When Headaches Could Mean Something More

Let’s face it everyone suffers headaches, and wants to avoid them as much as possible.

There are a number of factors that may influence a headache, for example weather, posture or even hunger. But sometimes headaches can be caused by something more sinister and are warning signs that you will need to seek medical help sooner rather than later.

Here are some reasons to consult your doctor:

• If headache is severe or begin suddenly
• If you have more than the occasional headache
• If you have a headache that keeps getting worse
• If you suffer from:
  • confusion;
  • dizziness;
  • fever;
  • numbness;
  • shortness of breath;
  • slurred speech;
  • stiff neck;
  • persistent vomiting;
  • unexplained symptoms affecting our ears, nose, throat, or eyes;
  • unremitting diarrhea;
  • vision loss;
  • weakness

You should see seek emergency care immediately if:

• You have had your worst headache “ever”.
• Your headache is accompanied by unresolved loss of vision or loss of consciousness, or uncontrollable vomiting.

Headache is also an indicator of these health issues:

Abnormally high blood pressure 

High blood pressure is a silent killer and shows no symptoms. But a sudden severe headache could be indicative of high blood pressure, which means you are suffering from malignant hypertension.

A severe stroke

Like high blood pressure, a stroke can occur all of a sudden and can be accompanied by a major headache. A stroke happens when blood circulation to the brain is affected, which could be due to a number of reasons.

Low glucose levels 

Another reason for a sudden, severe headache could be very low blood glucose level.

An infection in the brain 

Sometimes your headache could also be a sign that your brain has suffered a severe infection like meningitis and you need immediate medical attention.

Internal bleeding 

Sometimes the blood vessels in the brain can rupture either due to high blood pressure or other physiological problems, and leak blood, causing an aneurysm.

Repercussions of a head injury 

A headache after a head injury is a matter of concern, especially, if it repeats itself often. It could mean a fracture or rupture of blood vessels in the skull or brain.

Age-related crisis 

If you are older than 50 and experience a new or a progressive headache, it is time to act. It could be a case of giant cell arteritis or a brain tumour.

Here are some other reasons you could be suffering from a headache:

Exercise or Sex

Strenuous physical activities, including exercise and sex, can cause blood vessels in the head, neck and scalp to swell, producing a build-up in pressure.

Poor Posture

Hunching your shoulders, using a chair with no lower-back support, staring at a monitor that is too low or too high, and cradling a phone between your ear and shoulder are examples of poor posture that can trigger a tension headache.

Cheese

Tyramine, a known migraine trigger, forms when certain types of protein break down when food is aged. The longer food ages, the more tyramine it contains. Aged cheese, including blue cheese, brie, cheddar, feta, mozzarella, parmesan, and Swiss cheese have a high tyramine content, which can trigger migraine headaches.

Red Wine

Some alcoholic drinks, including red wine, also contain tyramine. Aside from this, alcohol also increases blood flow to the brain which can intensify an already severe headache.

Processed Meat

Cold cuts and other processed meat contain tyramine, as well as food additives called nitrates or nitrites.

Skipping Meals

Hunger headaches are caused by a dip in a person’s blood sugar level. This type of headache isn’t always obvious because the headache can occur even before you realise that you’re hungry.

Caffeine

Too much of it can cause headaches. Those who try to quit drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages abruptly are also susceptible to caffeine withdrawal headaches.

Do you suffer from chronic headaches?

If your headache worsens despite home remedies and pain killers please seek medical attention or follow this link to our post on health hotlines and suggested websites for further information and advice  https://www.stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/babies/important-hotlines-websites/  

SAHM takes no responsibility for any illness, injury or death caused by misuse of this information.  All information provided is correct at time of publication.