan tailored to your needs.

The Role of Diet in Headache Prevention

Diet can play a significant role in triggering or preventing headaches for many individuals. While dietary triggers can vary widely, some common culprits include:

1. Aged cheeses
2. Processed meats containing nitrates
3. Artificial sweeteners
4. Foods high in MSG
5. Chocolate
6. Red wine and other alcoholic beverages

Keeping a food diary can help you identify potential dietary triggers. Additionally, some people find that certain diets, such as a low-glycemic or anti-inflammatory diet, can help reduce headache frequency. Consulting with a registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance on using diet as a tool for headache prevention.

When Headaches Persist: Coping Strategies and Support

Living with chronic or recurrent headaches can be challenging and impact various aspects of life. Developing coping strategies and seeking support are crucial for managing the physical and emotional toll of persistent headaches.

How can you cope with chronic headaches? Consider these strategies:

• Join a support group to connect with others experiencing similar challenges
• Practice self-care and prioritize activities that bring you joy and relaxation
• Communicate openly with family, friends, and employers about your condition
• Explore mindfulness and meditation techniques to manage pain perception
• Consider working with a mental health professional to address any associated anxiety or depression
• Educate yourself about your specific headache type and treatment options
• Advocate for yourself in healthcare settings to ensure your concerns are addressed

Remember that managing persistent headaches is often a journey that requires patience and persistence. Don’t hesitate to seek support from healthcare providers, loved ones, and support groups as you navigate this challenge.

The Impact of Chronic Headaches on Quality of Life

Chronic headaches can significantly impact various aspects of daily life, including:

1. Work productivity and attendance
2. Social relationships and activities
3. Sleep quality
4. Mental health and emotional well-being
5. Physical activities and exercise routines

Recognizing these impacts is important for both individuals with chronic headaches and their support networks. By addressing these challenges head-on and seeking appropriate support, it’s possible to improve quality of life despite persistent headaches.

In conclusion, understanding the various factors that contribute to long-lasting headaches is crucial for effective management and treatment. By recognizing warning signs, identifying triggers, and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals can develop comprehensive strategies to manage persistent headaches and improve their overall quality of life. Remember that headache management is often a process of trial and error, and what works for one person may not work for another. Stay persistent in your efforts to find relief, and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed.

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.

Headache for Days? Try this All-Natural 3-Day Fix

Stop headaches before they start

There are three things we know about headaches:

First, over half of adults have at least one headache per year, according to the World Health Organization.

Second, headaches are often under-diagnosed and under-treated.

And third, it’s pretty hard to find immediate, tried-and-true relief that takes long-term pain away.

If you’re looking for fast relief tips, we have 18 natural remedies. However, if the relief provided is only temporary, you might want to take a closer look at your lifestyle. Headaches can be caused by a whole host of things, including inflammation, sinus infections, or simply genetics.

The trick to holistically curing (almost all) your headaches is to prevent one from happening in the first place.

Recognize the difference between migraines and other headaches

Feeling sensations on one side of the head and experiencing other body symptoms? It could be a migraine. Generally, migraine tips can help headaches, but it might not work the other way around. If you’re experiencing severe migraines, it’s important to talk to your doctor about how to prevent and treat them.

So, if you’re ready to reclaim your day, look no further. Follow this three-day fix to holistically clear headaches from your schedule and stop your next one before it starts.

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Headaches happen when you least expect them. Common headache triggers include the obvious — like stress and too much alcohol — but they can also be caused by dehydration, bad posture, a lack of sleep, or even strong smells or odors.

What and what not to eat

Avoid any foods you suspect you’re allergic or intolerant to. Food intolerances, like gluten or histamine intolerances, can cause headaches.

Sip some herbal tea. Ginger and feverfew both have potential for treating or preventing headaches. Indulging in one of these warm herbal teas might be exactly what you need to find relief.

Stay hydrated. Advice on how much water you should drink per day varies, but aim for eight 8-ounce glasses per day.Dehydration is a common headache trigger, but it’s important not to over-hydrate as well. Carry a reusable water bottle with you to keep hydrated on the go, and make sure you’re staying hydrated during workouts as well.

Start taking vitamin B-2. Vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) might also help prevent headaches, specifically migraines. Research shows that people who took vitamin B-2 experienced fewer headaches per month.

What to do

Try a cold (or hot) compress. Cold therapy can be beneficial for treating migraines, while some — like tension headaches — might respond better to heat. If you don’t prefer one over the other, try alternating between the two.

Discover your triggers. Fixing your headache depends on your trigger, so it’s important to identify them and learn how to cope with them:

• Try taking a 30-minute nap to see if the headache is sleep or stress related.
• Close your eyes to test if the light or eye strain is causing you pain.
• Massage the back of your neck or the bridge of your nose to see if this relieves any headache tension.

Once you find what helps, take a note.

Focus on light exercise. Bad posture is a common headache trigger, so introducing light stretching into your day can help improve your posture, reduce stress, and hopefully lower your headache risk over the long term.

What are headache triggers?

According to the American Migraine Foundation, the most common triggers include changes in sleep patterns, everyday stresses, menstrual periods, and weather and travel changes. You might not be able to avoid weather-related headaches, but being proactive can help you reduce their impact on your daily life.

How to sleep

You’ve heard this before: adults (18–64) typically need seven to nine hours of sleep per night. While it might seem like you do that on average, having an off week can contribute to your headaches.

Practice good sleep hygiene. It’s not just about getting sleep — it’s about getting quality sleep. The National Sleep Foundation suggests cutting out stimulants before bed, establishing a regular bedtime routine, and creating a relaxing environment for sleep.

Support your neck. Early morning headaches may be caused by strained muscles from a poor sleep position. For headaches, sleeping on your back is best — as long as your head is supported properly — while sleeping on your stomach is, unfortunately, not great for neck pain.

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If you are dealing with chronic headaches, it’s time to take your response beyond the basics. First, focus on managing triggers to help eliminate potential headaches before they start. From there, it’s all about doing what helps you feel your best.

What and what not to eat

Don’t drink caffeine. Try to avoid drinking caffeine. Studies suggest that too much caffeine (or the aftermath of caffeine withdrawal) can be a recipe for a nasty headache.

Cut back on junk food, food additives (like MSG), and artificial sweeteners. Certain foods can trigger headaches and migraines, so it’s important limit your intake of these foods, especially if you’re more prone to headaches. A 2016 review concluded that MSG and caffeine withdrawal were the most common headache triggers, but aspartame, gluten, histamine, and alcohol were also potential triggers.

Take magnesium. Magnesium is an essential mineral for our bodies, and one study suggests that having magnesium deficiency can lead to headaches. But too much magnesium also has its side effects, so talk to a doctor before loading up.

Food elimination alternative

If you already eat a fairly healthy food plan and suspect that cutting out junk food won’t work, try the elimination diet. When you aren’t sure what foods might be contributing to your headaches, eliminate any foods you suspect and then slowly reintroduce them one at a time.

What to do

Avoid stressful activities. While light exercise can be beneficial for headaches, strenuous workouts like running or weightlifting can make them worse.

Try using essential oils. Diffusing essential oils can help treat headaches. While different oils have different benefits, both peppermint and lavender essential oil are known for helping reduce headaches. Avoid undiluted oils, as concentrated doses may cause side effects like skin irritation.

Reduce neck pain. Give your neck a little love by stretching out the tightness. Try incorporating these yoga poses for neck pain. You can also pinch the back of your neck and massage gently to ease tension.

How to sleep

Use a rolled-up towel. If you’re holding off on getting a custom pillow just yet, rolling up a towel into a tight cylinder and placing it under your neck can help your muscles relax and relieve tension.

Boost your sleep quality. If you’re struggling to fall asleep, try drinking one of these colorful milk recipes with dessert or before bed. Need more tips to beat insomnia? Try avoiding evening exercise, cut out caffeine earlier in the day, and minimize your screen time.

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If it’s been three days and the pain is still going, there’s more you can do to discover your triggers. There are also steps you can take to rebuild your body’s defense foundation to help prevent or mitigate the next headache.

What and what not to eat

Avoid ice cream. Brain freeze may be connected to chronic headaches, so if you’re treating yourself with frozen foods, try cutting back for a while to see if that makes a difference.

Add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet. When you’re stressed, chronic inflammation can happen — meaning headaches definitely aren’t helping the cycle. That why it’s important to avoid foods that can make inflammation worse. Eat foods like dark, leafy greens and berries. They are both on the “pain-safe” foods list, and they’re also anti-inflammatory foods that can help reduce stress.

Eat small, frequent meals. Skipping meals or eating irregularly can mess with your blood glucose levels. To maintain your glucose levels, eat regularly throughout the day.

What to do

Focus on self-care. Chronic tension headaches may come and go, and they’re often caused by stress.Try booking a massage, acupuncture session, or another relaxing activity.

Practice restful yoga. Research suggests that yoga may help increase the body’s production of melatonin, which regulates sleep. If you need help falling asleep, try incorporating some of these yoga poses for insomnia.

How to sleep

Try a neck support pillow. Third day and counting with head pain? It might be time to invest in a new pillow. A small study discovered that orthopedic pillows improved sleep slightly better than standard pillows, but the important thing is to find a pillow that keeps your neck elevated.

Don’t forget to practice good sleep habits. Take sleep hygiene a step further by removing electronics in the bedroom. The National Sleep Foundation recommends avoiding screen time an hour before bed as well as trying to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day (even on weekends).

For many of us, headaches may seem inevitable, but that doesn’t mean we should let them become debilitating.

Even small changes — like making sure to wake up at the same time every day — could potentially have a major impact on whether or not you continue to suffer from chronic headaches. And remember, migraines are not the same as headaches, if they are preventing you from

And, in the end, what’s important is that you find the perfect headache relief and prevention strategies that work for you.

Jandra Sutton is a novelist, writer, and social media enthusiast. She’s passionate about helping people live happy, healthy, and creative lives. In her spare time, she enjoys lifting weights, reading, and anything related to ice cream. Pluto will always be a planet in her heart. You can follow her on Twitterand Instagram.

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 carefully resume taking pain medication as soon as the nature of the headache becomes the same, 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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Tension headache – prices for treatment in Moscow, symptoms and appointments

Tension headache (tension type) is the most common type of headache. Tension-type headache (THT) is characterized as pain or discomfort in any part of the head, and is usually associated with muscle tightness in those areas. It is believed that over 20 percent of the population suffers from TTH, with women suffering more frequently. This type of headache can occur at any age but usually occurs in adults and older adolescents.

Attacks of pain may occur intermittently (<15 days per month) or chronically (>15 days). Episodic TTH is mild/moderate, constant/intermittent, and may feel like pressure. This pain lasts from 30 minutes to several days. Episodic headaches tend to come on gradually and are more common in the middle of the day.

Why tension-type headache is dangerous

Overuse of painkillers to treat TTH can cause daily worsening chronic headaches. They usually start early in the morning and are accompanied by poor appetite, nausea, anxiety, irritability, concentration problems, and depression. Chronic daily headache is often resistant to painkillers. It can vary in intensity, duration, and location, and symptoms are sometimes more pronounced than with episodic TTH. In chronic tension-type headache, consultation and examination with a neurologist and other specialists is recommended.

Tension headache symptoms

Patients often describe the pain as a tight band around the head or pressure from above. Sensations sometimes extend to the muscles of the neck, shoulder.

Main characteristics of tension headache:

• dull, pressing;
• dense, compressive vise;
• covering the entire head;
• affecting temples, back of neck, shoulders;
• sore scalp.

HDN does not cause nausea/vomiting, but may cause difficulty falling asleep. People with tension headaches try to relieve the condition by massaging the scalp and lower neck.

Causes of tension headache

No specific cause has been identified for tension headache. In some people, it is associated with muscle spasm in the back of the neck.

The most common factors (triggers) causing TTH include:

• anxiety, emotional stress, depression;
• poor posture;
• lack of sleep;
• physical exhaustion;
• head injury;
• drinking alcohol;
• too much caffeine;
• colds, flu, sinusitis;
• dental problems, eg teeth grinding, clenching of jaws;
• smoking;
• fatigue or overexertion.

Any activity in which the head is in one position for a long time can cause pain. Typing or other computer activities, fine manual work (jewelers, dental technicians, radio technicians, etc.), prolonged use of a microscope are triggers for TTH. Sleeping in a room that is too cold or having the neck in an abnormal position during sleep can also cause tension headaches.

Treatment of tension headache

Obviously, the best treatment is to eliminate the cause of tension headache, which only a doctor can determine. Self-administration of pain medication (more than twice a week) increases the risk of chronic daily headache. Uncontrolled intake of paracetamol is fraught with complications on the liver. High doses of ibuprofen and aspirin cause stomach irritation. A doctor must prescribe therapy. The key point is an individual approach to each situation. The neurologist will select the right treatment: relaxation techniques, massage, cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture, prescribe antidepressants if necessary, give recommendations on changing the daily routine and lifestyle, and refer you for a consultation with a psychotherapist.