[22F] Experiencing constant migraines and tension headaches

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Migraines: These are a type of headache characterized by severe pain that can be preceded or accompanied by sensory warning signs such as flashes of light, blind spots, tingling in the arms and legs, nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and sound. The excruciating pain that migraines bring can last for hours or even days.

  • Treatment typically involves pain relieving and preventive medications.

• Cluster headaches: These are severe headaches that occur in patterns or clusters, and are one of the most painful types of headache. They often occur on one side of the head and around the eyes.

  • Treatment involves fast-acting pain relievers, preventive medications, and in some cases nerve blocks.

• Sinus headaches: Despite your lack of congestion, it's possible that sinus inflammation is causing your symptoms. These headaches usually come with a fever, stuffy nose, cough, congestion, or facial pressure around the forehead or cheeks.

  • Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause, such as bacterial or fungal infection.

• Tension headaches: These are the most common type of headache, and they cause a constant ache or pressure around the head, temples, or back of the head and neck. They're often described as a tight band around the head.

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

What you can do

It's important to consult a healthcare provider about your symptoms so they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to manage your symptoms:

1. Maintain a regular sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
3. Limit alcohol: Alcohol can trigger migraines in some people, so it's best to avoid it if you're prone to migraines.
4. Avoid known triggers: If certain foods or odors seem to have triggered your migraines in the past, avoid them.
5. Regular physical activity: Regular aerobic exercise reduces tension and can help prevent migraines. If your doctor agrees, choose any aerobic exercise you enjoy, including walking, swimming and cycling. Warm up slowly, however, because sudden, intense exercise can cause headaches.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• An abrupt, severe headache like a thunderclap
• Headache with fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness or speaking difficulties
• Headache after a head injury, especially if the headache worsens
• A chronic headache that is worse after coughing, exertion, straining or a sudden movement
• New headache pain if you're older than 50

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider.