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What Causes Severe Headaches?
My brother, age 62 has a condition that can best be described as severe cramping in the head along with a very heavy feeling pushing down on him.......had similar condition ten years ago and not a re-occuring condition, perhaps more severe the last two years, Not a cluster headache or headache as such. He is in constant pain when awake during daylight hours. Pain medicines have not helped...Any insight would be appreciated. Also, wanted to inquire if there was a medical search engine which the symptoms could be researched and shared?
Tue, 9 Oct 2018
Hi,
It looks like a migraine. Your treatment strategy depends on the frequency and severity of your headaches, the degree of disability your headaches cause, and your other medical conditions. Pain relievers such as Aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) may help relieve mild migraines. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), also may help relieve mild migraines in some people. Drugs marketed specifically for migraines, such as the combination of Acetaminophen, Aspirin and caffeine (Excedrin Migraine), also may ease moderate migraine pain.
Triptans effectively relieve the pain and other symptoms that are associated with migraines. They are available in pill, nasal spray and injection form. Anti-nausea medications, opioids and steroids may be used in addition in severe cases. Also, you need to rest and relax and have good sleep. If there is no improvement it would be good to do MRI scan and have a neurological exam.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein,
General Surgeon
It looks like a migraine. Your treatment strategy depends on the frequency and severity of your headaches, the degree of disability your headaches cause, and your other medical conditions. Pain relievers such as Aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) may help relieve mild migraines. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), also may help relieve mild migraines in some people. Drugs marketed specifically for migraines, such as the combination of Acetaminophen, Aspirin and caffeine (Excedrin Migraine), also may ease moderate migraine pain.
Triptans effectively relieve the pain and other symptoms that are associated with migraines. They are available in pill, nasal spray and injection form. Anti-nausea medications, opioids and steroids may be used in addition in severe cases. Also, you need to rest and relax and have good sleep. If there is no improvement it would be good to do MRI scan and have a neurological exam.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein,
General Surgeon
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