Headaches

For the past 5 or 6 months i have gotten headaches almost everyday. Sometimes i can go a few days without having one but it is very rare. They usually last hours and there are times where nothing i take can help with the pain. The headache pain usually seems to be near my temples and across my forehead.  I've also experienced my eyes being blurry and hard to concentrate on things when i have the headaches, but it also happens when i do not have the headaches. I recently had my eyes checked so i know that my vision is fine. I was hoping that you could help me and possibly know what is wrong.

[Neuro Forum]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Without the ability to examine you and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of your symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

There are several causes of headaches. Headaches can be divided into primary and secondary. Primary headache disorders are headaches without a direct cause. These are diagnosed after secondary causes have been excluded. Secondary headache disorders are due to an underlying problem, there are many many causes but some include medication side effects, systemic illness, nervous system infection, tumors, bleeds in the brain or clots in the veins of the brain, and others.

Primary headache disorders are much more common than secondary ones. There are several primary headache disorders, over 50 different types.  For example  migraines, which usually a pulsating throbbing, usually one-sided pain with nausea and discomfort in bright lights that lasts several hours. Sometimes the headache can be on both sides of the head, or across the forehead, and vision symptoms are often associated with the headaches. Another type is tension headaches.

Without further information about your headache, it is difficult to provide you with adequate information. However, it is important for you to understand that if you have not experienced headaches in the past and you are now having new head pains, seeing a neurologist is a good idea, just to make sure there is nothing serious causing this pain. Imaging of the brain and sometimes then neck may be indicated depending on your exact symptoms, your physical examination, and other factors. If a diagnosis of migraine or another specific headache disorder is diagnosed, there are therapies that are very effective for most patients, to prevent the headache and/or reduce the pain should the headache occur. Evaluation by a neurologist is recommended.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.