What causes can lead to chronic headaches?
January 10, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Marcus Schneider
Dear Doctor,
my name is Katja Fuchs and I have been suffering from chronic headaches for some time now. I am 32 years old, work in a stressful job, and have two young children. The headaches occur regularly, mostly in the afternoon and last until the evening. I have tried various pain medications, but unfortunately they do not provide lasting relief.
I am worried that the headaches could be caused by a serious illness. I have also noticed that I have been experiencing more frequent sleep disturbances lately and generally feel tired and exhausted.
I wonder what could be causing my chronic headaches. Could they be caused by stress, lack of sleep, or another condition such as migraines or tension headaches? Are there specific tests that should be done to determine the exact cause of my headaches? What treatment options are available to me to alleviate my symptoms and prevent them in the long term?
I would be very grateful if you could provide me with an assessment and suggest possible solutions. I would like to know what I can do to improve my quality of life and manage my headaches.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Katja Fuchs
Dear Mrs. Fuchs,
Thank you for your detailed description of your symptoms. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from chronic headaches and that previous pain medication has not provided relief. It is understandable that you are concerned, especially as you have also noticed sleep disturbances and fatigue. These symptoms can indeed be attributed to various causes, including stress, lack of sleep, migraines, or tension headaches.
Chronic headaches can be caused by a variety of factors. Stress and lack of sleep are common triggers for headaches, especially tension headaches. Migraine is a neurological condition that can also cause severe headaches. There could also be other causes, such as eye problems, cervical spine issues, or even more serious conditions like tumors or inflammation in the brain.
To determine the exact cause of your headaches, it would be advisable to undergo a comprehensive examination. This may include a detailed medical history, physical examinations, and possibly further diagnostic tests such as blood tests, imaging procedures (e.g. MRI or CT scans), or a neurological examination.
In terms of treatment, there are various options depending on the cause of your headaches. If stress and lack of sleep are identified as triggers, relaxation techniques, stress management, and better sleep hygiene could be helpful. For migraines, specific medications for acute treatment and prevention could be prescribed. For tension headaches, physiotherapy, relaxation techniques, or certain medications may provide relief.
It is important that you see a doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis and individual treatment recommendation. A lasting improvement in your quality of life is indeed possible if the cause of your headaches is identified and treated accordingly.
I hope that my response helps you and wish you all the best on your path to recovery.
Sincerely,
Marcus Schneider
