Consecutive Throbbing Headaches? Why You Need to See a Doctor.
Consecutive Throbbing Headache? Here\'s Why You Need to See a Doctor
Have you been struggling with consistent throbbing headaches for awhile now? Taking a Tylenol and getting some sleep might not be enough anymore. Here\'s why you should see a doctor.
We\'ve all experienced it at least once before – the pulsating and throbbing pain in your head or in the back of your skull – also known as headaches. Did you know 10% of children, 18% of American women, and 6% of men experience migraines?
Whether you get these once a month before Mother Nature visits or throughout the year, our first solution is to take an over-the-counter medication. Although these migraines are usually remedied this way, not everyone can get rid of them that easily.
There are ways to pinpoint the cause of a throbbing headache, but if you are experiencing them frequently and aren\'t sure why it might be time to see a doctor. Continue reading to see if a doctors visit is in order and how to know when to go.
Types of Headaches
With over 300 types of headaches and only 10% having a known cause, most headaches are categorized as primary headaches.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common of all primary types, affecting every three out of four adults. Those who suffer experience head pain from mild to moderate, and at random days and times. That doesn\'t mean some people don\'t experience these in severe forms, and sometimes many times a week.
A typical tension headache feels like a dull throb on both sides of your head near the temple, which aching in the shoulders and neck area. People who experience severe tension pain may feel like their head is in a vise.
This type of a headache has many possible triggers such as emotional stress, tiredness, and even problems with joints and muscles in the jaw and neck. Expect this head pain to last for as little as 20 minutes, or as long as two hours.
Thankfully, you won\'t have to suffer long. Tension-type headaches can be taken care of with over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol, Aleve, or ibuprofen pain relievers. A warm shower, taking a nap, eating a snack, or a heating pad has also been found to decrease head pain.
If you suffer from these headaches more often than, you may need strong medication prescribed by your doctor.
Migraines
If you\'ve ever had a migraine headache, you know how crippling these can be. Though these happen less often than tension headaches, they are much worse and affect women two to three times more than men.
Migraines occur when there are changes in the brain\'s cell activity and blood flow. They are also linked to genetics; 70% of those affected have at least one close relative who also suffers from migraines.
Like any other type of headache, migraines are set off by a trigger, though they can come on without warning. Each person is effectively differently, so triggers will vary; but, most migraine victims do have similar triggers. Certain triggers include skipping or missing a meal, an increase or decrease in caffeine, lack of sleep, and stress.
Some people know they are getting a migraine when they develop a migraine aura. Most people don\'t experience this, though, and instead feel pain on one side of the head, typically around the temple and eye. It then spreads to the back of the head.
Migraines are severe in pain and cause a pulsating or throbbing, with side effects of nausea. These headaches can last from four to 24 hours without treatment. Some migraines can be held off if you notice it early and take non-prescription medication. If a prescribed medication is needed, those affected will see relief in less than two hours from triptans.
Other Types of Throbbing Headaches
Headaches can occur for many reasons, including medication side effects. If you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, the cause may be from medication overuse. To see if this is the cause, check with your doctor and stop taking or alter your medication use.
Other cause could be sinuses. Sinus headaches cause pain around the nose and eyes and over your cheeks and forehead. These are not a common cause of recurring headaches and should go away when the infection clears.
When to See a Doctor
If you are someone who suffers frequently, it may be hard to tell when you need to see a doctor. You may think you know the cause or are taking the right medications, but recurring head pain could be detrimental to your health in the long run.
Seek medical attention immediately if a headache comes on suddenly and is severely painful. This could be a sign of an aneurysm. Some people describe this as the worst headache of their life.
A visit to the ER or calling 911 is needed when you experience:
Stiff neck
Fainting
Nausea or vomiting
Confusion
High Fever (over 102 degrees)
Trouble speaking, seeing, or walking
These could be results of meningitis or a stroke, which is life-threatening.
Schedule an Appointment
Most headaches are relievable with over-the-counter medication. If your headaches worsen or don\'t improve, prevents you from sleeping, working, or going about your daily schedule, or occur more than usual and are more painful, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
If you experience headaches frequently, talk to your doctor about how they can be managed. Though they are triggered for a number of reasons such as dehydration, stress, vitamin deficiencies, or allergies, they are manageable with the help of your doctor.
Sitting down with your doctor and going over all your symptoms, how often they occur, and any similar patterns will help you and your doctor identify the cause and get you on the right medication. Some lifestyle changes are also an option in helping with headaches.
Don\'t wait before your throbbing headache gets worse, or before it\'s too late. Check out Chicago Weight Loss Wellness Clinic to get you on track for a healthier, happier lifestyle. Sign up for a free consultation, and check out their website for more information.
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