[25F] Experiencing severe migraine with associated symptoms

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are a few possibilities:

• Migraine: Your symptoms of one-sided headache, nausea, sensitivity to light, sound, and smell, and relief from Tylenol and cold compresses are classic for migraines. Migraines are a type of headache characterized by severe pain on one side of the head, and can last for hours to days.

  • Treatment typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes (like avoiding triggers), over-the-counter pain relievers, and prescription medications.

• Tension headache: These are often associated with stress, anxiety, or muscle strain. They can cause a constant ache or pressure around the head, tenderness around the scalp, forehead, or back of the neck. However, your sensitivity to light and sound is more typical of a migraine.

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

• Cluster headache: These are extremely painful headaches that occur in clusters or cyclical patterns. They are characterized by severe burning and piercing pain. They occur around or behind one eye or on one side of the face at a time. However, these are rare and usually don't cause nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.

  • Treatment involves a combination of medications to reduce the severity of the cluster headache attacks and to help prevent future attacks.

What you can do

1. Continue taking Tylenol as needed for pain, but be sure not to exceed the recommended daily dose.
2. Try to identify and avoid potential migraine triggers, such as certain foods, smells, or stress.
3. Practice good sleep hygiene, as poor sleep can trigger migraines.
4. Stay hydrated and eat regular, balanced meals.
5. Consider seeking advice from a healthcare professional. They may be able to prescribe medications to help prevent migraines or to take when they start.

What you should look out for

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 trouble speaking
• Headache after a head injury, especially if the headache gets worse
• A chronic headache that is worse after coughing, exertion, straining or a sudden movement
• New headache pain if you're over 50

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