[37F] With sharp headache and facial pressure

Patient Description

A 37-year-old female reports experiencing a sharp headache on the right side of her head, near the temple and ear/face. The pain has been intermittent throughout the day, rated as 6 out of 10 in severity, and worsens with movement but improves when laying still. This is the first occurrence of such a headache. Accompanying symptoms include dry bloody mucus and facial pressure. The headache began suddenly and has persisted all day. The patient denies facial numbness, tingling, sensitivity to light or sound, muscle weakness, difficulty speaking, vision changes, recent infections, new medications, or head trauma. No family history of neurological conditions or headaches is reported. Current medications include Robaxin 500 mg four times a day, Tylenol 500 mg once a day as needed, and ibuprofen 800 mg once a day as needed.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are some possible explanations:

  • Tension Headache: This is a common type of headache that can cause pain and pressure around the head, often triggered by stress or muscle tension. It can sometimes cause tingling sensations.

    • Treatment typically involves over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or Tylenol, which you're already taking.

  • Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause facial pressure, headache, and ear pain. The presence of dry, bloody mucus might suggest sinus involvement.

    • Treatment may include decongestants, nasal saline rinses, or antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected.

  • Trigeminal Neuralgia: This condition involves sudden, severe facial pain and could explain the sharp pain near your temple and ear.

    • Treatment often involves medications to manage nerve pain, and a healthcare provider can help determine if this is the case.

What you can do

  • Rest and Relaxation: Continue to rest and avoid activities that worsen your symptoms.
  • Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, which can help with sinus pressure.
  • Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to your face may help relieve sinus pressure and pain.
  • Symptom Tracking: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track any changes, and share this information with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Worsening or persistent pain
  • New symptoms like vision changes or severe dizziness
  • High fever or signs of infection

Remember, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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2 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common causes of a sharp headache on one side of the head?

Common causes of a sharp headache on one side of the head include tension headaches, migraines, sinusitis, and trigeminal neuralgia. Each has distinct characteristics and triggers, so it's important to consider accompanying symptoms.

How can sinusitis lead to headaches and facial pressure?

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses, which can lead to headaches and facial pressure due to the buildup of mucus and pressure in the sinus cavities. This can also cause symptoms like nasal congestion and dry, bloody mucus.

What is trigeminal neuralgia and how is it treated?

Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition characterized by sudden, severe facial pain, often described as sharp or electric shock-like. It is typically treated with medications that manage nerve pain, and in some cases, surgical options may be considered.

When should I seek medical attention for a headache?

You should seek medical attention for a headache if you experience worsening or persistent pain, new symptoms such as vision changes or severe dizziness, or signs of infection like a high fever.

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