[20F] Experiencing sharp head pain, eye pressure, and neck stiffness

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are a few possibilities:

• Tension Headache: This is a common type of headache characterized by a dull, aching sensation all over the head. It is often described as a feeling of a tight band or dull ache around the head or behind the eyes. These headaches are often related to stress, depression, anxiety, a head injury, or holding your head and neck in an abnormal position.

  • Treatment typically involves pain relievers, stress management, and physical therapy.

• Migraine: This is a type of headache characterized by severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It's often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so severe that it interferes with your daily activities.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

• Cluster Headache: These are severe headaches that occur on one side of the head (often around the eye) and come in clusters, meaning you experience cycles of headache attacks, followed by headache-free periods.

  • Treatment typically involves medications, as well as certain procedures and lifestyle changes.

• Cervicogenic Headache: This is a secondary headache, meaning it's caused by another illness or physical issue. In the case of cervicogenic headache, the cause is a disorder of the cervical spine and its component bony, disc and/or soft tissue elements.

  • Treatment typically involves treating the underlying cause, as well as pain management.

Please note that these are possibilities based on the symptoms you've described and not a definitive diagnosis.

What you can do

1. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Nonprescription medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) often help relieve occasional headaches.
2. Rest and relaxation: Try to rest and relax. If possible, rest in a dark, quiet room when you feel a headache coming on.
3. Hot or cold showers or baths: Some people find that soaking in a hot tub or taking a hot shower can help relieve the pain of a headache.
4. Regular physical activity: Regular aerobic physical activity can improve your physical and mental well-being and reduce headache pain.
5. Keep a headache diary: A diary can help you determine what triggers your headaches. Note when your headaches start, what you were doing at the time, how long they last and what, if anything, provides relief.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if your headache:

• Is sudden and severe
• Accompanies a fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizure, double vision, weakness, numbness or difficulty speaking
• Follows a head injury
• Gets worse despite rest and pain medication
• Is a new headache and you're older than 50

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.