What Causes Severe Headache?
Question: I am just back from a 7 day vacation - at high altitude - in XXXXXXX The last day I developed a bad "headache" that feels like the base of my skull and then the "lining" of my brain, moving up the back of my head, is "inflamed." Feels like it is throbbing and is especially painful try and sleep or to bend over. The worry is that these symptoms have continued for the past 48 hours since returning home (to sea-level). Any thoughts or suggestions? I have tried Ibupropen and that seems to help slightly for a few hours, but then returns.
Brief Answer:
Take pain killers
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concern.
There is a possibility of migraine headache which improves in 2-3 days.
Is there any vomiting, visual blurring or any weakness?
Second possibility may be cortical venous sinus thrombosis.
You can take pain killers twice daily for 1-2 days.
consult a doctor if symptoms persists.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further information.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Take pain killers
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concern.
There is a possibility of migraine headache which improves in 2-3 days.
Is there any vomiting, visual blurring or any weakness?
Second possibility may be cortical venous sinus thrombosis.
You can take pain killers twice daily for 1-2 days.
consult a doctor if symptoms persists.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further information.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
No, I have not had any vomiting, visual issues or weakness. Just the headache/throbbing from the base of my neck and up the back of my head.
What, exactly, is cortical venous sinus thrombosis?
I have had these symptoms for 3 full days - and 48 hours since returning home. Can I expect improvement without treatment - and/or how long should I give it to see?
What, exactly, is cortical venous sinus thrombosis?
I have had these symptoms for 3 full days - and 48 hours since returning home. Can I expect improvement without treatment - and/or how long should I give it to see?
Brief Answer:
Take treatment as advised
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
If the pain is decreasing then it should improve in a day or two.
Cortical venous sinus thrombosis is obstruction of blood venous channels of brain which can be due to high altitude visit. Since all other features are absent, it is unlikely.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Take treatment as advised
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
If the pain is decreasing then it should improve in a day or two.
Cortical venous sinus thrombosis is obstruction of blood venous channels of brain which can be due to high altitude visit. Since all other features are absent, it is unlikely.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
OK, thank you. I will continue pain medications and hope for improvement!
Brief Answer:
Wishing you good health
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Wishing you good health and early recovery.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Wishing you good health
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Wishing you good health and early recovery.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj