Headaches: Causes and Treatment Options
July 6, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Louis Ackermann
Dear Doctor,
My name is Anna Voigt and I have been suffering from severe headaches for some time now. These occur regularly, especially in the morning after waking up. The pain is throbbing and pulsating, and it worsens throughout the day. Often, I also experience nausea and sensitivity to light. I have tried various pain medications, but unfortunately they only provided temporary relief.
I am concerned that my headaches could be a sign of a serious illness. I have heard of migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches, but I am unsure of what type of headache I have and what could be causing it. I wonder if there are other possible reasons for my symptoms and what investigations are necessary to determine the cause.
What treatment options are available to me to alleviate the headaches in the long term? Are there medications that are specifically effective against my type of headache? What non-pharmacological measures could help reduce the pain and improve my quality of life?
I would be very grateful if you could assist me and provide information on the causes and treatment options for headaches. Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
Anna Voigt
Dear Mrs. Voigt,
Thank you for your detailed description of your headaches. It is important that you take care of your health and look for possible causes of your symptoms. Headaches can have various causes, ranging from harmless tension headaches to more serious conditions such as migraines or even neurological problems.
Based on your description of the symptoms, especially occurring in the morning after waking up and accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light, you may actually be suffering from migraines. Migraine is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent, severe headache attacks. These attacks can vary in duration and intensity and are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound.
It is important that you see a doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The doctor will likely conduct a thorough medical history and may recommend further tests such as a neurological examination, imaging procedures like MRI or CT scans, as well as blood tests to rule out other possible causes of your headaches.
When it comes to treating migraines, there are various options that can provide relief. Medications can be used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks, such as triptans or painkillers. For migraine prevention, medications like beta blockers, anticonvulsants, or antidepressants may also be prescribed. It is important that the treatment is tailored to you individually and done in consultation with your doctor.
In addition to medication, there are also non-drug measures that can help reduce your headaches. These include relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation, regular physical exercise, adequate sleep, a healthy diet, and avoiding triggers such as stress, certain foods, or environmental factors.
It is important that you work with your doctor to develop an individualized treatment strategy that helps you manage your headaches in the long term and improve your quality of life. Do not hesitate to seek professional help and do not let your symptoms limit you.
I wish you all the best and hope that you soon find a suitable treatment that provides you with relief.
Best regards,
Louis Ackermann
