[35F] Experiencing severe headache with associated symptoms

Patient Description

A 35-year-old female presented with a severe, rapid-onset headache that began after getting into her car and persisted for approximately 20 minutes. The headache is described as a constant 'brain freeze' with a sensation of heaviness in the head, which is somewhat alleviated by laying still. Accompanying symptoms include stiffness in the neck, aching jaw pain below the ears on both sides rated 5/10 in severity, and difficulty speaking. These symptoms are new, with no previous history of similar headaches. The patient has no known pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses and is not currently on any medications. She reported an allergy to oral steroids. No other symptoms were reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, your symptoms could be indicative of several conditions:

  • Migraine: A type of headache characterized by severe, throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. Symptoms can include sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. Migraines can last for hours to days.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to relieve symptoms and prevent future attacks. Lifestyle changes, such as stress management and regular exercise, can also help.
  • Tension-Type Headache: This is the most common type of headache and is often described as a constant pressure or ache around the head, particularly at the temples or back of the head and neck. It can be associated with muscle tightness in these areas.

    • Treatment usually involves over-the-counter pain relievers, stress management, and regular exercise.
  • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: This condition affects the joint that connects your jaw to the side of your head. It can cause pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement. The exact cause of a person's TMJ disorder is often difficult to determine.

    • Treatment typically involves medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
  • Cluster Headache: These are severe headaches that occur in clusters or cyclical patterns. They are one of the most painful types of headache and can cause intense pain around one eye or one side of your head.

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

However, your symptoms could also be indicative of a more serious condition, such as a stroke or aneurysm. These conditions are medical emergencies and require immediate medical attention.

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.

What you should look out for

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

  • Sudden, severe headache, the worst you've ever had
  • Headache accompanied by confusion, trouble understanding speech, vision disturbances, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, or unexplained falls
  • Headache accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, or severe vomiting
  • Headache that gets worse over days or weeks or changes in pattern
  • Headache that is markedly different from your past headaches
  • Headache after a head injury, especially if the headache gets worse

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please seek immediate medical attention.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of a migraine?

Common symptoms of a migraine include severe, throbbing pain often on one side of the head, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. Migraines can last for hours to days.


How can tension-type headaches be managed at home?

Tension-type headaches can often be managed at home with over-the-counter pain relievers, stress management techniques, regular exercise, and ensuring proper posture to reduce muscle tension.


What are the signs of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder?

Signs of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder include pain or tenderness in the jaw, aching pain around the ear, difficulty chewing, and a clicking sound or grating sensation when opening the mouth or chewing.


When should I seek emergency medical attention for a headache?

You should seek emergency medical attention for a headache if it is sudden and severe, the worst you've ever had, or if it is accompanied by symptoms such as confusion, trouble speaking, vision disturbances, dizziness, loss of balance, or if it follows a head injury and worsens.


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