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constant headacre asks...
ive had an on-off headacre for about 2 munths n now its constant, it in the frunt of my head almost feel lyk its behind my right eye brow n wen i bend dwn the pain goes rely intense, wt cud this be?
What we suggest...
Hi Constant Headacre
Many thanks for your enquiry; you tell us you have been suffering from headaches over the last few months and wanting to know what this can be.
Firstly, we must explain that we are not medically trained so although we can suggest some reasons why you may be experiencing a headache only a trained medical professional can give you a reliable diagnosis. NHS Direct can offer you further advice on 0845 46 47, opening 24hrs 7 days a week but really it is necessary to consult your GP when you are experiencing this sort of discomfort for such a long period.
Headaches can be a major pain. When headaches come on strongly, you may find yourself unable to perform even the simplest of tasks due to the lack of concentration that a headache can cause. Have you taken any medication for it like paracetomol or aspirin; does that help them go away?
It is very important that you determine what kind of headache you are experiencing. There are different categories of headaches. Knowing what type of headache you suffer from is the first step in learning how to cope with and/or treat your headache. Here are some descriptors of typical head pains, see if any sound like what you experience:
Tension
The sensation is that of a dull ache on both sides of your head. This type of headache is the one that feels like a tight band, or a vice grip, is running across your forehead.
Migraine
A migraine is moderate to severe pounding or throbbing pain in your head. Commonly, it is only on one side. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness and sensitivity often accompany migraines to light and-or sound. The migraine can last up to 24 hours or several days.
Sinus
These are not very common and most people who think they have one are usually suffering a tension headache or possibly a migraine.
Cluster
This type of headache is also uncommon but causes excruciating pain, sharp as a knife pain around one eye. This is most common in men aged 20-30 so if you think you have this kind of pain it might be best to speak to your GP as soon as you can.
Mixed
A mixed headache is a combination of a tension headache and a migraine. Often when someone has suffered one type over years they will develop symptoms of another
Eyestrain
These can result from contraction of muscles in and around the eyes. Shifting the focus of your eyes from close up to far away can help. When you are going to be doing close-up work such as with a computer, its best to take a few moments every hour to look around a bit. Also when you use the computer or read a lot this can cause eye strain to the point you may need glasses or stronger lenses if you already wear them. If this isn't rectified headaches can occur so it may be best to check with your optician in case you need an eye test.
Two optician shops in Doncaster are:
Specsavers
9 St Sepulchre Gate
Doncaster
South Yorkshire
DN1 1TD
Tel: 01302 326 557
Opening Times
Mon 09:00 - 17:30, Tue 09:00 - 17:30, Wed 09:00 - 17:30, Thu 09:00 - 17:30 Fri 09:00 - 17:30, Sat 09:40 - 17:30, Sun 10:00 - 16:00
D and A Opticians
18 - 24 North Bridge Road
Doncaster
South Yorkshire
DN5 9AN
Telephone
01302 321 515
Opening Times:
Monday 9am - 6pm,Tuesday 9am-6pm, Wednesday 9am-6pm, Thursday 9am-6pm, Friday 9am- 6pm, Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday- closed
We are not recommending any optician over another and if you look in your local Yellow Pages or go onto yell.com and type in opticians and then your area it will list lots for you.
As we have already shown, there are many reasons that one may develop a headache. Additional causes to those already listed include reaction to the food we eat. While the foods that can bring on headaches vary from person to person, some of the most common foods known to bring on headaches include any type of alcohol, aged cheese, and chocolate. Also, foods that are pickled in brine can bring on headaches, as well as a few ingredients found in many products: MSG, aspartame, and caffeine. While these foods can cause different levels of headaches amongst those who consume them, fasting is another easy way to bring on a headache. When the body doesn't get enough food, you may begin to feel light-headed and a headache may come on.
Sensory overload is another reason that people experience headaches - being around an unfamiliar and powerful smell, or in an area of intense sound or bright light may bring on a headache.
Another cause can be when we experience stress, our bodies respond with changes such as increased blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate and more. Blood vessels constrict and tighten. When the stress is gone, the blood vessels dilate and may result in a headache. Are you experiencing stress with exams, coursework, and work or having relationship problems? This can all add to the tension
Because stress is such a typical cause of headache for many people here are some tips to help relieve stress. Firstly, check for signs of physical tension i.e., clenched jaws, teeth grinding, a feeling of pressure in your forehead as if there was a vice grip squeezing it. Try to consciously relax and do some stretching. Second take regular exercise. Exercise truly is a great stress reducer, however be careful you're not overdoing it as too much exercise can result in headaches too, especially if you become dehydrated. Thirdly, divert yourself. Take some time out to do something you enjoy and that will help you get your mind off the cause of the stress.
Lack of sleep is a common cause of tension headaches. Those who do not get enough sleep find it more difficult to handle every day stress. In addition, a 'weekend headache' can occur due to altered sleeping habits over the weekend. Try to get up and go to sleep at the same time everyday. Here are some tips for sleep:
-Use your bed primarily for sleeping. You will then associate being in bed with going to sleep.
-Do not go to bed with a full stomach.
-Develop a pre-sleep relaxation routine.
-Do not go to bed until you feel tired enough to fall asleep.
If you experience any of the following you need to call your healthcare professional at once.
-Your headache worsens, or changes in character.
-You experience three or more headaches a week.
-You must take a pain reliever every day or almost daily, to relieve your headache symptoms.
-Stiff neck and/or fever
-Shortness of breath
-Unexpected symptoms that affect your eyes, ears, nose or throat
-Dizziness, slurred speech, weakness, numbness or tingling
-Confusion or drowsiness
-Persistent or severe vomiting
-Your headaches begin after, or are triggered by, head injury, exertion, and coughing, bending or sexual activity.
If you consult your doctor it is a good idea to have a record of your headaches. Keep track of the frequency, duration, added symptoms and severity of pain. You could do this by creating a 'headache diary'. In addition, write down medications you have taken, and the amount taken, to relieve symptoms and whether or not they helped. Make note of the hours you sleep, especially on nights before the onset of a headache. You may even wish to keep track of the foods you eat and any events before the headache. So many factors can play a role in headaches; it is imperative that you have as much information possible to aid your doctor
Useful websites to look at:
www.medicinenet.com/headache/article.htm
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Headache
hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/migraine.htm
We hope this information helps and that you can sort your headache problems out soon, please come back to us if you need any further assistance.
Best Wishes
Q2A
Expert advice and every precaution has been taken to ensure that the information on this page is trustworthy and reliable, but the publishers do not hold themselves responsible for any inaccuracy as information can go out of date very quickly. This page gives general guidance only and should not be treated as a complete and authoritative statement of the law. With regard to suggested weblinks given in this reply please note that Lancashire County Council is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
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