[29F] Experiencing daily headaches, dizziness, and nausea

Patient Description

A 29-year-old female reports suffering from daily headaches that start upon getting out of bed and cease when going to bed. The headaches are described as ranging from dull to throbbing, with severity varying between 3 to 7 out of 10. They are localized at the back of the head and behind the eye. Symptoms are exacerbated by movement, looking at a computer, and turning the head. There is no relief found from any activities or treatments thus far. The patient also experiences dizziness and nausea. Past medical history includes preeclampsia diagnosed in the previous year and gallbladder removal. Current medications include Wellbutrin, lamotrigine, and procardia for blood pressure management and depression. The patient has a known allergy to iodine.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

  • Migraines: These are intense headaches that can cause throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. They can last for hours to days, and can be so severe that they interfere with your daily activities. Migraines can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, certain foods, and changes in sleep patterns. They can also cause nausea and dizziness.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to relieve symptoms and prevent future migraines. Lifestyle modifications, such as stress management and avoiding triggers, can also be beneficial.
  • Tension headaches: These are the most common type of headache, characterized by a dull, aching sensation all over the head. They can also cause a feeling of pressure or tightness around the forehead or back of the head and neck. Tension headaches can be triggered by stress, lack of sleep, poor posture, or eye strain.

    • Treatment typically involves over-the-counter pain relievers, stress management, and physical therapy.
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure): Given your history of preeclampsia and current use of blood pressure medication, it's possible that your symptoms could be related to poorly controlled blood pressure. Hypertension can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea.

    • Treatment involves lifestyle modifications and medications to lower blood pressure.
  • Medication overuse headaches: These occur when medications taken to relieve headaches are used too often. They can cause a dull, constant headache that's often worse in the morning.

    • Treatment involves reducing or stopping the overused medications under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
  • Intracranial hypertension: This is a condition characterized by increased pressure inside the skull, which can cause daily headaches, nausea, and dizziness. The headaches often worsen with movement and are most severe upon waking.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce the pressure, and in some cases, surgical procedures.

What you can do

It's important to seek medical attention to discuss your symptoms and get a proper diagnosis. In the meantime, you can:

  1. Keep a headache diary: This can help you identify triggers and patterns, which can be useful in managing your headaches.
  2. Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet: Dehydration and skipping meals can trigger headaches.
  3. Practice good sleep hygiene: Regular sleep patterns can help prevent headaches.
  4. Manage stress: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce stress and prevent headaches.
  5. Limit screen time: Prolonged screen time can strain your eyes and trigger headaches.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your headaches become more severe or frequent
  • You have a headache that's different from your usual headaches
  • You experience sudden, severe headaches
  • You have headaches accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizure, double vision, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
  • You have headaches after a head injury

Remember, I'm an AI and not a doctor. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common triggers for migraines and how can they be managed?

Common triggers for migraines include stress, certain foods (like aged cheese and processed meats), caffeine, alcohol, hormonal changes, and changes in sleep patterns. Managing migraines often involves identifying and avoiding these triggers, using prescribed medications to relieve symptoms, and implementing lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, stress management techniques, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.


How can tension headaches be differentiated from other types of headaches?

Tension headaches are typically characterized by a dull, aching sensation all over the head, often with a feeling of pressure or tightness around the forehead or back of the head and neck. They are usually less severe than migraines and do not typically cause nausea or visual disturbances. Stress, poor posture, and eye strain are common triggers. Differentiating them from other headaches often involves considering these symptoms and triggers.


What lifestyle changes can help manage high blood pressure and related symptoms?

Lifestyle changes that can help manage high blood pressure include maintaining a healthy diet low in salt and rich in fruits and vegetables, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and managing stress through techniques like meditation or yoga. These changes can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of related symptoms like headaches and dizziness.


What are the signs that a headache might be due to medication overuse?

Medication overuse headaches often occur when pain relief medications are taken too frequently. Signs include a dull, constant headache that is often worse in the morning and may improve with medication but returns as the medication wears off. If you suspect medication overuse, it's important to consult a healthcare provider to discuss a plan for reducing or stopping the medication safely.


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