[19F] Experiencing daily headaches with neck pain and eye involvement

Patient Description

A 19-year-old female reports experiencing daily headaches for several months, predominantly in the mornings and evenings. The headaches are described as aching, sometimes pounding, and are localized around the neck and behind the eyes. The intensity of the headaches is rated as a 4 out of 10. Activities such as laying down and looking at screens exacerbate the pain. The patient finds some relief when taking Tylenol. Accompanying the headaches is a sense of fatigue. The patient has a history of similar headaches in the past.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible causes for your symptoms include:

  • Tension headaches: These are the most common type of headache and can be caused by stress, anxiety, or muscle strain. They often feel like a constant ache or pressure around the head, especially at the temples or back of the head and neck.

    • Treatment typically involves over-the-counter pain relievers, stress management, and physical therapy.
  • Migraines: These are severe headaches that can cause throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. They can also cause sensitivity to light and sound, and they can last for hours to days.

    • Treatment often involves medications to help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, as well as lifestyle changes to manage triggers.
  • Eye strain: Long periods of reading, screen time, or other intense focus can cause eye strain, which can lead to headaches.

    • Treatment typically involves taking regular breaks from screen time, ensuring good lighting when reading, and considering corrective lenses if necessary.
  • Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can lead to headaches and fatigue.

    • Treatment involves drinking plenty of fluids and eating foods high in water.

Please note that while these are possible causes, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. Try to identify any headache triggers (such as stress, certain foods, lack of sleep) and avoid them if possible.
  2. Maintain a regular sleep schedule and make sure you're getting enough sleep each night.
  3. Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet.
  4. Take regular breaks from screen time and ensure your workspace is ergonomically set up.
  5. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with symptom management, but they should not be used long-term without consulting a doctor.
  6. Regular physical activity can help prevent headaches.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your headache is sudden and severe.
  • You have a headache accompanied by confusion, fainting, high fever, stiff neck, rash, or trouble seeing or speaking.
  • Your headache gets worse over time or is different from your usual headaches.
  • You have a headache after a head injury.
  • Your headache is accompanied by vomiting or nausea (if not typical for you).

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

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9 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are the common causes of daily headaches in young adults?

Common causes of daily headaches in young adults include tension headaches, migraines, eye strain, dehydration, and stress. It's important to identify specific triggers and consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.


How can I differentiate between a tension headache and a migraine?

Tension headaches typically feel like a constant ache or pressure around the head, especially at the temples or back of the head and neck, and are often associated with stress or muscle strain. Migraines, on the other hand, usually cause throbbing pain on one side of the head and can be accompanied by nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.


What lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency of headaches?

Lifestyle changes that can help reduce the frequency of headaches include maintaining a regular sleep schedule, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, taking regular breaks from screen time, and engaging in regular physical activity.


When should I seek medical attention for my headaches?

You should seek medical attention if your headache is sudden and severe, accompanied by confusion, fainting, high fever, stiff neck, rash, or trouble seeing or speaking, if it gets worse over time, is different from your usual headaches, occurs after a head injury, or is accompanied by vomiting or nausea if not typical for you.

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