[54M] Experiencing headache with pain on movement

Patient Description

A 54-year-old male reports an aching headache on the back right side of the head, rated as a 5 on the pain scale, which began suddenly 24 hours ago. The headache is exacerbated when turning the head to the left. The patient has a history of headaches and states that remaining still provides some relief. No additional symptoms such as weakness, numbness, changes in vision or balance, or other neurological symptoms were reported. The patient mentioned an unspecified event occurring before the onset of the headache.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are a few possibilities:

  • Tension Headache: This is the most common type of headache and can be caused by stress, anxiety, or muscle strain. The pain is often described as a constant ache that affects both sides of the head, though it can also affect just one side.

    • Treatment typically involves over-the-counter pain relievers, stress management, and rest.
  • Migraine: This is a type of headache characterized by severe pain on one side of the head, often accompanied by other symptoms like nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. However, you did not report these additional symptoms.

    • Treatment typically involves medication to relieve symptoms and prevent future attacks.
  • Cervicogenic Headache: This is a type of headache that originates from the neck and is often triggered by certain neck movements or positions.

    • Treatment typically involves physical therapy, exercises, and medication.

Please note that it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. Rest and avoid any activities that may be causing or worsening your headache.
  2. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, may help relieve your headache.
  3. Apply a warm or cold compress to the area where you're feeling pain.
  4. Maintain a regular sleep schedule and eat balanced meals at regular times.
  5. Try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation, to help reduce stress.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if your headache:

  • Is sudden and severe
  • Is accompanied by a fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizure, double vision, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
  • Gets worse after a head injury
  • Is different from your usual headaches
  • Prevents you from performing your daily activities
  • Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common causes of a headache that worsens with neck movement?

A headache that worsens with neck movement can be caused by cervicogenic headaches, which originate from the neck, or tension headaches, which can be related to muscle strain. It's important to consider recent activities or events that might have strained the neck.


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

Tension headaches often present as a constant ache on both sides of the head and can be related to stress or muscle tension. Cervicogenic headaches originate from the neck and are often triggered by specific neck movements or positions. Consulting a healthcare provider can help in distinguishing between the two.


What are some effective home remedies for managing headaches?

Effective home remedies for managing headaches include resting, using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, applying warm or cold compresses to the painful area, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, eating balanced meals, and practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.


When should I seek medical attention for a headache?

You should seek medical attention for a headache if it is sudden and severe, accompanied by symptoms like fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizure, double vision, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking, worsens after a head injury, is different from your usual headaches, prevents you from performing daily activities, or is accompanied by unexplained weight loss.


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