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What Causes Constant Headaches Varying Between Low Intensity And Painful Throbbing?

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Posted on Mon, 18 Jan 2016
Question: Hello, I have been having constant headaches for almost 4 weeks now and am concerned about a possible brain tumor. The headaches interchange between low intensity tension-like headaches and periods of painful throbbing. Additionally, the symptoms appear on both sides of my head, but the majority of the pain is on the left side. My neck and top of head is also very sore.

Additional note: Prior to the onset of symptoms, I took doxycycline for a week and developed these headaches while I was taking them. I discontinued use of the antibiotic but the symptoms continue.
Also, I had an Brain MRI performed in May of this year that was unremarkable (was taken to rule out MS for neuropathy symptoms).

I also had a head CT (no contrast only) and a sinus CT (with and without contrast) administered within a month of each other and worried about the radiation exposure could be linked to my symptoms now.
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Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Possibility of migraine headache

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
The headache seems to be primary type possibly migraine.
The possibility of tumor is unlikely as previous imaging is negative.
The risk of radiation is there but unlikely to develop any tumor in such a short time and with only two CT scan.

You should take pain killers for 5 days.
Avoid fasting, chocolate, coffee, night awakening.
Take timely meals, proper sleep.

If the headache persist beyond 5 days of pain medications, please see your doctor / neurologist for further evaluation.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Neeraj Kumar

Neurologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2259 Questions

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What Causes Constant Headaches Varying Between Low Intensity And Painful Throbbing?

Brief Answer: Possibility of migraine headache Detailed Answer: Hello, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns. The headache seems to be primary type possibly migraine. The possibility of tumor is unlikely as previous imaging is negative. The risk of radiation is there but unlikely to develop any tumor in such a short time and with only two CT scan. You should take pain killers for 5 days. Avoid fasting, chocolate, coffee, night awakening. Take timely meals, proper sleep. If the headache persist beyond 5 days of pain medications, please see your doctor / neurologist for further evaluation. Hope you found the answer helpful. Do get back to me for further queries. Regards Dr N Kumar Neurologist