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What Causes Cervical Lordosis When Diagnosed With Migraine Headaches?

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Posted on Thu, 17 Dec 2015
Question: My wife three years back was diagnosed with migraine headache and Migraleve Tab was given once. After that she dint get any severe migraines but some mild headaches which will be alright by giving paracetamol. Also X ray revealed 1 year back she is suffering from Cervical Lordosis-Military Neck and after physical exercise and using cervical pillows, Her neck became normal after 3 months which was confirmed by x ray again. For the past one week she have headache little more than being mild but not severe. Paracetamol dont work this time but still bearable head ache. Kindly advise the way forward. Her BP is on the lower side 102 / 71, Age 23 & weight 65 kg
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Read below

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

It might have been useful if you had given some more details on this recent headache, such as location, character (pulsating, tightening, lancinating etc), accompanying phenomena (nausea, vomiting, light and noise sensitivity, neck pain, eye redness, lacrimation, fever, weakness or numbness of one or more limbs etc).

Judging from what you say this headache doesn't look like migraine headache. Simple migraine by definition has attacks which last up to 72 hours, so it's past that time frame. Also often has features such as nausea, vomiting, light and noise sensitivity, pain is pulsating and more intense, making it impossible to conduct daily activities.
In the absence of other manifestations there is no reason to suspect other more worrying issues such as stroke, tumor, infection etc. I would say that the most probable causes are either tension type headache or cervicogenic headache. Tension type headache is the most common type of primary headache (primary meaning with no identifiable cause) in the population, often triggered by stress and anxiety. Cervicogenic headache is headache related to her chronic neck issues which does irradiate in the head.

In terms of medication both are managed the same, by over the counter pain killers like Ibuprofen which is more effective then paracetamol. For the neck issue continuing physical therapy is also essential.

I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (5 hours later)
Pain is on the fore head( Medium Pain) and rarely along the back (severe). There is No nausea,vomiting,light & noise sensitivity but accompanied with neck pain. The pain is not pulsating but sort of tightening,stretching along.

Kindly advise the right dosage of ibuprofen. Also advise whether her Blood pressure is ok.

Her BP is 102 / 71 & sometimes 100/74
Age 23
weight 65 kg
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Blood pressure is fine.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the additional info.

When there is pain in the forehead one additional diagnosis to be considered (apart from the already mentioned ones) is also sinusitis. It should be suspected if there is nasal congestion and discharge, otherwise not likely and tension type headache remains the most likely cause.

Her blood pressure is fine, have no worry about that (do not be scared if you've heard it should be higher, it is high, not low blood pressure which concerns us. Also in young individuals it is commonly slightly lower).

Ibuprofen dosages vary, there are 200, 400 or 600mg pills on the market. I would start with a 400 mg one, can be taken 2-3 times daily, if no pain anymore no need to take again. Regular eating and sleeping hours are also important.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3672 Questions

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What Causes Cervical Lordosis When Diagnosed With Migraine Headaches?

Brief Answer: Read below Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. It might have been useful if you had given some more details on this recent headache, such as location, character (pulsating, tightening, lancinating etc), accompanying phenomena (nausea, vomiting, light and noise sensitivity, neck pain, eye redness, lacrimation, fever, weakness or numbness of one or more limbs etc). Judging from what you say this headache doesn't look like migraine headache. Simple migraine by definition has attacks which last up to 72 hours, so it's past that time frame. Also often has features such as nausea, vomiting, light and noise sensitivity, pain is pulsating and more intense, making it impossible to conduct daily activities. In the absence of other manifestations there is no reason to suspect other more worrying issues such as stroke, tumor, infection etc. I would say that the most probable causes are either tension type headache or cervicogenic headache. Tension type headache is the most common type of primary headache (primary meaning with no identifiable cause) in the population, often triggered by stress and anxiety. Cervicogenic headache is headache related to her chronic neck issues which does irradiate in the head. In terms of medication both are managed the same, by over the counter pain killers like Ibuprofen which is more effective then paracetamol. For the neck issue continuing physical therapy is also essential. I remain at your disposal for further questions.