Hi,I am Dr. Andrew Rynne (Family Physician). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
About 15 times a day over the past 2 months I get "flash headaches". They last 3-5 seconds (altho one lasted 20sec today) and are gone. They aren't overly painful but I'm wondering if it could lead to something more serious. All my vital systems are good. I'm 70 years of age. What is causing the headaches and how to make them go away.
This type of headache is probably due to scalp vessels inflammation, usually called vascular headaches or migraine. You can use simple analgesic like paracetamol 325 mg as and when required basis, maximum of eight hourly. If it is not relieving you can add caffeine with it. Severe pain and vomiting associated with this type of headache require sumatriptan 6.25- 12.5 mg.
For prophylaxis, there are different medications available like propranolol, sodium valproate, flunarizine etcetera. For that, you consult a physician who will start therapy and further increase or decrease dose of the prophylactic drug according to the responses.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards, Dr. Hiren Hirpara
I find this answer helpful
You found this answer helpful
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
What Causes Recurrent Headaches?
Hello, This type of headache is probably due to scalp vessels inflammation, usually called vascular headaches or migraine. You can use simple analgesic like paracetamol 325 mg as and when required basis, maximum of eight hourly. If it is not relieving you can add caffeine with it. Severe pain and vomiting associated with this type of headache require sumatriptan 6.25- 12.5 mg. For prophylaxis, there are different medications available like propranolol, sodium valproate, flunarizine etcetera. For that, you consult a physician who will start therapy and further increase or decrease dose of the prophylactic drug according to the responses. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Hiren Hirpara