Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Severe Headache Upon Waking Up?

I have been waking up every morning for the past couple of months with a headache. Sometimes I even go to bed with one. I used to take blood pressure meds for high blood pressure but my doctor took me off after I lost about 40 or more pounds. I have put about 10 of those pounds back on. Is my high blood pressure back? Do I need to go back on meds?
Tue, 6 Dec 2016
Report Abuse
Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi. Headaches are very common, and can be caused by a wide variety of things. The unusual symptom that you are describing is headaches when you wake up (which is less common. Usually tension headaches occur later in the day). Do you have any changes in your vision, weakness, nausea or vomitting, or any other neurological complaints? If so, I would recommend you speak with your doctor about getting a head scan.

If not, here are some more common causes of headache and potential remedies:
- Stress: Are you excessively stressed right now? Meditation is a good stress-reducer.
- High blood pressure can cause headaches, but usually that is only if your blood pressure is very high (e.g. systolic blood pressure higher than 180). You can often get your blood pressure checked at your local pharmacy. If your blood pressure is high, then you need to take medication.
- Caffeine withdrawal: Did you drink a lot of coffee and suddenly stop? This is a very common cause of headaches
- Are you drinking adequate amounts of water?
- Lastly, if the headache is only on one side of your head and is associated with nausea, it may be a migraine. Excedrin, or caffeine, can help with migraine symptoms. Or you can speak to your doctor about other prescriptions remedies for migraines.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician 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]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Severe Headache Upon Waking Up?

Hi. Headaches are very common, and can be caused by a wide variety of things. The unusual symptom that you are describing is headaches when you wake up (which is less common. Usually tension headaches occur later in the day). Do you have any changes in your vision, weakness, nausea or vomitting, or any other neurological complaints? If so, I would recommend you speak with your doctor about getting a head scan. If not, here are some more common causes of headache and potential remedies: - Stress: Are you excessively stressed right now? Meditation is a good stress-reducer. - High blood pressure can cause headaches, but usually that is only if your blood pressure is very high (e.g. systolic blood pressure higher than 180). You can often get your blood pressure checked at your local pharmacy. If your blood pressure is high, then you need to take medication. - Caffeine withdrawal: Did you drink a lot of coffee and suddenly stop? This is a very common cause of headaches - Are you drinking adequate amounts of water? - Lastly, if the headache is only on one side of your head and is associated with nausea, it may be a migraine. Excedrin, or caffeine, can help with migraine symptoms. Or you can speak to your doctor about other prescriptions remedies for migraines.