|
A
|
headache on top of the head may be worrying
but, in many cases, it is not a cause for concern. However, there are several
different types of headache, and each may have its own trigger in different
people.
People
have muscles and nerves that can contribute to a headache, and they may need to visit the doctor
with certain symptoms.
It is important to understand the different types of headache to be able
to identify what might be the underlying cause of a headache on top of the
head.
Common causes
The following types of headache may cause pain on the top of the head:
1. Tension
headache
A tension headache may cause
pain on the top of the head.
Most people experience tension headaches at times.
They describe them as a pain that feels as if it is squeezing or adding
weight to an area, such as the top of the head. People will also feel pain in
their neck or shoulders in some cases.
The pain from tension headaches is often described as dull and does not
throb or pulsate. Tension headaches are usually uncomfortable but not severe.
2. Chronic
headaches
Chronic headaches may be persistent sources of pain. Symptoms may mimic
tension headaches, and they often cause pain near the top of the head.
Lifestyle factors, such as stress and lack of sleep, can influence
chronic tension headaches.
3. Migraine
headache
Migraines are less common than tension
headaches but can be more severe. Many people say the pain feels as if it
radiates from the top of the head, along one side, or down the back of the
neck.
The pain is often described as severe and throbbing, and it may be felt
along with other symptoms, including nausea and extreme sensitivity to light or
sound.
4. Brain freeze
Exposure to cold temperatures may cause a cold-stimulus headache or brain
freeze. This can happen when eating a large piece of ice cream or consuming
very cold drinks.
This type of headache is a sharp, severe pain that hits the top of the
head and lasts only a few seconds. It disappears once the cold temperature in the
head has gone.
5. Cluster
headaches
As the name suggests, cluster headaches occur
in groups. They appear suddenly on one side of the head, often behind the eye,
and they cause severe pain. Nasal congestion or a runny nose, and a watery eye
may accompany the pain.
People with cluster headaches may not be able to rest or find relief when
they are having an attack.
6. Sinus
headaches
Sinuses can become inflamed through sickness or infection, which could
cause a pain in the sides and top of the head. The symptoms usually disappear
once the underlying issue or infection has been treated, and doctors may
recommend specific medications to help with inflammation.
7. Sleep
headaches
Poor sleeping posture can bring on sleep headaches, also called hypnic
headaches. Issues in the spine may become more pronounced during sleep, which
could cause a headache on the top of the head after waking. Adjustments in
posture may help with symptoms.
8. Occipital
neuralgia
Headaches that are severe or
long-lasting should be investigated by a doctor, as they may be caused by an
underlying condition.
Occipital neuralgia is pain that occurs when nerves that lead from the
spine to the top of the head are irritated.
This can cause pain in the back or top of the head and may also make
people feel as if they have a tight band on their head.
People with occipital neuralgia may also experience tingling or jolts of
shocking pain. Doctors will look to treat any underlying issue causing this
nerve damage.
9. Overuse headaches
Taking too much medication can cause an overuse or a rebound headache.
Many over-the-counter (OTC) medications used to treat headaches can lead to
overuse headaches.
People with frequent headaches should avoid adding to the discomfort by
not using OTC medications too much.
10. Sleep
deprivation headaches
Lack of sleep or physical exhaustion can trigger a headache, even when
someone is not prone to headaches.
The pain is often described as a heaviness or dull ache combined with
sluggishness. If a person gets more sleep, it may reduce symptoms.
11. Exercise
headaches
In some people, a headache may be triggered by sudden intense exercise,
such as running sprints or having sex.
In some circumstances, such as when embarking on physical exercise, a
person may be able to avoid symptoms by warming up first.
Rare causes
A person may experience certain rare causes of a headache on top of the
head that are medical emergencies and require immediate attention:
Hypertension headaches
Extremely high blood pressure may cause a headache
on the top of the head. The resulting headache feels as if the hair and scalp
are being pulled into a tight ponytail.
The pain is excruciating, and it can lead people to go to the emergency
room.
Reversible
cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS)
RCVS often triggers a thunderclap headache. This is a severe, sudden
headache that can be associated with life-threatening conditions, including
bleeding in the brain or a stroke.
When a person has a severe headache that comes on suddenly, it requires
immediate medical care.
Do the muscles in the head play a
role?
There are not many muscles on the top of the head, but they may play a
role in certain types of headaches.
Factors such as eyestrain, poor posture, or grinding the teeth weaken the
muscles on the top of the head. An injury may also cause stress in the area.
Similarly, the muscles in the neck may be tight, which could cause neck
pain or contribute to a headache.
Treatment
There are a number of ways a headache on top of the head can be treated:
OTC medications
Aspirin is a popular
treatment for headaches.
An occasional headache may be treated with OTC medications. These may
include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are available online, such as ibuprofen(Advil), aspirin (Bayer), and naproxen (Aleve), as well as pain
relievers, including acetaminophen(Tylenol).
It is essential for people to follow the instructions on the packaging,
and to check with a doctor about possible interactions with other medication
that the drugs may have.
Diet
Some people with a headache on the top of the head find relief from diet
changes. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee or tea may help, but other people
might find relief from drinking water. Eating a light snack may also help.
Self massage
A self-massage can sometimes relieve tension in the head and neck.
Massaging the muscles on the side of the neck and back of the head and the
muscles along the jaw line, could reveal a tight area that is causing the pain.
The tension can be released, and the headache can be relieved with a regular
gentle massage of these areas.
Lifestyle
choices
Some people may find simple lifestyle tips help, including:
·
reducing
stress levels with breathing exercises or yoga
·
getting
more sleep
·
maintaining
good posture
·
seeing
a physical therapist or massage therapist
·
getting
regular acupuncture sessions
Takeaway and
when to see a doctor
Anyone with a headache that continues after home treatments should see a
doctor who may help identify triggers, and suggest lifestyle changes or
stronger medications.
Severe headaches should be reported to a doctor for a diagnosis. It is
important to be aware of the possibility of a more serious complication,
although these problems are not as common as other factors.
Symptoms that confirm a need to see a doctor include:
·
major
changes in the patterns of headaches
·
severe
or persistent headaches or ones that get worse over time
·
headaches
that develop in older age
·
headaches
accompanied by pain near the temples
·
pain
that gets worse with movement or coughing
·
changes
in mental ability
·
mood
swings
·
headaches
after hitting the head
·
headaches
that prevent normal functioning
·
headaches
that wake a person up
·
headaches
in people with impaired immune systems or cancer
Other signs include:
·
stiff
neck
·
fever
·
fatigue
·
decreased
mental alertness
·
slurred
speech
·
numbness
·
seizures
·
blurred
vision
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care and a
professional diagnosis. Given a proper diagnosis and the right treatment, many
people can find relief from a headache on the top of the head.
No comments:
Post a Comment