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What Causes A Sudden Onset Of Severe Headache That Persists For 30 Hours?
Question: my wife experienced a sudden strong headache yesterday afternoon, while visiting a sick cousin in the
hospital icu. the headache got a little better later on, but it never went away completely and is still
pretty bad now after more than 30 hours. Could it be a stress related headache or is there reason for more
serious possibilities, like an aneurysim??
hospital icu. the headache got a little better later on, but it never went away completely and is still
pretty bad now after more than 30 hours. Could it be a stress related headache or is there reason for more
serious possibilities, like an aneurysim??
Brief Answer:
Stroke, migraines- see doctor right away
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.
Sudden onset headaches (especially unusually strong ones) that linger with minimal relief after medication should be checked out immediately.
If associated with projectile vomiting, slurred speech, any muscle weakness (characterized by clumsiness, falls, asymmetrical facial expressions, unable to hold arms straight above head), tinnitus - go to the ER right away. This could be a stroke.
Please do not give aspirin as it may worsen bleed in a hemorrhagic stroke
Migraines, stress headaches will need different medications with avoidance of trigger factors.
Certain chemicals used for cleaning & sterilizing hospitals can trigger Migraines.
I would:
-get relevant medical history (history of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, Hypothyroidism, high cholesterol, deep vein thrombosis or family history of these) & personal health information (if she smokes, is overweight/obese, any surgeries)
-examine her cardiovascular & neurological status. (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and neurological deficits)
-get an electrocardiogram & echocardiogram.
-CT scan of her brain
-basic blood investigations (complete blood count, Esr, clotting parameters, kidney & liver function tests, electrolyte levels, blood glucose panel & lipid profile)
Depending on the results and clinical findings I would determine the possible causes and treat accordingly.
A stroke (even a small one) can cause severe headache and will need hospitalization to stabilize. Depending on whether it is a clot or a bleed, appropriate therapy will be administered.
An small aneurysm may rupture if there was a surge in blood pressure & heart rate caused by physical or emotional stress.
I recommend that she see a physician /neurologist team for quick diagnosis & to rule out serious causes.
Hope this helps. Hope she feels better.
Please let me know if I can help you with anything else.
If not, please close this discussion & rate my answer.
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad
Stroke, migraines- see doctor right away
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.
Sudden onset headaches (especially unusually strong ones) that linger with minimal relief after medication should be checked out immediately.
If associated with projectile vomiting, slurred speech, any muscle weakness (characterized by clumsiness, falls, asymmetrical facial expressions, unable to hold arms straight above head), tinnitus - go to the ER right away. This could be a stroke.
Please do not give aspirin as it may worsen bleed in a hemorrhagic stroke
Migraines, stress headaches will need different medications with avoidance of trigger factors.
Certain chemicals used for cleaning & sterilizing hospitals can trigger Migraines.
I would:
-get relevant medical history (history of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, Hypothyroidism, high cholesterol, deep vein thrombosis or family history of these) & personal health information (if she smokes, is overweight/obese, any surgeries)
-examine her cardiovascular & neurological status. (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and neurological deficits)
-get an electrocardiogram & echocardiogram.
-CT scan of her brain
-basic blood investigations (complete blood count, Esr, clotting parameters, kidney & liver function tests, electrolyte levels, blood glucose panel & lipid profile)
Depending on the results and clinical findings I would determine the possible causes and treat accordingly.
A stroke (even a small one) can cause severe headache and will need hospitalization to stabilize. Depending on whether it is a clot or a bleed, appropriate therapy will be administered.
An small aneurysm may rupture if there was a surge in blood pressure & heart rate caused by physical or emotional stress.
I recommend that she see a physician /neurologist team for quick diagnosis & to rule out serious causes.
Hope this helps. Hope she feels better.
Please let me know if I can help you with anything else.
If not, please close this discussion & rate my answer.
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
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