[26F] Experiencing persistent frontal headache with eye pain and neck stiffness

Patient Description

A 26-year-old female has been experiencing a persistent, throbbing, and aching frontal headache for two weeks, with an intensity rated at 9 out of 10. The headache is constant throughout the day and is accompanied by stiffness in the neck and blurry vision. The patient's head feels warm to the touch during headache episodes, but there is no fever. Eye pain has been present for the same duration as the headache and is rated at 5 out of 10, which the patient attributes to possible eye strain. Tylenol provides some relief but is not always effective. There are no identified activities or triggers that worsen the headache, and there has been no recent injury to the eye or trauma to the face. The patient has not experienced such severe or recurring headaches in the past.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible explanations for your symptoms include:

  • Migraine: This is a type of headache that can cause 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 for migraines often involves medications to help reduce the severity or frequency of the migraines. Lifestyle changes such as stress management and avoiding certain foods can also help.
  • Tension headache: This is the most common type of headache, and it causes a constant ache and pressure around the head, temples, and back of the head. It's often related to stress, anxiety, or muscle strain. However, unlike migraines, tension headaches usually aren't associated with visual disturbances, nausea, or vomiting.

    • Treatment for tension headaches often involves over-the-counter pain relievers, stress management, and physical therapy.
  • Cluster headache: These are severe headaches that occur on one side of the head and come in clusters, meaning you experience cycles of headache attacks followed by headache-free periods. They can cause severe burning and piercing pain. They often occur around the eye and can lead to a watery or red eye and nasal congestion on the affected side.

    • Treatment for cluster headaches often involves medications to reduce the severity and frequency of the headaches, as well as oxygen therapy.

Please note that these are just possible explanations for your symptoms. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

Here are some things you can do to manage your symptoms:

  1. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription medications like ibuprofen can help reduce headache pain.
  2. Rest and relaxation: Try to rest in a quiet, dark room. This can often help reduce headache pain.
  3. Hydration: Make sure you're drinking enough fluids, as dehydration can often contribute to headaches.
  4. Cold compress: Applying a cold compress to your forehead or the back of your neck can help reduce the severity of your headache.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • A sudden, 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 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 not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

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11 mo ago

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People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of a migraine headache?

Common symptoms of a migraine headache include severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head, nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours to days.


How can tension headaches be distinguished from migraines?

Tension headaches typically cause a constant ache and pressure around the head, temples, and back of the head, and are often related to stress or muscle strain. Unlike migraines, tension headaches usually aren't associated with visual disturbances, nausea, or vomiting.


What are some effective treatments for cluster headaches?

Effective treatments for cluster headaches often include medications to reduce the severity and frequency of the headaches, as well as oxygen therapy. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for a treatment plan tailored to your needs.


When should I seek immediate medical attention for a headache?

You should seek immediate medical attention for a headache if you experience a sudden, severe headache like a thunderclap, headache with fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness, or speaking difficulties, or if the headache occurs after a head injury and gets worse.


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3 Comments


Tate McEwan#4033

11 mo ago

It sounds like you probably have a cluster headache, for which the first-line therapy is 100% oxygen and/or a medication called sumatriptan. My ex has them and they were very similar to what you described

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Leo#3962

11 mo ago

Given your lack of past headaches, definitely advocate for yourself to get an MRI because it's part of a proper workup to rule out "secondary" causes of headaches (ie. health processes that can affect the brain). The most likely diagnoses, which are in your assessment, are "primary" headaches that have no known underlying cause and are less dangerous.

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Brian#4030

11 mo ago

Yeah agree with Liam here, if you've never had headaches before definitely see a doc, get some imaging just to be safe

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