Ask a doctor on the topic of Neurology

I have had headaches for three days. Is straining during bowel movements the cause?

September 1, 2019 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Dear Sir or Madam,

Due to a lack of time at work, I held back my bowel movement on Thursday afternoon, which resulted in me suffering from constipation on Thursday night and having to strain extremely hard during my trip to the toilet for several minutes.

After going to the toilet, I went to bed and woke up on Friday morning with a headache and a slightly dizzy feeling.

This slightly dizzy feeling improved somewhat throughout Friday but reappeared stronger for about an hour towards the evening. Since then, it is still present to some extent, but has not reached the intensity of Friday evening. The headaches are generally consistent - however, at a level where I can still manage without a painkiller. Since this morning, I have also noticed pain in my neck/throat area.

I have no other impairments or coordination problems.

Now I am unsure if the headaches and the slight dizzy feeling are related to the strong straining during the bowel movement on Thursday - and whether I can start my vacation abroad with the mentioned symptoms tomorrow?

Perhaps I should mention that I am male, 40 years old. I am a non-smoker with a somewhat low blood pressure. Professionally, I have been under significant stress for almost a year, which has now also affected me personally in recent weeks.

I hope you can give me some advice.

Thank you very much and best regards.

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good day,

The pressing sensation could be due to tension in the neck area, but not in the sense of a problem in the brain. There is nothing dangerous causing these symptoms, so I see no reason not to go on your trip.

The increasing stress certainly plays a part in the tension, so make sure to rest well!

Warm regards,
Dr. Gehring