Severe and Reoccurring Headaches

Headaches can occur to everyone. However, headaches that persist for several days may signal an underlying condition. Reoccurring or chronic daily headaches include a variety of headache subtypes. Chronic refers to how often the headaches occur and how long the condition lasts. The constant nature of severe and reoccurring headaches makes them the most disabling conditions.

Types of Headaches

1. Tension headache. It causes mild to moderate pain and that occurs over time. They usually have no other symptoms.
2. Migraine headache. It is pounding and throbbing pain that can last from 4 hours to 3 days and usually happen one to four times a month. Migraine headaches can be with or without aura.
3. Cluster headache. It is severe and causes an intense burning or piercing pain behind or around the eye.
4. Chronic daily headaches. It is a type of headache that lasts for 15 days or a month. It is due to migraine and chronic tension headaches.
5. Sinus headache. It causes deep and constant pain in your cheekbones, forehead, or on the bridge of your nose. The pain comes along with other sinus symptoms due to sinus infection.
6. Hormone headaches. It is due to shifting hormone levels during your periods, pregnancy, and menopause.
7. Posttraumatic headache. It starts 2-3 days after a head injury. You will start to feel vertigo, dull aches, lightheadedness, and irritability.

Symptoms of Severe and Reoccurring Headaches

Severe and reoccurring headaches include head pain that:

• Involve both sides of your head
• Feel like throbbing, tightening, and pulsing sensation
• Vary in the intensity of the pain
• Other symptoms can include:
• Vomiting and nausea
• Sweating
• Sensitivity to sound, smell, and light
• Runny and stuffy nose
• Tearing and redness of the eye
• Restlessness, agitation, and tiredness

Causes and Risk Factors of Severe and Reoccurring Headaches

• Stress
• Tiredness
• Anger
• Smoking
• Lack of sleep
• Strenuous exercise
• Inactive lifestyle
• Colds and flu
• Depression and anxiety
• Alcoholic beverages
• Processed foods
• Monosodium glutamate

How to Diagnose Severe Headaches and Reoccurring Headaches?

After assessing the symptoms and medical history, your doctor may also recommend:

• Magnetic resonance imaging. It uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain and blood vessels. It determines other medical conditions that trigger headaches.
• Computerized tomography scan. It uses a series of X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the brain. It detects tumors, infections, and other medical problems that may be causing headaches.

Treatment for Severe and Reoccuring Headaches

Your doctor may recommend pain relievers or anti-migraine medications. It relieves pain and other symptoms. Ensure to take your medication as per prescription to avoid worsening the condition.