6-12 months following damage.
Spinal headache
Low cerebrospinal fluid pressure after a lumbar puncture causes a spinal headache. Postdural puncture headaches are similar. This headache might be in your:
- forehead
- temples
- upper neck
- back of the head
10 to 40% of lumbar punctures cause spinal headaches, according to research. Symptoms typically appear within 2 to 3 days but may take months. Spinal headache symptoms include:
- nausea
- neck pain
- dizziness
- visual changes
- tinnitus
- hearing loss
- radiating pain in the arms
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When To See A Doctor
Some headaches need emergency medical intervention. If you have any of these symptoms with your headache, get medical attention immediately:
- stiff neck
- rash
- the worst headache you’ve ever had
- vomiting
- confusion
- slurred speech
- fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- paralysis in any part of your body
- visual loss
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Diagnosing A Headache & Treatment
There are several ways to diagnose headaches, as there are different varieties. To treat your headache effectively, you must determine whether it’s primary or secondary. Physical exams and medical history are used to diagnose headaches. Each headache should include:
- duration
- intensity
- location
- possible triggers
Your PCP may recommend you to a neurologist. Some headaches may need testing to pinpoint the reason. This includes:
- MRI or CT scan
- lumbar puncture
- blood tests
Headaches are treated differently. Not everyone responds to the same headache remedies. Treatments vary from dietary changes to invasive treatments. If you can’t treat your headaches, see a doctor.
Tension headache
An OTC pain medication may cure your occasional headache. These painkillers include:
- aspirin
- ibuprofen (Advil)
- naproxen (Aleve)
- acetaminophen and caffeine
If OTC isn’t working out, your doctor may recommend prescription medication, such as:
- indomethacin
- meloxicam (Mobic)
- ketorolac
Cluster headache
A doctor may recommend these meds to provide relief for the symptoms:
- oxygen therapy
- sumatriptan (Imitrex)
- local anesthetic (lidocaine)
Your doctor will establish a preventative strategy after a diagnosis. The following may reduce cluster headaches:
- corticosteroids
- melatonin
- topiramate (Topamax)
- calcium channel blockers
Migraine
Triptans may be used if OTC pain medications don’t treat migraine discomfort. Triptans reduce brain inflammation and blood flow. Sprays, tablets, and injections are available. Options:
- sumatriptan (Imitrex)
- rizatriptan (Maxalt, Axert)
Consult a doctor about daily migraine medication if you have:
- debilitating more than three days a month
- somewhat debilitating four days a month
- lasting longer than six days a month
Preventive migraine meds include:
- propranolol (Inderal)
- metoprolol (Toprol)
- topiramate (Topamax)
- amitriptyline
Hemicrania continua
Hemicrania continua have a complete response to NSAID indomethacin. Low doses three times daily with meals ease symptoms in 24 hours. Indomethacin may have adverse effects, particularly at large dosages, taking the lowest adequate amount.
Ice pick headache
Preventive interventions may lower the frequency or severity of future headaches. Included are: