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What Causes Recurring Headaches During Sleep?

Posted on Wed, 22 Jun 2016

Question: I have been waking up with a headache about 4 in the morning almost every night. It gets much better when I get our of bed and sit or stand up. I have tried heat, Tylenol, sleeping on my back with a special pillow and pillows under my legs. The problem is that I am losing sleep and that has set off a manic episode which I then take Zyprexa for. (I take Clonazepam every night to keep normal.) I can't work (I substitute teach) and life is getting very restricted. Who should I see?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Take treatment after visiting and consulting a neurologist

Detailed Answer:
Hello Wturner,
I have gone through your question and understand your concern.
You may be suffering from tension type headache characterized by constant pressing headache with decreased sleep and not relieving on rest. Sleep disturbances aggravates the symptoms.
You need to consult a neurologist for examination and medication advice.
Brain imaging can be required if some intracranial pathology is suspected.
Amitriptyline, nortyptyline, sertraline, olanzapine all can be helpful.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D