Headache, acute

Christopher Hobbs:

“A headache involves pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck, and can be associated with muscle tightness in these areas. Headaches can be a symptom of stress and tension, especially when the headache centers around the occiput and down to the neck. This tightness restricts blood flow to the brain and causes muscles to contract, leading to pain. Headaches can also be a sign of liver imbalances (especially when the headache is around the eyes or at the temples), and other metabolic disorders.”

Headaches can arise from various etiological factors, including:

1. Primary Headaches:
   • Migraine: Often with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
   • Tension Headache: Stress-related, typically presenting as a dull, pressing pain around the forehead or scalp.
   • Cluster Headache: Intense, sharp pain often around one eye, occurring in clusters.
2. Secondary Headaches:
   • Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses, leading to pain in the forehead or face.
   • Trauma or Injury: A blow to the head or whiplash can cause tension or post-traumatic headaches.
   • Medication Overuse: Regular use of painkillers can lead to rebound headaches.
   • Infections: Such as meningitis or encephalitis, where the headache may be accompanied by fever, neck stiffness, and confusion.
   • Hypertension: Extremely high blood pressure can cause headaches, often in the back of the head.
   • Brain Tumors or Aneurysms: Rare, but severe or worsening headaches with neurological symptoms (vision changes, speech difficulties) should raise concern.

When to Seek Professional Help:

• Sudden onset of a severe headache (e.g., “worst headache ever”).
• Headache with neurological symptoms (e.g., confusion, weakness, vision changes).
• Fever, stiff neck, or rash (indicating possible infection like meningitis).
• Headache after trauma or a fall.
• Persistent or worsening headache despite over-the-counter medication.
• Unexplained headaches in individuals with risk factors for conditions like stroke or brain tumors.