Understanding Persistent Headaches: Common and Uncommon Causes
Persistent headaches lasting over 15 days monthly can be caused by migraines, tension, or rare conditions like Hemicrania Continua. Recognizing symptoms early and consulting a doctor are essential for effective management and relief from daily discomfort.
Understanding Persistent Headaches: Common and Unusual Causes
Persistent headaches, lasting over fifteen days a month and extending beyond three months, can disrupt daily life. These headaches may occur continuously or intermittently and require attention when they interfere with routines.
Four main causes are often identified for ongoing headaches:
Migraine
Tension headaches
Hemicrania Continua
New daily persistent headache
Frequent causes include:
Migraine: A chronic form causing pain on one or both sides of the head for over eight days a month over three months. Symptoms include pulsating pain, hypersensitivity to light and sound, and nausea. Excessive medication use might worsen the condition.
Tension headaches: Also called stress headaches, these cause a feeling of tightness around the head, affecting both sides. Triggers include chronic stress, sinus infections, fatigue, alcohol, smoking, eye strain, poor posture, or seasonal illnesses.
Rare causes of ongoing headaches:
New daily persistent headache: Appears suddenly without prior history, with symptoms similar to migraines and tension headaches, but not linked to physical activity.
Hemicrania Continua: Usually affects one side with moderate to severe pain daily, accompanied by symptoms like watery eyes, nostril congestion, droopiness, and restlessness.
Other uncommon causes include traumatic injuries, brain tumors, infections, vascular issues, and abnormal intracranial pressure. If you experience persistent headaches, especially if medications are needed regularly, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
