Many people ignore the symptom of “headache” that comes and goes. When they feel a headache, they take medicine, but after a while, the headache returns. Allowing the symptoms to worsen and occur frequently can eventually lead to… “chronic headache disorder” .
The causes of headaches vary from person to person, but what everyone should do when experiencing abnormal headaches is… to promptly consult a specialist because besides receiving advice and an accurate diagnosis of the cause, if the “chronic headache” is not very severe, there is a high chance of complete recovery.
Why do we often have headaches?
Normally, headaches are common. Some people may have mild pain, while others may have severe pain. The causes of headaches are varied, such as headaches from stress, migraines, or other abnormalities in the body like brain tumors, cerebral aneurysms, sinusitis, or vision problems, among many others. Each type varies in severity.
What causes “chronic headaches”?
Chronic headache is characterized by continuous headache symptoms for more than 15 days per month for at least 3 consecutive months. It may be a common headache caused by stress, migraine, or improper use of painkillers leading to continuous pain that becomes chronic. At the same time, it may also be a symptom leading to other serious diseases.
Which type of headache… is not dangerous??
Headaches caused by migraines, stress, mental exertion, prolonged sitting, insufficient lighting, or muscle tension, sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting, are usually not dangerous. Even though chronic headaches may not be completely curable, they can be prevented and alleviated.
This type of “chronic headache” is dangerous
When experiencing very severe headaches or the worst headache of your life that you have never had before, often accompanied by neurological symptoms such as weakness in the arms or legs, blurred vision, double vision, hearing loss, seizures, convulsions, staggering, stiff neck, or sudden severe headaches, these may be symptoms of other hidden diseases such as brain tumors, brain cancer, cerebral aneurysms, or high blood pressure. These diseases can be very dangerous. Therefore, if…
If you have these headache symptoms, do not ignore them… see a doctor immediately!!
- Sudden severe headache
- Headache accompanied by fever and stiff neck
- Headache with abnormal neurological symptoms such as weakness in the arms or legs, staggering, facial drooping, etc.
- Headache in cancer patients or HIV-infected patients
- Increasing headache severity that does not respond to treatment
Can chronic headaches be treated??
Treatment of chronic headaches depends on severity. If initial chronic headaches are found, the doctor will take a detailed history, perform a physical and neurological examination. If the headache is found to be non-dangerous, the doctor will prescribe painkillers, muscle relaxants, or stress relief medications and advise on avoiding triggers.
In cases of abnormalities, further tests will be conducted, including blood tests and X-rays, such as a simple skull X-ray to check the sinuses, or consideration for an MRI scan, which provides more detailed images.
MRI: Diagnostic examination for brain abnormalities
MRI is an innovative examination using electromagnetic waves that is very safe and harmless to the body. It is mostly used to diagnose brain tumors, especially tumors in the brain and skull near the cerebellum and brainstem. MRI is also used to diagnose other brain abnormalities such as encephalitis from various causes, multiple sclerosis, to guide further treatment.
Which symptoms should prompt a brain MRI?
- Headache with weakness in one side of the arms or legs or behavioral changes
- Frequent seizures or loss of consciousness, memory loss, confusion, nausea, vomiting
- Dizziness like vertigo, loss of balance, intermittent symptoms
- Facial drooping, drooping eyelids, or numb/stiff tongue
Don’t let “chronic headaches” overshadow our happiness
Early-stage chronic headaches may not seem very concerning. Many people let the symptoms worsen until they reach a level that is difficult to treat. Therefore, we should not let this disease invade our happiness for long… The best solution is “to see a specialist”
Dr. Lalitpan Sudprasert, a specialist in neurology and brain medicine, is an experienced doctor in this field, ready to provide detailed advice and full care for everyone.
