Throbbing Headache: Overview, Signs and Best Treatment
Contents
OVERVIEW
A throbbing headache is pain that feels pulsing, pounding or rhythmic. It is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and many different conditions can cause it.
The most common cause of throbbing head pain is migraine. According to MedlinePlus, migraine pain is typically throbbing or pulsating, often on one side of the head, and gets worse with movement.
A throbbing headache is not simply caused by extra blood rushing to the brain. Most experts believe a migraine attack begins in the brain and involves nerve pathways and chemicals, which then affect blood flow.
What Are The Causes Of Throbbing Headache?
There are many possible triggers and causes. Most throbbing headaches come from migraine or other common headache types, but rarely they signal a serious problem that needs emergency care.
Common causes and triggers include:
- Migraine, often with nausea and sensitivity to light or sound
- Withdrawal of caffeine, lack of sleep, skipped meals or dehydration
- Alcohol intake
- Illness such as a cold, sinus infection, pharyngitis or the Flu
- Medication overuse: taking pain medicine more than 3 days a week can cause rebound headaches
Rare but serious causes include:
- A ruptured brain aneurysm or other bleeding in the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage)
- Stroke
- Very high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Meningitis or encephalitis, infections of the brain or its lining
- Hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid inside the skull
- Head injury
- Temporal arteritis, an inflamed artery in the temple area, usually in people over 50
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Symptoms that come with a throbbing headache vary by cause. A migraine may bring:
- Throbbing pain, often on one side of the head
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Vision changes or other warning symptoms (aura) before the pain
- Pain that worsens with physical activity
- Trouble concentrating and irritability
Headaches from colds or sinus infections may come with a stuffy nose, cough, fever or body aches.
When to Worry About Throbbing Headache?
Some headaches are a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if your headache comes on suddenly and is explosive or violent, or feels like "the worst ever." This may be bleeding in the brain from a ruptured blood vessel.
Also get help right away if the headache comes with slurred speech, drooping on one side of the face, weakness or trouble moving an arm or leg, vision changes, confusion or loss of balance. These can be signs of a stroke.
A fever with a stiff neck, a headache after a head injury, or a seizure also needs urgent care.
TREATMENT OF THROBBING HEADACHE
See a doctor if headaches are new, frequent, getting worse or not helped by usual treatments. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, such as:
- How long have you had the headache?
- Does anything make it better or worse?
- Does it get better with rest?
- Is it relieved when you sit in a dark room?
- Do warm or cold compresses help?
- Are you taking any medications currently?
Diagnosis is usually based on your history and an exam. Your doctor may order tests, such as a CT or MRI scan, if there are any danger signs.
- MEDICATIONS: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin often help mild migraines. Don't take them more than 3 days a week, or you risk rebound headaches. Prescription migraine medicines are available if these don't work.
- RESTING IN A DARK ROOM: Resting in a quiet, dark room when a migraine starts can ease the pain. Drinking water also helps, especially if you have been vomiting.
- COLD COMPRESSES: A cool cloth on your head may help. Cold causes vasoconstriction, the narrowing of blood vessels, and can numb the area and ease pain.
- RELAXATION AND MASSAGE: Relaxation techniques and a gentle neck or shoulder massage may help, especially for tension-type headaches. A headache diary can help you identify your triggers.
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP?
See a doctor when a throbbing headache does not respond to your usual treatment or keeps coming back. Get emergency help for a sudden, severe headache, or for drooping of the face or eyelid, trouble speaking, weakness in an arm or leg, or trouble walking.
HP Thoughts: We're almost done with our mini headache series! Here is the last one: Thunderclap Headache.
THE FINAL VERDICT:
A throbbing headache is most often a migraine, and it can usually be managed with rest, fluids and pain relievers used sparingly. Keep track of your triggers and talk to your doctor if headaches are frequent.
A sudden, explosive headache is different: treat it as an emergency and call 911.
