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What can cause headaches. Common causes of headaches include: having a cold or flu; stress; drinking too much alcohol; bad posture; eyesight problems; not eating regular meals; not drinking enough fluids (dehydration) taking too many painkillers; having your period or during menopause (hormone headache) Keeping a headache diary might help you ...
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- Overview
- When to seek immediate medical attention
- What causes a headache that won’t go away?
- Treatment for a headache that won’t go away
- Preventing long lasting headaches
- The takeaway
A long lasting headache that persists for days can be a symptom of a neurological condition, such as migraine, a headache disorder, or an injury. You may need medical care, especially if you have other symptoms.
Everyone experiences a headache from time to time. It’s even possible to have a headache that lasts for more than one day. There are many reasons why a headache can last a while, from hormonal changes to more serious underlying conditions.
While it can be alarming for a headache to last a long time — so long that you may not be able to sleep it off — most headaches aren’t life threatening. But it’s no fun when a lingering headache affects your ability to do the things you enjoy.
Let’s take a look at what can cause these headaches and how you can get relief.
If you’ve been experiencing the same headache for more than one day, it’s possible that you could have a more serious underlying condition that requires emergency medical care. Seek medical attention right away if you’re experiencing:
•a severe headache that began abruptly (within a few seconds)
•a migraine that has lasted several days, or even weeks
•any new symptoms you haven’t previously experienced along with the headache (disorientation, loss of vision or vision changes, fatigue, or fever)
•kidney, heart, or liver disease with a headache
•a severe or ongoing headache in pregnancy, which could indicate complications like preeclampsia
Rebound headaches
Regularly taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication for your headaches can actually cause your head to hurt between doses. While this type of headache often doesn’t hang around, it can recur over the course of a day or more.
Migraine
Migraine can be a severe type of headache that can last for days, or even weeks, at a time. They start with a feeling of general illness that takes hold one or two days before the headache begins. Some people experience aura, or bright, flashing vision changes before the pain begins. Then, there’s the headache itself, with symptoms that may include: •throbbing pain on either side (or both sides) of your head •pain behind your eyes •nausea •vomiting •light and sound sensitivity •sensitivity to odors and fragrances After your migraine lifts, you may experience a hangover-like feeling of fatigue and exhaustion.
Headaches related to stress or mood disorders
Anxiety, stress, and mood disorders can trigger headaches that linger for more than a day. Specifically, those with panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder tend to experience prolonged headaches more often than those without.
Rebound headaches
Overusing OTC pain medications can actually cause headaches. These headaches are known as rebound or medication overuse headaches. If you’re experiencing ongoing rebound headaches, you can start addressing your symptoms at home by reducing the amount of OTC medications you take. You shouldn’t take medicine for pain for more than 15 days out of every month, and prescription pain medications shouldn’t be used for more than 10 days out of every month. Your doctor or pharmacist can guide you regarding medication ingredients and potential side effects. If you continue to experience chronic headache pain, your doctor may be able to help. Make an appointment to speak with them about preventative medicines. Ask your healthcare professional for alternative treatment options for headaches and migraine, like antidepressants for headaches caused by chronic tension. Waiting until your headache starts could keep you in a cycle of OTC treatment, so prevention is key.
Migraine
To address your migraine symptoms at home consider building a predictable schedule that minimizes stress and keeps you in a routine. Focus on adhering to regular mealtimes and a solid sleep schedule. Exercise can help prevent migraine attacks, but be sure to warm up slowly before diving right in, as too much strenuous exercise can cause a headache. Prescriptions containing estrogen, like the birth control pill, could also contribute to your migraine. You might need to speak with your doctor about stopping or changing those medications. Your doctor may prescribe medications specifically for migraine that can prevent the headaches from occurring. They may also prescribe pain medications that are stronger than OTC options to stop your symptoms once they’ve begun. Anti-nausea medication or corticosteroid treatments are sometimes prescribed by physicians for migraine symptoms as well.
Headaches related to stress or mood disorders
Work to reduce stress and promote relaxation in your environment. Self-massage or massage therapy may help ease the tension that causes ongoing headaches. You may also benefit from reducing stimuli and resting in a dark, quiet room. Your doctor can help you address your stress, anxiety, or mood disorder through a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications that can help relieve the tension and stress causing your prolonged headaches. Some medications for anxiety also work to reduce the number or intensity of headaches.
You may be able to prevent persistent headaches before they begin by taking a few steps every day. These include:
•drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration
•exercising regularly
•avoiding environmental triggers
•getting needed support for your mental health
•seeking hormonal support, particularly if you’re premenopausal or experiencing menopause
Headaches that won’t go away are alarming, but they usually aren’t serious. It’s important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
With the appropriate diagnosis and the right approach to treatment, you can get relief from your persistent headache and return to your usual quality of life.
Jan 25, 2024 · A persistent headache, or a headache that won’t go away, can have many causes. This article discusses common causes, treatment options, and when to see a doctor.
Apr 9, 2019 · By definition, chronic daily headaches occur 15 days or more a month, for longer than three months. True (primary) chronic daily headaches aren't caused by another condition. There are short-lasting and long-lasting chronic daily headaches. Long-lasting headaches last more than four hours.
Sep 10, 2023 · While management of continuous or chronic headache problems is rarely straightforward, medical approaches, lifestyle changes, and other means can help. This article covers the basics of continuous headaches, including what causes them, what treatment is like, as well as what you can do to prevent their onset.
Jan 24, 2024 · Constant or chronic daily headaches happen when you have a headache for 15 days or more out of a month. Many types of headaches can become constant, including tension headaches and migraine.
Oct 25, 2021 · Headache pain can range from mild to severe and can last for hours or even days. There are numerous potential causes, including migraine, a head injury, or a viral illness, such...
