[34F] Experiencing headaches, fatigue, and nausea

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, here are a few possibilities:

• Migraines: Given your family history and the symptoms you've described, migraines could be a possibility. Migraines are a type of headache characterized by moderate to severe pain that is throbbing or pulsing. They can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Some people also experience visual disturbances, or auras, before a migraine.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Your doctor might recommend preventive medications if your migraines are frequent, long-lasting or very severe, or if the migraine symptoms include prolonged aura or numbness and weakness.

• Tension headaches: These are the most common type of headache and they can cause a constant ache and tightness around your forehead or at the back of your head and neck. They can be triggered by stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, and skipping meals.

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin can be effective. If these aren't effective, your doctor might prescribe stronger pain relievers. Combining medications, such as aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine, might offer relief as well.

• Medication overuse headaches: Overuse of pain medication can cause a type of headache called a medication overuse headache. If you're taking over-the-counter pain relievers more than twice a week, you're at risk of medication overuse headaches.

  • The treatment for this type of headache is usually to stop taking the medication that's causing it. It's best to do this under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

What you can do

1. Keep a headache diary: Note when your headaches start, what you were doing at the time, how long they last and what, if anything, provides relief. Also note the foods you ate in the 24 hours preceding attacks, any unusual stress, and how much sleep you had. This can help you identify triggers and patterns to your headaches.
2. Try to rest and relax: If possible, rest in a dark, quiet room when you feel a headache coming on. Place an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the back of your neck and apply gentle pressure to painful areas on your scalp.
3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can help reduce the frequency and severity of your headaches. Try to manage stress.

What you should look out for

If your headaches worsen, or if you start experiencing new symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention. Here are some signs to watch out for:

• 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 worsens
• A chronic headache that is worse after coughing, exertion, straining or a sudden movement
• New headache pain if you're over 50

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful health information, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.