[25F] Experiencing headaches with light and noise sensitivity

What might be happening

Based on your description, you may be experiencing:

• Tension Headaches: These are often associated with a dull, aching sensation all over your head. It's also described as having a tight band around your head or pressure at your temples or back of the head. They can be triggered by stress, anxiety, or holding your head in one position for a long time (like when you use a computer).

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

• Migraines: These are intense or severe headaches often accompanied by other symptoms like sensitivity to light, noise, and sometimes smells. They can last for a few hours to several days.

  • Treatment typically involves pain relievers, preventive medications, and lifestyle changes like avoiding known triggers.

• Chronic Daily Headaches: These are not a specific type of headache, but any headache disorder that occurs 15 or more days a month for longer than three months.

  • Treatment typically involves a combination of medications, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Please note that these are potential explanations for your symptoms based on the information you provided, but they are not definitive. You should consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate 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: A short nap or a good night's sleep might ease your headache. Try to avoid stress and find a calm, quiet place to relax and possibly sleep.
3. Regular physical activity: Regular aerobic physical activity can improve your physical and mental well-being and reduce headache frequency.
4. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to headaches. Make sure you're drinking enough water each day.
5. Avoid known triggers: If certain foods or odors seem to have triggered your headaches in the past, avoid them.

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 type of headache for you and you're over age 50

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare provider.