What Causes Difficulty In Waking Up Followed By A Headache?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. A tension headache is the most common type of headache. It can cause mild, moderate, or intense pain in your head, neck, and behind your eyes. Some people say that a tension headache feels like a tight band around their forehead. Tension headaches are caused by muscle contractions in the head and neck regions. A variety of foods, activities, and stressors can cause these types of contractions. Some people develop tension headaches after staring at a computer screen for a long time, or after driving for long periods. Treatment: You can take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, to get rid of a tension headache. However, these should only be used occasionally. These types of headaches occur when you become so accustomed to a medication that you experience pain when the drugs wear off. OTC drugs are sometimes not enough to treat recurring tension headaches. In such cases, your doctor may give you a prescription for medication, such as: 1. indomethacin 2. ketorolac 3. naproxen 4. opiates 5. prescription-strength acetaminophen If painkillers aren’t working, your doctor may prescribe a muscle relaxant. This is a medication that helps stop muscle contractions. Your doctor may also prescribe an antidepressant, such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs can stabilize your brain’s levels of serotonin and can help you cope with stress. Your doctor may also recommend other treatments, such as: 1. Stress management classes. These can teach you ways to cope with stress and how to relieve tension. 2. Biofeedback. This is a relaxation technique that teaches you to manage pain and stress. 3. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is talk therapy that helps you recognize situations that cause you stress, anxiety, and tension. 4. Acupuncture. This is an alternative therapy that may reduce stress and tension by applying fine needles to specific areas of your body. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.