[23F] Experiencing severe, persistent migraine with neck soreness

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:

• Migraine: Migraines are a type of headache characterized by severe, throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. The pain can be all over the head, but often starts in a specific area. The fact that you've had migraines before and are experiencing sensitivity to light suggests this could be a possibility.

  • Treatment often involves medications to relieve symptoms and prevent future migraines. Rest and avoiding triggers can also help.

• Tension-type headache: These are often described as a constant pressure, as opposed to the throbbing of a migraine, and can be associated with muscle tension in the neck. They can be triggered by stress, lack of sleep, poor posture, or eye strain.

  • Treatment typically involves pain relievers, stress management techniques, and lifestyle changes.

• Cervicogenic headache: This is a type of headache that originates from disorders in the neck. The pain is usually one-sided and starts from the back of the head, but can spread to the front. The fact that your headache and neck pain started at the same time, and that moving your head makes your headache worse, suggests this could be a possibility.

  • Treatment often involves physical therapy, nerve blocks, and sometimes surgery.

Please note that it's also possible that your neck pain and headaches are unrelated and due to different causes.

What you can do

1. Try over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, if you haven't already and if you are not allergic to them. Please follow the instructions on the package for dosage information.
2. Rest in a quiet, dark room. This can often help with migraines and other types of headaches.
3. Apply a warm compress to your neck to help with the pain.
4. Avoid any known headache triggers, such as certain foods, lack of sleep, or stress.
5. Try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help manage stress and tension.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your headache or neck pain becomes severe or unbearable
• You experience sudden, severe headaches, often described as "the worst headache of your life"
• You have difficulty speaking, seeing, walking, or balancing
• You have a fever, stiff neck, or rash
• You have a sudden onset of weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of your body

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, diagnosis, and treatment.