[34F] Experiencing severe migraines and neck stiffness

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

• Migraines: These are severe, recurring headaches that can cause throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. They can last for hours to days, and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can sometimes cause numbness or tingling in the fingers.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to relieve symptoms and prevent future attacks.

• Tension headaches: These are often described as a constant ache or pressure around the head, especially at the temples or back of the head and neck. They can be triggered by stress and can last for several hours.

  • Treatment usually involves pain relievers, stress management, and sometimes antidepressants.

• Cluster headaches: These are severe headaches that occur in clusters or cyclical patterns. They are characterized by sudden, debilitating pain on one side of the head, often around the eye. They can also cause red or teary eyes, runny or stuffy nose on the affected side, and restlessness.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce the severity of the attacks, as well as preventive medications.

• Cervicogenic headaches: These originate from disorders of the neck and are often perceived as pain in the head. The pain is usually one-sided and is associated with neck pain.

  • Treatment usually involves physical therapy, medications, and sometimes nerve blocks.

Please note that these are just possible explanations and not a definitive diagnosis. It's also important to note that your symptoms could potentially indicate a more serious condition, such as a brain aneurysm or meningitis, especially given the severity and sudden onset of your headaches, and the associated neck stiffness and pressure in your head and ears.

What you can do

Given the severity and persistence of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can try the following to manage your symptoms:

1. Rest in a quiet, dark room.
2. Apply a warm compress to your neck and shoulders to help relieve the tension.
3. Stay hydrated and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, which can worsen headaches.
4. Continue taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed, but avoid taking them more than three times a week, as this can sometimes lead to rebound headaches.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• A sudden, severe headache that's different from past headaches.
• Headache with a 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.

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