[34F] Experiencing sudden severe headache with associated symptoms

Patient Description

A 34-year-old female presents with a sudden onset of severe headache rated 6-7/10 in intensity, located near the front temple area, accompanied by dizziness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and difficulty concentrating. The headache and associated symptoms started 2 days ago and are exacerbated by light and activity, with some relief when lying down. The patient also reported initial black spots in vision, nausea, fever, neck stiffness, and altered consciousness. No relief from symptoms has been found, and this is the first occurrence of such a headache. The patient's medical history is unremarkable, with no known chronic illnesses or family history of migraines. Current medications include Allegra, vitamin D, a multivitamin, biotin, and ibuprofen taken at the headache onset. The patient has an allergy to Cephalosporins.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, several conditions could be causing your discomfort:

  • Migraine: This is a type of headache that can cause severe throbbing pain, 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 typically involves pain-relieving medications and preventive medications.

  • Cluster Headache: This is a severe type of headache that tends to occur in clusters, often at the same times each day. Cluster headaches can cause intense pain around one eye or on one side of your head. Other symptoms can include restlessness, excessive tearing, redness of your eye, and a runny or stuffy nose.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to decrease the severity of cluster headache attacks.

  • Tension Headache: This is the most common type of headache, and its cause isn't well understood. A tension headache is generally a diffuse, mild to moderate pain in your head that's often described as feeling like a tight band around your forehead or a weight on top of your head.

    • Treatment typically involves pain-relieving medications.

  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: This is a life-threatening type of stroke caused by bleeding into the space surrounding the brain. A subarachnoid hemorrhage can cause sudden, severe headaches, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and sometimes loss of consciousness.

    • Treatment typically involves surgery to stop the bleeding and medications to control symptoms.

What you can do

Given the severity and sudden onset of your symptoms, it's important that you seek immediate medical attention. Please go to the nearest emergency department or call an ambulance. While waiting for medical help, try to stay as calm and comfortable as possible.

What you should look out for

Watch out for any worsening of your symptoms, such as:

  • An increase in the severity of your headache
  • A sudden change in your mental status, such as confusion or difficulty staying awake
  • New symptoms, such as seizures, severe neck stiffness, or difficulty moving your limbs

Remember, I'm an AI and not a doctor. It's important that you seek care from a real health professional to receive a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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10 mo ago

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People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of a migraine?

Common symptoms of a migraine include severe throbbing pain on one side of the head, nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Some people also experience visual disturbances known as aura.

How can I differentiate between a migraine and a tension headache?

A migraine typically presents with severe, throbbing pain on one side of the head and is often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. A tension headache, on the other hand, usually causes a mild to moderate pain that feels like a tight band around the forehead or a weight on top of the head, without the nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.

What should I do if I suspect a subarachnoid hemorrhage?

If you suspect a subarachnoid hemorrhage, seek immediate medical attention by going to the nearest emergency department or calling an ambulance. This condition is life-threatening and requires urgent treatment.

Are there any lifestyle changes that can help prevent migraines?

Lifestyle changes that can help prevent migraines include maintaining a regular sleep schedule, managing stress, staying hydrated, avoiding known migraine triggers (such as certain foods or drinks), and engaging in regular physical activity. It's also helpful to keep a headache diary to identify and avoid triggers.

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