Headache

Headaches are common for both adults and children. They can be related to both physical and psychological factors and are often temporary, triggered by factors such as muscle tension, infections, stress, or lack of sleep. Most headaches last only a few hours or days, but if they are intense, persistent, or recurrent, it’s advisable to seek a medical evaluation for a precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Contents:

• Headache Symptoms
• Causes of Headaches
• Self-Care Instructions
• When to seek medical care?
• How Can Dokport Help?

Headache Symptoms

Headaches can cause various types of pain: dull, pressing, throbbing, pulsing, or fluctuating sensations. For some, symptoms are mild and infrequent, while others suffer from daily headaches. Pain can occur in different areas, such as the forehead, back of the head, or temples, and may be one-sided. Fatigue and heightened sensitivity to light and sound are often associated with headaches.

Types of Headache Symptoms:

• Cervical headache – one-sided, dull headache associated with neck pain.
• Tension headache – dull, often bilateral pain with a sensation of pressure around the head.
• Cluster headache – intense, one-sided pain behind or around one eye, occurring in clusters over time.
• Migraine – severe, often one-sided throbbing pain that may include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and temporary vision disturbances.

Causes of Headaches

Common headache triggers include muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, respiratory or viral infections, lack of sleep, stress, or mental strain. In some cases, there’s a clear cause, such as jaw clenching or vision issues. Alcohol and caffeine consumption can also trigger headaches.

Self-Care Instructions

To reduce the risk of headaches, maintain a regular diet and hydration, exercise, manage stress, and ensure sufficient sleep. A headache diary can help identify triggers. Pain killer medication can alleviate temporary headaches but should not be used regularly.

Tips for Reducing Headache Risk:

• Manage stress
• Take breaks and stretch during prolonged sitting
• Incorporate exercise into your routine
• Try relaxation exercises
• Establish good sleep habits
• Drink water throughout the day

When to seek medical care?

Seek medical help if headaches are persistent, recurrent, or severe. Contact healthcare promptly if headaches are accompanied by dizziness, temple pain, or jaw muscle pain. Seek urgent care if a headache is sudden and intense, involves vomiting, or if you’ve sustained a head injury. Call emergency services if headaches are associated with limb numbness, muscle weakness, facial paralysis, or difficulty speaking.

How Can Dokport Help?

Dokport’s online medical clinic offers quick assistance for treating mild headaches. Our doctors can assess your symptoms in a chat consultation, provide home care instructions, prescribe medication if necessary, or recommend sick leave based on your work duties. If needed, we can suggest an in-person appointment with a physician or nurse.

Expert: Dr. Anna Sipilä, MD, Associate Professor of Experimental Internal Medicine