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Suggest Treatment For Persistent And Painful Headaches
Question: for the past 2 nights I have been getting very painful headaches. they after only on the left side of my head an it's a throbbing, piercing mind of pain. they come and go throughout the day and make it difficult to keep my eyes open, sleep, and get up our of bed. should I schedule an appointment with my doctor or go the emergency room asap?
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Usually headache related to brain lesions has other symptoms such as weakness of numbness of the limbs on one side (opposite to the pain), trouble with balance or coordination, visual symptoms etc. So you shouldn't be alarmed, most probably it is not an issue of a threatening condition. I would try an over the counter pain killer like Ibuprofen 400-600 mg to alleviate the pain.
However saying probably doesn't mean certainly. It has been already 2 days and I assume you haven't had any such headache in the past since you do not mention it. In that case for a persisting unilateral headache if Ibuprofen does not work I would say a visit is necessary sooner rather than later. So if you can't get an appointment with your doctor in about 24 hours I would say a visit to the emergency room is advisable in order to have a physical exam for other possible neurological signs you might have missed, or signs indicating some other cause such as an ear or sinus infection, or dysfunction of temporomandibular joint. If no emergency causes are found you can still follow up with your doctor for further management, but at least can have some peace of mind in the meanwhile, knowing it is not a threatening cause.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Usually headache related to brain lesions has other symptoms such as weakness of numbness of the limbs on one side (opposite to the pain), trouble with balance or coordination, visual symptoms etc. So you shouldn't be alarmed, most probably it is not an issue of a threatening condition. I would try an over the counter pain killer like Ibuprofen 400-600 mg to alleviate the pain.
However saying probably doesn't mean certainly. It has been already 2 days and I assume you haven't had any such headache in the past since you do not mention it. In that case for a persisting unilateral headache if Ibuprofen does not work I would say a visit is necessary sooner rather than later. So if you can't get an appointment with your doctor in about 24 hours I would say a visit to the emergency room is advisable in order to have a physical exam for other possible neurological signs you might have missed, or signs indicating some other cause such as an ear or sinus infection, or dysfunction of temporomandibular joint. If no emergency causes are found you can still follow up with your doctor for further management, but at least can have some peace of mind in the meanwhile, knowing it is not a threatening cause.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
okay I will definitely make an appointment with my doctor. I have had painful headaches in the past but none that were so frequent and kept me from being able to start my day. thank you for your advice, I appreciate it.
Brief Answer:
Thank you
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information.
If you have had similar headaches in the past, even of a lower intensity, it makes an urgent issue less likely, it should wait till the appointment I believe.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Thank you
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information.
If you have had similar headaches in the past, even of a lower intensity, it makes an urgent issue less likely, it should wait till the appointment I believe.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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