What are the common types of headaches that can last for days. How can you identify the cause of a persistent headache. What treatments are available for prolonged headaches. When should you seek medical attention for a headache lasting multiple days.

Understanding Persistent Headaches: Types and Characteristics

Headaches that last for several days can be concerning and disruptive to daily life. Understanding the different types of headaches and their characteristics is crucial for proper management and treatment. Let’s explore some of the most common types of headaches that may persist for extended periods:

Tension Headaches: The Most Common Culprit

Tension headaches are the most prevalent type among adults and teenagers. They typically cause mild to moderate pain and can come and go over time. These headaches are characterized by:

• A dull, aching sensation
• Pressure or tightness around the forehead, sides, or back of the head
• Tenderness in the scalp, neck, and shoulder muscles

Why do tension headaches often last for multiple days? Tension headaches can be triggered by stress, poor posture, or muscle strain, and may persist if these underlying factors are not addressed. Chronic tension headaches can occur for 15 or more days per month, lasting for hours or even days at a time.

Migraines: Intense and Prolonged Pain

Migraine headaches are known for their intensity and duration, often lasting between 4 hours to 3 days. They typically occur one to four times a month and are characterized by:

• Pounding or throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head
• Sensitivity to light, noise, or smells
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Visual disturbances (aura) in some cases

Can migraines really last for three days or more? Yes, some individuals experience prolonged migraine attacks, known as status migrainosus, which can persist for more than 72 hours. These extended migraines may require medical intervention to break the cycle of pain.

Chronic Daily Headaches: When Pain Becomes a Constant Companion

Chronic daily headaches occur 15 days or more per month for longer than three months. They can be further classified into several subtypes:

1. Chronic migraine
2. Chronic tension headache
3. New daily persistent headache
4. Hemicrania continua

Why do some people experience headaches almost every day? Chronic daily headaches can result from various factors, including medication overuse, underlying medical conditions, or changes in brain chemistry. Identifying the specific type and cause is crucial for effective management.

Unraveling the Causes of Prolonged Headaches

Understanding the underlying causes of persistent headaches is essential for proper treatment and prevention. Let’s explore some common factors that may contribute to headaches lasting for three days or more:

Stress and Tension: The Silent Culprits

Prolonged stress can lead to muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and scalp, triggering tension headaches that may persist for days. Chronic stress can also exacerbate migraines and other headache types.

How does stress contribute to long-lasting headaches? Stress triggers the release of cortisol and other hormones, which can increase muscle tension and affect pain perception. Additionally, stress often leads to poor sleep and irregular eating habits, further contributing to headache persistence.

Hormonal Fluctuations: The Role of Estrogen and Progesterone

Hormonal changes, particularly in women, can trigger and prolong headaches. Menstrual migraines, for instance, may occur before, during, or after menstruation and can last for several days. Other hormonal triggers include:

• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Birth control pills
• Hormone replacement therapy

Why do hormonal changes cause such persistent headaches? Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels can affect blood vessels and pain receptors in the brain, leading to longer-lasting headaches in some individuals.

Medication Overuse: When the Cure Becomes the Cause

Ironically, overuse of pain medications intended to treat headaches can lead to rebound headaches, also known as medication overuse headaches. These can persist for days and become chronic if not addressed.

How does medication overuse contribute to prolonged headaches? Regular use of pain relievers, especially for more than 10-15 days per month, can lead to increased headache frequency and intensity. As the medication wears off, withdrawal symptoms may trigger new headaches, creating a vicious cycle.

Recognizing Symptoms: When to Be Concerned About a Persistent Headache

While many headaches are benign, certain symptoms accompanying a headache lasting for three days or more may indicate a more serious condition. Be aware of the following red flags:

• Sudden, severe headache often described as a “thunderclap”
• Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, or rash
• Changes in vision, speech, or balance
• Confusion or altered mental state
• Headache following a head injury
• New onset of headaches in individuals over 50 years old

When should you seek immediate medical attention for a persistent headache? If you experience any of the above symptoms or if your headache is significantly different from your usual pattern, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Diagnosing the Cause: Tools and Techniques for Identifying Persistent Headaches

Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment of prolonged headaches. Healthcare providers may use various methods to determine the cause and type of your headache:

Headache Diaries: Tracking Patterns and Triggers

Keeping a detailed headache diary can provide valuable insights into the frequency, duration, and potential triggers of your headaches. Record information such as:

• When the headache starts and ends
• Pain intensity and location
• Associated symptoms
• Potential triggers (food, activities, stress)
• Medications taken and their effectiveness

How can a headache diary help in diagnosing persistent headaches? By identifying patterns and potential triggers, a headache diary can assist healthcare providers in determining the type of headache and developing an appropriate treatment plan.

Physical Examination and Neurological Tests

A thorough physical examination, including a neurological assessment, can help rule out underlying conditions and provide clues about the headache type. The healthcare provider may check for:

• Signs of infection or systemic illness
• Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
• Neurological abnormalities
• Blood pressure and other vital signs

Why are neurological tests important in diagnosing persistent headaches? These tests can help identify or rule out serious conditions such as brain tumors, aneurysms, or neurological disorders that may be causing prolonged headaches.

Imaging Studies: When Are They Necessary?

In some cases, imaging studies may be recommended to rule out structural abnormalities or other serious conditions. These may include:

• CT (Computed Tomography) scans
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography)

When are imaging studies typically ordered for persistent headaches? Imaging is usually reserved for cases where there are concerning symptoms, a recent change in headache pattern, or when the clinical presentation suggests a potential underlying condition.

Treatment Approaches: Managing and Preventing Prolonged Headaches

Effective treatment of persistent headaches often involves a multifaceted approach, addressing both immediate pain relief and long-term prevention. Let’s explore various treatment options:

Pharmacological Interventions: Finding the Right Medication

Medications play a crucial role in managing prolonged headaches. The choice of medication depends on the headache type, frequency, and individual factors. Common options include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
• Triptans for migraine relief
• Preventive medications (e.g., beta-blockers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants)
• Anti-inflammatory drugs

How do healthcare providers determine the most appropriate medication for persistent headaches? The choice is based on the headache type, frequency, severity, and the patient’s medical history. It often involves a trial-and-error process to find the most effective option with minimal side effects.

Non-Pharmacological Approaches: Lifestyle Modifications and Alternative Therapies

Many individuals find relief from persistent headaches through non-medication approaches. These may include:

• Stress management techniques (e.g., meditation, deep breathing exercises)
• Regular exercise and physical activity
• Adequate sleep and consistent sleep patterns
• Dietary modifications and trigger avoidance
• Acupuncture or massage therapy
• Biofeedback and relaxation training

Why are non-pharmacological approaches important in managing prolonged headaches? These methods can help address underlying triggers, reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches, and minimize reliance on medications, potentially breaking the cycle of chronic headaches.

Preventive Strategies: Reducing Headache Frequency and Duration

For individuals experiencing frequent or prolonged headaches, preventive strategies are crucial. These may include:

• Daily preventive medications
• Regular exercise routines
• Stress reduction techniques
• Trigger identification and avoidance
• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
• Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet

How effective are preventive strategies in reducing the frequency of prolonged headaches? When implemented consistently, preventive measures can significantly reduce headache frequency and severity in many individuals, improving overall quality of life.

When to Seek Specialized Care: Consulting Headache Specialists

While many headaches can be managed by primary care physicians, some cases may require the expertise of a headache specialist. Consider seeking specialized care if:

• Your headaches are not responding to standard treatments
• You experience frequent or severe headaches that significantly impact your daily life
• You have a complex medical history or multiple health conditions
• Your headache pattern has changed significantly
• You are experiencing side effects from current headache medications

What additional expertise can a headache specialist provide? Headache specialists have in-depth knowledge of various headache disorders and can offer advanced treatment options, including newer medications, nerve blocks, or specialized procedures for headache management.

Living with Persistent Headaches: Coping Strategies and Support

Dealing with prolonged headaches can be challenging, but there are strategies to help you cope and maintain a good quality of life:

Building a Support Network

Having a strong support system is crucial when dealing with chronic headaches. Consider:

• Joining a headache support group
• Communicating openly with family and friends about your condition
• Seeking counseling or therapy to address the emotional impact of chronic pain

How can a support network help in managing persistent headaches? A strong support system can provide emotional comfort, practical assistance, and valuable information sharing, helping you better cope with the challenges of chronic headaches.

Workplace Accommodations and Lifestyle Adjustments

Making adjustments in your work and daily life can help manage headache triggers and symptoms:

• Discuss potential accommodations with your employer (e.g., flexible hours, reduced glare lighting)
• Create a headache-friendly environment at home and work
• Plan activities and responsibilities around your headache patterns
• Practice good sleep hygiene and stress management techniques

Why are lifestyle adjustments important for individuals with persistent headaches? By modifying your environment and habits, you can reduce exposure to triggers, better manage symptoms, and maintain productivity despite headache challenges.

Staying Informed and Advocating for Your Health

Empower yourself by staying informed about your condition and actively participating in your treatment:

• Educate yourself about your specific headache type and treatment options
• Keep detailed records of your symptoms, treatments, and their effectiveness
• Communicate openly with your healthcare providers about your concerns and treatment goals
• Stay updated on new research and treatment developments

How can being an informed patient improve the management of persistent headaches? By actively engaging in your care and staying informed, you can make more informed decisions, better communicate with your healthcare team, and potentially discover new strategies for managing your headaches.

Living with persistent headaches can be challenging, but with the right approach, many individuals find effective ways to manage their symptoms and maintain a fulfilling life. Remember that headache management is often a journey of trial and error, and it’s important to work closely with your healthcare providers to find the most effective strategies for your unique situation. By combining medical treatments with lifestyle modifications and coping strategies, you can take control of your headaches and improve your overall quality of life.

Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on September 14, 2022

• Common Types of Headaches
• Less Common Headaches
• Rare Headaches
• What Causes Headaches?
• Getting a Diagnosis
• How Are Headaches Treated?
• What Happens After I Start Treatment?
• More

Headaches can be more complicated than most people realize. Different kinds can have their own set of symptoms, happen for unique reasons, and need different treatments.

Once you know the type of headache you have, you and your doctor can find the treatment that’s most likely to help and even try to prevent them.

There are over 150 types of headaches, but the most common types include:

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache among adults and teens. They cause mild to moderate pain and come and go over time. They usually have no other symptoms.

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches are often described as pounding, throbbing pain. They can last from 4 hours to 3 days and usually happen one to four times a month. Along with the pain, people have other symptoms, such as sensitivity to light, noise, or smells; nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; and upset stomach or belly pain. When a child has a migraine, they may look pale, feel dizzy, and have blurry vision, fever, and an upset stomach. A small number of children’s migraines include digestive symptoms, like vomiting, that happen about once a month.

Cluster Headaches

These headaches are the most severe. You could have intense burning or piercing pain behind or around one eye. It can be throbbing or constant. The pain can be so bad that most people with cluster headaches can’t sit still and will often pace during an attack. On the side of the pain, the eyelid droops, the eye reddens, pupil gets smaller, or the eye makes tears. The nostril on that side runs or stuffs up.

They’re called cluster headaches because they tend to happen in groups. You might get them one to three times per day during a cluster period, which may last 2 weeks to 3 months. Each headache attack lasts 15 minutes to 3 hours. They can wake you up from sleep. The headaches may disappear completely (your doctor will call this remission) for months or years, only to come back later. Men are three to four times more likely to get them than women.

Chronic Daily Headaches

You have this type of headache 15 days or more a month for longer than 3 months. Some are short. Others last more than 4 hours. It’s usually one of the four types of primary headache:

• Chronic migraine
• Chronic tension headache
• New daily persistent headache
• Hemicrania continua

Sinus Headaches

With sinus headaches, you feel a deep and constant pain in your cheekbones, forehead, or on the bridge of your nose. They happen when cavities in your head, called sinuses, get inflamed. The pain usually comes along with other sinus symptoms, like a runny nose, fullness in the ears, fever, and a swollen face. A true sinus headache results from a sinus infection so the gunk that comes out of your nose will be yellow or green, unlike the clear discharge in cluster or migraine headaches.

Posttraumatic Headaches

Posttraumatic stress headaches usually start 2-3 days after a head injury. You’ll feel:

• A dull ache that gets worse from time to time
• Vertigo
• Lightheadedness
• Trouble concentrating
• Memory problems
• Tiring quickly
• Irritability

Headaches may last for a few months. But if it doesn’t get better within a couple of weeks, call your doctor.

Exercise Headaches

When you’re active, the muscles in your head, neck, and scalp need more blood. Your blood vessels swell to supply them. The result is a pulsing pain on both sides of your head that can last anywhere from 5 minutes to 48 hours. It usually hits while you’re active or just afterward, whether the activity is exercise or sex.

Hemicrania Continua

Hemicrania continua is a chronic, ongoing headache almost always affects the same side of your face and head. Other symptoms include:

• Pain that varies in severity
• Red or teary eyes
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Droopy eyelid
• Contracted iris
• Responds to the pain medication indomethacin
• Worse pain with physical activity
• Worse pain with drinking alcohol

Some people also notice migraine symptoms like:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound

There are two types:

• Chronic: You have daily headaches.
• Remitting: You have headaches for 6 months. They go away for a period of weeks or months and come back.

Hormone Headaches

You can get headaches from shifting hormone levels during your periods, pregnancy, and menopause. The hormone changes from birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy can also trigger headaches. When they happen 2 days before your period or in the first 3 days after it starts, they’re called menstrual migraines.

New Daily Persistent Headaches (NDPH)

These may start suddenly and can go on for 3 months or longer. Many people clearly remember the day their pain began.

Doctors aren’t sure why this type of headache starts. Some people find that it strikes after an infection, flu-like illness, surgery, or stressful event.

The pain tends to be moderate, but for some people, it’s severe. And it’s often hard to treat.

Symptoms can vary widely. Some are like tension headaches. Others share symptoms of migraine, such as nausea or sensitivity to light.

Call your doctor if your headache won’t go away or if it’s severe.

Rebound Headaches

You might also hear these called medication overuse headaches. If you use a prescription or over-the-counter pain reliever more than two or three times a week, or more than 10 days a month, you’re setting yourself up for more pain. When the meds wear off, the pain comes back and you have to take more to stop it. This can cause a dull, constant headache that’s often worse in the morning.

Ice Pick Headaches

These short, stabbing, intense headaches usually only last a few seconds. They might happen a few times a day at most. If you have one, see the doctor. Ice pick headaches can be a condition on their own, or they can be a symptom of something else.

Spinal Headaches

Talk to your doctor if you get a headache after you have a spinal tap, a spinal block, or an epidural. Your doctor might call it a puncture headache because these procedures involve piercing the membrane that surrounds your spinal cord. If spinal fluid leaks through the puncture site, it can cause a headache.

Thunderclap Headaches

People often call this the worst headache of your life. It comes suddenly out of nowhere and peaks quickly. Causes of thunderclap headaches include:

• Blood vessel tear, rupture, or blockage
• Head injury
• Hemorrhagic stroke from a ruptured blood vessel in your brain
• Ischemic stroke from a blocked blood vessel in your brain
• Narrowed blood vessels surrounding the brain
• Inflamed blood vessels
• Blood pressure changes in late pregnancy

Take a sudden new headache seriously. It’s often the only warning sign you get of a serious problem.

The pain you feel during a headache comes from a mix of signals between your brain, blood vessels, and nearby nerves. Specific nerves in your blood vessels and head muscles switch on and send pain signals to your brain. But it isn’t clear how these signals get turned on in the first place.

Common causes of headaches include:

• Illness. This can include infections, colds, and fevers. Headaches are also common with conditions like sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), a throat infection, or an ear infection. In some cases, headaches can result from a blow to the head or, rarely, a sign of a more serious medical problem.
• Stress. Emotional stress and depression as well as alcohol use, skipping meals, changes in sleep patterns, and taking too much medication. Other causes include neck or back strain due to poor posture.
• Your environment, including secondhand tobacco smoke, strong smells from household chemicals or perfumes, allergens, and certain foods. Stress, pollution, noise, lighting, and weather changes are other possible triggers.
• Genetics. Headaches, especially migraine headaches, tend to run in families. Most children and teens (90%) who have migraines have other family members who get them. When both parents have a history of migraines, there is a 70% chance their child will also have them. If only one parent has a history of these headaches, the risk drops to 25%-50%.

Doctors don’t know exactly what causes migraines. One theory suggest that a problem with the electric charge through nerve cells causes a sequence of changes that cause migraines.

Too much physical activity can also trigger a migraine in adults.

Once you get your headaches diagnosed correctly, you can start the right treatment plan for your symptoms.

The first step is to talk to your doctor about your headaches. They’ll give you a physical exam and ask you about the symptoms you have and how often they happen. It’s important to be as complete as possible with these descriptions. Give your doctor a list of things that cause your headaches, things that make them worse, and what helps you feel better. You can track details in a headache diary to help your doctor diagnose your problem.

Most people don’t need special diagnostic tests. But sometimes, doctors suggest a CT scan or MRI to look for problems inside your brain that might cause your headaches. Skull X-rays won’t help. An EEG (electroencephalogram) is also unnecessary unless you’ve passed out when you had a headache.

If your headache symptoms get worse or happen more often despite treatment, ask your doctor to refer you to a headache specialist.

Your doctor may recommend different types of treatment to try. They also might suggest more testing or refer you to a headache specialist.

The type of headache treatment you need will depend on a lot of things, including the type of headache you get, how often, and its cause. Some people don’t need medical help at all. But those who do might get medications, electronic medical devices, counseling, stress management, and biofeedback. Your doctor will make a treatment plan to meet your specific needs.

Once you start a treatment program, keep track of how well it’s working. A headache diary can help you note any patterns or changes in how you feel. Know that it may take some time for you and your doctor to find the best treatment plan, so try to be patient. Be honest with them about what is and isn’t working for you.

Even though you’re getting treatment, you should still steer clear of the things you know can trigger your headaches, like foods or smells. And it’s important to stick to healthy habits that will keep you feeling good, like regular exercise, enough sleep, and a healthy diet. Also, make your scheduled follow-up appointments so your doctor can see how you’re doing and make changes in the treatment program if you need them. 

Top Picks

Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on September 14, 2022

• Common Types of Headaches
• Less Common Headaches
• Rare Headaches
• What Causes Headaches?
• Getting a Diagnosis
• How Are Headaches Treated?
• What Happens After I Start Treatment?
• More

Headaches can be more complicated than most people realize. Different kinds can have their own set of symptoms, happen for unique reasons, and need different treatments.

Once you know the type of headache you have, you and your doctor can find the treatment that’s most likely to help and even try to prevent them.

There are over 150 types of headaches, but the most common types include:

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache among adults and teens. They cause mild to moderate pain and come and go over time. They usually have no other symptoms.

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches are often described as pounding, throbbing pain. They can last from 4 hours to 3 days and usually happen one to four times a month. Along with the pain, people have other symptoms, such as sensitivity to light, noise, or smells; nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; and upset stomach or belly pain. When a child has a migraine, they may look pale, feel dizzy, and have blurry vision, fever, and an upset stomach. A small number of children’s migraines include digestive symptoms, like vomiting, that happen about once a month.

Cluster Headaches

These headaches are the most severe. You could have intense burning or piercing pain behind or around one eye. It can be throbbing or constant. The pain can be so bad that most people with cluster headaches can’t sit still and will often pace during an attack. On the side of the pain, the eyelid droops, the eye reddens, pupil gets smaller, or the eye makes tears. The nostril on that side runs or stuffs up.

They’re called cluster headaches because they tend to happen in groups. You might get them one to three times per day during a cluster period, which may last 2 weeks to 3 months. Each headache attack lasts 15 minutes to 3 hours. They can wake you up from sleep. The headaches may disappear completely (your doctor will call this remission) for months or years, only to come back later. Men are three to four times more likely to get them than women.

Chronic Daily Headaches

You have this type of headache 15 days or more a month for longer than 3 months. Some are short. Others last more than 4 hours. It’s usually one of the four types of primary headache:

• Chronic migraine
• Chronic tension headache
• New daily persistent headache
• Hemicrania continua

Sinus Headaches

With sinus headaches, you feel a deep and constant pain in your cheekbones, forehead, or on the bridge of your nose. They happen when cavities in your head, called sinuses, get inflamed. The pain usually comes along with other sinus symptoms, like a runny nose, fullness in the ears, fever, and a swollen face. A true sinus headache results from a sinus infection so the gunk that comes out of your nose will be yellow or green, unlike the clear discharge in cluster or migraine headaches.

Posttraumatic Headaches

Posttraumatic stress headaches usually start 2-3 days after a head injury. You’ll feel:

• A dull ache that gets worse from time to time
• Vertigo
• Lightheadedness
• Trouble concentrating
• Memory problems
• Tiring quickly
• Irritability

Headaches may last for a few months. But if it doesn’t get better within a couple of weeks, call your doctor.

Exercise Headaches

When you’re active, the muscles in your head, neck, and scalp need more blood. Your blood vessels swell to supply them. The result is a pulsing pain on both sides of your head that can last anywhere from 5 minutes to 48 hours. It usually hits while you’re active or just afterward, whether the activity is exercise or sex.

Hemicrania Continua

Hemicrania continua is a chronic, ongoing headache almost always affects the same side of your face and head. Other symptoms include:

• Pain that varies in severity
• Red or teary eyes
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Droopy eyelid
• Contracted iris
• Responds to the pain medication indomethacin
• Worse pain with physical activity
• Worse pain with drinking alcohol

Some people also notice migraine symptoms like:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound

There are two types:

• Chronic: You have daily headaches.
• Remitting: You have headaches for 6 months. They go away for a period of weeks or months and come back.

Hormone Headaches

You can get headaches from shifting hormone levels during your periods, pregnancy, and menopause. The hormone changes from birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy can also trigger headaches. When they happen 2 days before your period or in the first 3 days after it starts, they’re called menstrual migraines.

New Daily Persistent Headaches (NDPH)

These may start suddenly and can go on for 3 months or longer. Many people clearly remember the day their pain began.

Doctors aren’t sure why this type of headache starts. Some people find that it strikes after an infection, flu-like illness, surgery, or stressful event.

The pain tends to be moderate, but for some people, it’s severe. And it’s often hard to treat.

Symptoms can vary widely. Some are like tension headaches. Others share symptoms of migraine, such as nausea or sensitivity to light.

Call your doctor if your headache won’t go away or if it’s severe.

Rebound Headaches

You might also hear these called medication overuse headaches. If you use a prescription or over-the-counter pain reliever more than two or three times a week, or more than 10 days a month, you’re setting yourself up for more pain. When the meds wear off, the pain comes back and you have to take more to stop it. This can cause a dull, constant headache that’s often worse in the morning.

Ice Pick Headaches

These short, stabbing, intense headaches usually only last a few seconds. They might happen a few times a day at most. If you have one, see the doctor. Ice pick headaches can be a condition on their own, or they can be a symptom of something else.

Spinal Headaches

Talk to your doctor if you get a headache after you have a spinal tap, a spinal block, or an epidural. Your doctor might call it a puncture headache because these procedures involve piercing the membrane that surrounds your spinal cord. If spinal fluid leaks through the puncture site, it can cause a headache.

Thunderclap Headaches

People often call this the worst headache of your life. It comes suddenly out of nowhere and peaks quickly. Causes of thunderclap headaches include:

• Blood vessel tear, rupture, or blockage
• Head injury
• Hemorrhagic stroke from a ruptured blood vessel in your brain
• Ischemic stroke from a blocked blood vessel in your brain
• Narrowed blood vessels surrounding the brain
• Inflamed blood vessels
• Blood pressure changes in late pregnancy

Take a sudden new headache seriously. It’s often the only warning sign you get of a serious problem.

The pain you feel during a headache comes from a mix of signals between your brain, blood vessels, and nearby nerves. Specific nerves in your blood vessels and head muscles switch on and send pain signals to your brain. But it isn’t clear how these signals get turned on in the first place.

Common causes of headaches include:

• Illness. This can include infections, colds, and fevers. Headaches are also common with conditions like sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), a throat infection, or an ear infection. In some cases, headaches can result from a blow to the head or, rarely, a sign of a more serious medical problem.
• Stress. Emotional stress and depression as well as alcohol use, skipping meals, changes in sleep patterns, and taking too much medication. Other causes include neck or back strain due to poor posture.
• Your environment, including secondhand tobacco smoke, strong smells from household chemicals or perfumes, allergens, and certain foods. Stress, pollution, noise, lighting, and weather changes are other possible triggers.
• Genetics. Headaches, especially migraine headaches, tend to run in families. Most children and teens (90%) who have migraines have other family members who get them. When both parents have a history of migraines, there is a 70% chance their child will also have them. If only one parent has a history of these headaches, the risk drops to 25%-50%.

Doctors don’t know exactly what causes migraines. One theory suggest that a problem with the electric charge through nerve cells causes a sequence of changes that cause migraines.

Too much physical activity can also trigger a migraine in adults.

Once you get your headaches diagnosed correctly, you can start the right treatment plan for your symptoms.

The first step is to talk to your doctor about your headaches. They’ll give you a physical exam and ask you about the symptoms you have and how often they happen. It’s important to be as complete as possible with these descriptions. Give your doctor a list of things that cause your headaches, things that make them worse, and what helps you feel better. You can track details in a headache diary to help your doctor diagnose your problem.

Most people don’t need special diagnostic tests. But sometimes, doctors suggest a CT scan or MRI to look for problems inside your brain that might cause your headaches. Skull X-rays won’t help. An EEG (electroencephalogram) is also unnecessary unless you’ve passed out when you had a headache.

If your headache symptoms get worse or happen more often despite treatment, ask your doctor to refer you to a headache specialist.

Your doctor may recommend different types of treatment to try. They also might suggest more testing or refer you to a headache specialist.

The type of headache treatment you need will depend on a lot of things, including the type of headache you get, how often, and its cause. Some people don’t need medical help at all. But those who do might get medications, electronic medical devices, counseling, stress management, and biofeedback. Your doctor will make a treatment plan to meet your specific needs.

Once you start a treatment program, keep track of how well it’s working. A headache diary can help you note any patterns or changes in how you feel. Know that it may take some time for you and your doctor to find the best treatment plan, so try to be patient. Be honest with them about what is and isn’t working for you.

Even though you’re getting treatment, you should still steer clear of the things you know can trigger your headaches, like foods or smells. And it’s important to stick to healthy habits that will keep you feeling good, like regular exercise, enough sleep, and a healthy diet. Also, make your scheduled follow-up appointments so your doctor can see how you’re doing and make changes in the treatment program if you need them. 

Top Picks

The third day my head hurts.

Causes of cephalgia 3 days without stopping.

The third day my head hurts. Causes of cephalgia 3 days without stopping.

Gimranov Rinat Fazylzhanovich
Neurologist, neurophysiologist, experience – 33 years;
Professor of Neurology, MD;
Clinic for Rehabilitation Neurology. About the author

Publication date: November 23, 2021

Updated: January 31, 2023

Periodic headaches (cephalgia) due to severe fatigue or overexertion are familiar to almost every adult. And it can be difficult to understand why the head hurts for 3 days.

Prolonged cephalgia is abnormal. It is provoked either by constant exposure to harmful external factors, or by the development of a serious disease. Depending on how strong and prolonged the attacks are, a decision is made: whether to cope with them on their own or seek help from doctors.

Article content:

• 1 Causes
• 2 Types of pain
• 3 Diagnosis
• 4 Treatment
  • 4. 1 How to get rid of pain at home?
• 5 Prevention
• 6 References

Causes

Whenever a severe headache lasts for more than 3 consecutive days and does not go away, it is worth contacting a doctor at the clinic to determine the exact causes.

A variety of factors can provoke such a long attack. More often, the problem lies in the way of life or the conditions surrounding the person.

Common causes of headache for more than 3 consecutive days:

1. diseases of the central nervous system and body, including infectious diseases [1];
2. lack of oxygen in the blood, which is provoked by staying in an unventilated room;
3. excessive consumption of coffee and other tonic drinks;
4. hormonal changes, characteristic of women;
5. migraine, migraine status, is a disease with a hereditary predisposition, has a trigger – a factor that provokes attacks.
6. cervical osteochondrosis – provokes pinching of the nerves, which leads to sharp shooting pains when moving the head;
7. problems with the vessels of the brain, atherosclerotic plaques or clamping of the arteries leads to a decrease in the amount of incoming oxygen and nutrients;
8. head injuries and their consequences – attacks of pain can persist for up to 6-8 weeks and subsequently return after overexertion;
9. chronic fatigue, both physical and mental overstrain can cause an attack;

1. lack of sleep, dyssomnia;
2. malnutrition;
3. smoking abuse;
4. the development of neoplasms, benign and malignant tumors, cysts, put pressure on the surrounding tissues, leading to cephalalgia.

You should not resort to the thoughtless use of painkillers if you are faced with prolonged cephalalgia: this can harm the body. What to do if the head hurts badly for 3 days without a break, the doctor can decide after determining what kind of pathology it is.

Types of pain

When determining the root cause of unpleasant three-day attacks of headache, specific sensations and their localization play a significant role.

There are following types of pain, depending on the sensations experienced:

1. Dull pressing pain that occurs in the back of the head or behind the eyes. Often, the cause is the instability of blood pressure, its increase.

1. Tension pain due to excessive muscle tension and fatigue. Manifested by aching, girdle sensations.

1. Sharp severe attacks of acute pain, accompanied by nausea and dizziness, indicate an acute lack of oxygen and a possible stroke.

1. Migraine is a severe cephalalgia, localized only on one side, concentrated in one part of the head [2]. May be preceded by an aura.

1. Cluster pain. They are localized in a certain sector, often in the region of one of the eyes. Accompanied by photophobia, lacrimation, runny nose.

Before deciding what to do if you have a very bad headache for the 3rd day in a row, you first need to determine the cause of the condition. An accurate description of the sensations experienced by the patient will help the doctor in this.

Diagnostics

Every person understands that just like that, without a good reason, his health will not deteriorate.

When getting to know the patient, the doctor must obtain the information necessary for diagnosis:

• the first time of the onset of symptoms, it is extremely important to describe how and at what time the cephalalgia first began;
• describe in detail pain sensations and their localization;
• indicate concomitant symptoms occurring shortly before or during attacks;
• if it was possible to identify situations in which the state of health worsens, tell about them;
• describe the features of seizures: how many days it lasts, how often it occurs.

After questioning and examination, the doctor will be able to make a preliminary diagnosis. It is possible that additional research will be required to clarify the reasons:

• blood tests: biochemical, for hormones, general;
• MRI, CT scan of the spine, head;
• analysis of the state of the vessels of the brain and neck by Doppler sonography;
• electroencephalography (EEG), EEG monitoring.

Based on the results, consultations are scheduled with doctors of related specialties. This algorithm allows you to get an accurate diagnosis and build a therapy strategy.

Treatment

If the third day you have a very bad headache, then what to do should be decided by the doctor, after establishing the cause of the negative state of health.

Severe cephalalgia is not always suppressed by painkillers, it interferes with the usual way of life. Often, it is not an independent manifestation of the discomfort of the body, but a symptom of a serious illness.

A person needs to visit the clinic as soon as possible and after the diagnosis, start treating the identified problem. Treatment is prescribed specifically for each patient, according to indications [3].

The average algorithm for how to get rid of a headache that bothers you for three days without stopping consists of the following methods:

• Drug therapy. Symptomatic remedies are used to directly suppress pain, and drugs to solve the problem that causes it. Depending on the identified disease, nootropics and sedatives that stabilize blood pressure, saturate the blood with oxygen, and others can be prescribed.

• Physiotherapeutic procedures are selected depending on the state of human health. Massages, acupuncture, electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, physiotherapy exercises are prescribed. Feeling better thanks to hardware procedures: Multimag, alpha-capsule.

• Surgical intervention is prescribed when neoplasms are detected, since in this case other methods are powerless. After the operation, the patient is waiting for a recovery course, including physiotherapy and medication.

• Auxiliary “folk” remedies that help improve well-being during prolonged attacks. If you want to use one of these methods, you must first discuss this possibility with your doctor. The method should fit into the therapy regimen and not cause harm.

It is far from always that when a headache torments you for the third day in a row without stopping, it is not always possible to consult a doctor. In this case, universal ways to alleviate the condition will help.

How to get rid of pain at home?

When another attack occurs, it is extremely important to find out what provoked it, so as not to make yourself worse.

It is necessary to act specifically on the cause, due to which the head hurts for the third day.

Effective methods, depending on the factor that caused cephalgia, are:

• self-massage of the head, especially in localized cephalgia, and neck;
• contrast shower;
• acupressure, finger self-massage;
• hot foot bath;
• airing the room or walking in the fresh air;
• application of a cold or warm compress to the epicenter of pain;

• aromatherapy using specially selected aroma oils [4];
• herbal teas with the addition of plants that relieve pain and nervous tension.

Prevention

Any disease is easier to prevent than to try to treat when it has already developed. This also applies to problems with cephalgia. If you have had a severe headache for three days in a row, then a doctor will help you understand why this is happening. If, after examination, a serious illness is not detected, then changes in the daily routine will help to correct the situation.

Preventive measures advised by doctors are aimed at improving the patient’s lifestyle. They will help reduce the number of attacks of poor health and reduce the risk of developing serious pathologies.

To avoid headache attacks lasting three days in a row, it is recommended:

• Establish a sleep pattern. The norm for an adult is 8-9 hours at night. Lack of sleep, shifting the rest period by a day, or excessively prolonged sleep lead to equally unpleasant consequences.
• Correct power supply. Uncontrolled consumption of sweets, confectionery, food with a lot of spices or fatty foods can lead to prolonged pain. There are preservatives that also have a negative impact on health. The body should receive enough clean water and nutrients from fruits and vegetables.
• Reduce consumption of caffeinated beverages. Not everyone will benefit from drinking a lot of strong tea.
• Walk outdoors and ventilate the premises regularly. Often, the deterioration of health is associated with a lack of oxygen in the environment around you.

• Remember to rest. The working day should be interrupted by periods of activity of a different type. It is relevant when the work is sedentary, and is associated with interaction with the screens of gadgets, a computer.
• Alternate physical and intellectual activities. Spend your free time actively so that the brain has time to take a break from the routine monotonous load.

It is extremely important not to overuse painkillers during attacks of prolonged headache. Taking pills for 3-4 days in a row carries the risk that the drugs will no longer have the desired effect. In addition, they themselves can cause the development of a pain symptom.

References

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What to do if your head hurts all the time? – Articles and reviews about medical technology

Contents:

• What is a headache?
• What is the cause of headache?
• What are the most common types of headaches?
• Headache symptoms
• What can help identify the cause of a headache?
• Headache treatments

Headache is one of the most common neurological disorders and one of the top 20 most disabling diseases in the world. The feeling of a headache is familiar to every person, but we all experience it individually, it can last from 30 minutes to several hours, appear periodically or last on an ongoing basis.

In modern medical classifications, you can find hundreds of varieties of pain in the head, in this article we will consider the most common and create the greatest discomfort in the normal life of a person.

Headache is a pathological condition, most often it is not an independent disease, but a symptom of other serious illnesses. If the pain occurs mainly after a working day, sporadically, does not last long and is stopped with the help of an analgesic tablet, then you should not worry. However, if it is a long, persistent and intense headache, then this may indicate a sign of a serious illness and is an immediate reason to contact a neurologist for advice, a comprehensive examination and quality medical care. People chronically suffering from headaches indicate a significant decrease in the body’s performance, a deterioration in attention and quality of life, they are always on guard for the occurrence of new attacks, anxious, which negatively affects communication with friends and family.

What causes headaches?

If you often suffer from headache attacks, we recommend that you start keeping a diary, write down such important data there: how often it hurts, where it hurts the most, how long the pain lasts, whether you used before, did you stop the pain with a pill, did it help or not, it is imperative for women to take into account and record the day of the menstrual cycle in order to understand in which phase of the menstrual cycle it occurs. All this information is useful for diagnosing the type of pain and looking for possible trigger factors.

What causes frequent headaches?

Consider the main causes of headache:

• increased blood pressure – hypertension, arterial hypertension,
• sleep disturbance;
• increased internal cranial pressure;
• osteochondrosis of the cervical spine;
• past illnesses and brain injuries;
• brain tumors;
• chronic stress and psycho-emotional disorders;
• hormonal imbalance of the body;
• excessive exercise;
• transferred infectious diseases;
• poisoning with toxic substances;
• physical and psycho-emotional overwork;
• abuse of bad habits;
• fasting, debilitating diets.

What are the most common types of headaches?

The International Classification of Pain in the Head divides it into primary and secondary, and also separately classifies lesions of the cranial nerves that cause pain and other facial pain.

Primary headache – defined by the absence of structural, infectious and metabolic disorders. These types of headache are identified by clinical symptoms, and the diagnosis is based primarily on a detailed and thorough history taking.

Secondary headache causes another disorder, with evidence of a causal relationship and a corresponding temporal relationship with that disorder.

The most common and clinically important are the varieties of primary pain in the head, so it is important to dwell on them in more detail.

Thus, primary headache (according to ICHD-3) is subdivided into:

• migraine;
• tension headache;
• trigeminal autonomous cephalalgias;
• other primary headache (eg, primary headache from coughing, primary headache after exercise, etc. ).

Why does my head often hurt? What if it hurts all the time? Why does it hurt so much? How to understand what hurts? You can find answers to these questions below, we will dwell on a detailed description of each type of pain.

Migraine is a chronic neurological disease characterized by attacks of throbbing pain, it is mainly on the one hand, it increases even with slight physical exertion and is accompanied by photophobia, fear of hearing a loud sound, nausea, vomiting, and often skin allodynia occurs in patients.

Varies:

• migraine without aura;
• migraine with aura;
• chronic migraine.

Migraine attacks are caused by genetic factors, internal and external triggers, such as stress, menstruation, ovulation, alcohol, weather changes, flashes, flickering lights, it can trigger certain foods.

Tension headache is bilateral, variable in intensity, and does not worsen with routine physical activity; patients often describe it as a tight band around the head.

Trigeminal cephalgia – this includes cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania, transient unilateral headache.

Cluster headache – occurs more often in men than women, mainly in people aged 20 to 40 years. Often occurs at night, accompanied by awakenings, but can develop at any time of the day.

Paroxysmal hemicrania is an attack of severe unilateral pain, it can be orbital, supraorbital, temporal and combined. Doctors established its pattern with the injection of the conjunctiva, lacrimation, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea.

Symptoms of a headache

The symptoms of a headache directly depend on its type. Consider what symptoms are typical for the most common types of pain – migraine, tension pain and cluster pain.

Migraine without aura may be suspected if headache duration is more than 15 days per month if there have been more than 5 episodes containing two of the following:

• pain duration 4 to 72 hours without successful treatment;

2 of the following characteristics:

• pain was localized on one side;
• pulsating character;
• moderate or high intensity;
• increased with normal physical activity.

Had one of the following two symptoms:

• nausea and/or vomiting;
• photophobia or fear of loud noise during an attack.

Migraine with aura is characterized by the presence of at least two cases that meet the following criteria:

At least one symptom present:

• visual;
• touch;
• language;
• motor;
• stem;
• retinal.

AND 3 of the 6 following characteristics are present:

• one aura symptom developing gradually over at least 5 minutes;
• two or more symptoms with gradual onset;
• each individual symptom lasts 5 to 60 minutes;
• at least one symptom is unilateral;
• at least one symptom is positive;
• headache accompanies the aura or occurs 60 minutes after it.

There is also such a thing as menstrual migraine, characterized by attacks 2-3 days after the onset of menstrual bleeding during at least 2 of 3 menstrual cycles and at other times of the cycle.

There are many factors that trigger migraine, including: traumatic situations that can easily cause fluctuations in vascular tone, the use of alcoholic beverages (especially red wine), the abuse of coffee, tea, sweet carbonated drinks and a violation of the correct diet.

Tension headache – this type of headache is the most common, it does not pulsate, is dull in nature and does not grow (unlike migraine), it is often bilateral and is combined with a feeling of tension in the neck. Pain in the front and back of the head. It is often accompanied by emotional stress or depression that the patient is unaware of.

Cluster headache – usually localized in one place – for example, on the left, the pain is severe, accompanied by excessive psycho-emotional excitement and anxiety. On the same side where the pain arose, there is increased tearing of the eyes, swelling of the nasal mucosa, and possibly increased sweating. Cluster headaches are not long-term, but cyclic – characteristic of a specific time of day or seasonality.

What can help identify the cause of a headache?

What should you do if you have a headache? To understand why your head constantly hurts, you should contact a specialist – a neurologist. He will carefully collect your complaints, anamnesis, conduct a visual examination and prescribe additional methods of examination, among which may be:

• electroencephalogram – examines the functioning of the brain;
• x-ray – detects the presence of injuries, sinusitis, sinusitis, etc.
• MRI is the most informative method that allows you to evaluate the work of the brain, identify tumors and the slightest deviations in its work;
• CT – allows you to identify structural changes in the brain;
• Ultrasound of blood vessels – allows you to identify violations of the blood supply and vascular pathology.

Only a full range of examinations, appointed by a specialist, will make it clear the true cause of the origin of the headache and will effectively deal with it.