In this article, we will examine five of the most common factors that can lead to pain in the back of the head. We also take a look at their symptoms, as well as when to call our home doctor for a headache in Sotogrande.
1. Tension headaches
Although pain in the forehead is the most common symptom of tension headaches, tension headaches are also the most common cause of pain in the back of the head. They can last for as long as seven days, but they can also be quite short, lasting for no more than thirty minutes at a time.
The following are the signs and symptoms of a tension-type headache:
- a sensation of pressure building up in either the back or the front of the head
- discomfort ranging from mild to moderate, with occasional severe episodes
- exercise doesn't make the headache worse
- not feeling queasy or sick
2. Migraine
Recurring migraine headaches often begin in childhood and worsen with age.
They can happen several times a week in adulthood, especially in women 35–45.
Common symptoms of migraine include:
- Headache that is throbbing and severe on one side.
- vomit and nausea
- visual disruption
- increased sensitivity to smell, light, and noise
- Skin sensitivity and tender muscles
- last for several days or a few hours.
- Physical activity exacerbates them
Before a migraine attack, a person may experience an "aura," which includes flashing lights or other visual disturbances.
3. Rebound headache or medication overuse
A person may experience medication-overuse headaches (MOH) if they take too many painkillers. Rebound headaches are another name for MOH headaches.
There are no issues with occasional use of painkillers. However, a medication overuse headache or rebound headache can happen if a person takes painkillers more than two or more days a week for an extended period of time.
Main signs and symptoms include:
- chronic headaches that are nearly daily
- worse pain in the morning
- a headache after discontinuing pain medication
4. Occipital neuralgia
Occipital neuralgia is a specific and less frequent form of headache that often starts at the neck's lowest point, moves up to the back of the head, and then extends behind the ears. It is also known as a cervico-occipital headache.
It's possible that the occipital nerves, which travel from the nape of the neck all the way up to the base of the scalp, have been injured or irritated in some way.
It's possible that the injury or irritation was caused by underlying disorders, stress in the neck, or some other unknown issue.
The ache in occipital neuralgia may be intense. Among the other symptoms are:
- burning and throbbing pain that never stops
- sporadic shooting or shocking pains
- a movement of the neck can cause pain, which is frequently on one side of the head.
- sensitivity in the scalp
- light sensitivity
5. Headaches brought on by exercise
Headaches that are brought on by exercise are common after engaging in strenuous physical activity. They come on suddenly during or immediately after exercise, and they progress to a severe state very quickly.
This discomfort can be brought on by a wide variety of physical activities, including weightlifting, running, sexual activity, and even straining while sitting on the toilet.
A pulsating pain on both sides of the head is one of the symptoms, and its duration can range anywhere from five minutes to two days. These headaches are typically one-off occurrences and may also produce symptoms similar to those of a migraine.
When to call our home doctor for a headache in Sotogrande
Call our home doctor for a headache in Sotogrande if a headache:
- Appears out of nowhere and rapidly worsens into a severe condition
- It gives you the feeling of the worst headache you've ever had.
- Is accompanied by a fever and a stiff neck at the same time.
- Is accompanied by symptoms such as convulsions, fainting, disorientation, or personality shifts
- Starts immediately after an accident, especially a brain injury.
- Followed by a feeling of heaviness, numbness, or altered eyesight.