[33F] Experiencing eye pain and headache

What might be happening

Based on the information provided, possible diagnoses 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 usually involves over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, and lifestyle changes such as stress management and avoiding certain foods.

• Cluster Headache: These are severe headaches that occur on one side of the head (often around or behind the eye) and come in clusters, meaning you experience cycles of headache attacks followed by headache-free periods.

  • Treatment for cluster headaches can involve oxygen therapy, local anesthetics, and certain medications.

• Eye Strain: This can occur when your eyes get tired from intense use, such as driving a car for extended periods, reading, or working at a computer for long periods of time. Symptoms can include sore, tired, burning or itching eyes, headache, sore neck, back or shoulder, and increased sensitivity to light.

  • Treatment for eye strain usually involves resting your eyes, adjusting the lighting when reading or working at a computer, and taking breaks during long tasks.

What you can do

1. Rest and avoid activities that trigger your headaches.
2. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help with the pain.
3. If you spend a lot of time on the computer or doing close work, take breaks every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds (the 20-20-20 rule).
4. Stay hydrated and maintain a regular sleep schedule.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If your headache is severe and unlike any you've had before
• If your headache is accompanied by a high fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness or speaking difficulties
• If your headache gets worse over days and changes with position or during coughing or sneezing
• If you have a history of cancer and develop a new headache

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.