When To See a Doctor About Head Pain
Chronic headaches may be a result of workplace stress or sleep apnea. Emotional fatigue, heavy workload, and hormonal imbalances are other things that cause headaches. While simple activities such as setting a work-life balance and implementing healthy diets may help with headaches, you may have to see a doctor for professional pain management in the following instances:
Pain With Fever or Stiff Neck
Pain with fever is often a sign of viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis. Flu infections can also cause pain with fever. Other possible causes of pain with fever include brain abscess, spinal cord infections, and spreading sinus infections. The headache is often accompanied by inflammation of the cervical spine. Other symptoms that accompany headaches are limited neck movements and increased cranium pressure.
If the pain persists, you might require emergency hospitalization so that a doctor can do blood culture testing. After concluding the testing, the doctor prescribes broad-spectrum antibiotics and intravenous antiviral therapy. You might also have to start using anti-inflammatory medication while the doctor monitors the response of your immune system.
Sudden and Severe Headaches
A sudden brain aneurysm can cause severe headaches. These types of headaches are due to blood vessels rupturing or a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Severe and sudden headaches could be a warning sign of stroke and can lead to intense localized pain. Emergency medical care is required so that a professional can do quick imaging tests.
The doctor might ask you if you have experienced a severe physical strain or have lost consciousness. These headaches also lead to double vision, and some people have unexplained intense pressure. Without instant medical attention, you risk brain damage.
Headaches After Injury
If you are involved in an accident where you have a concussion, you might have post-traumatic headaches. The concussion-related pain is often followed by brain swelling symptoms. The pain might cause you to lose focus and have memory issues. Your doctor might recommend that you rest in order to recover more quickly.
Cognitive therapy is also helpful, and you might need imaging to assess the damage. A neurologist will monitor your mental health for signs of delayed symptoms. You will eventually resume your daily activities as you undergo medical evaluation. Throughout the pain management process, the doctor will check for signs of dizziness and teach you how to implement good sleep practices to reduce headaches.
Frequent Migraines
Common causes of frequent migraines include hormonal fluctuation and strong sensitivity to light. Sensitivity to intense sounds can also cause frequent migraines. An initial symptom of migraines is pulsing pain that can easily be misdiagnosed as cluster headaches. If you suspect that you have migraines, keep a headache diary to keep track of what makes your symptoms worse. Engage in regular exercises and eat a balanced diet to help combat the symptoms of migraines.
A doctor prescribes beta-blocker medications and antidepressants to manage migraines. If the migraines are mild, the doctor might recommend that you implement a consistent sleep schedule and undergo relaxation therapy. Moderating caffeine intake and seeing a neurologist for an evaluation can also help determine the cause of your migraines.
Get Help With Head Pain Management
Unusual changes in headache frequency, especially after starting a new medication, can be a cause for worry. These headaches might be an indicator of an underlying condition or an autoimmune disease. Your doctor will conduct imaging scans to recommend the proper medication. Reach out to a medical professional who will diagnose your symptoms and recommend the appropriate pain management treatment.
