type of headache - #13717
I am really struggling with these headaches and don’t know what to do. I mean, it started out like just a little tightness around my temples, but now it feels like a hammer is pounding on my head. Like, seriously, I can't even focus on work. It’s been a few weeks now, and I've tried over-the-counter meds, but nothing helps. I’ve googled a ton about the different type of headache and still feel lost. Is it just stress or could it be something more? I was at a friend’s birthday party last weekend, and I almost had to leave because the noise made it way worse. I tried to explain it to my doc, but when I said type of headache, he kinda shrugged and said migraines but I’m not sure that's right.... I don’t get the aura or anything. They also tend to come and go, like I feel fine one day and then BAM! Excruciating pain the next. How do I figure out what type of headache I have? Is it really just a matter of tracking them or should I be looking into seeing a specialist? Just feels frustrating not knowing if it's normal or something serious. Any ideas from you all on what kind of tests might help or what type of headache I might be dealing with?
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Doctors’ responses
Headaches can be quite complex, and determining the exact type often requires gathering detailed information about your symptoms, triggers, and any accompanying features. Given your description of pounding pain, no aura, increased intensity with noise, and the inconsistent pattern, there are a few possibilities to consider. Tension-type headaches typically cause a band-like tightness but are usually not as severe as the pounding pain you describe. Migraines, however, despite not always having an aura, can cause moderate to severe pounding pain and sensitivity to noise, in line with your experience, with symptoms frequently being exacerbated by environmental factors such as bright lights or loud noises. It’s worth exploring with a healthcare provider whether your headaches might fit the criteria for migraines. Keeping a headache diary can indeed be very helpful. Record the timing, duration, and intensity of your headaches, along with potential triggers like food, stress, sleep patterns, or hormonal changes. This will aid your doctor in ruling out patterns or less common causes, such as cluster headaches, which tend to have distinct features and occur more frequently at night. You’re right to consider seeing a specialist, like a neurologist, if your symptoms persist or worsen, as they can perform a more thorough evaluation or recommend specific imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan if necessary. These tests can rule out secondary causes, such as sinus issues or more serious conditions like tumors, though such instances are rare. In the meantime, managing stress through relaxation techniques, staying hydrated, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule can sometimes reduce headache frequency. Given that over-the-counter medications haven’t helped, discuss with your provider the possibility of prescription migraine treatments, such as triptans or preventive medications if warranted. Immediate medical attention is crucial if your headaches suddenly change in pattern or if you develop severe symptoms like vision changes, slurred speech, or loss of balance.
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