What Causes Headaches

by Anonymous

For the past couple of weeks, I've had headaches daily. These headaches do not last all day they just seem to come and go as short-lasting pains to the front-left side of my head. It is almost like a swelling feeling/pain that comes and goes throughout the day. There doesn't seem to be any cause. It just happens periodically throughout the day.

Is this something I should worry about? Should I go see a doctor? Or, should I monitor it for a little longer before I do anything? If monitoring is the answer, what should I pay attention to? If going to the doctor is the answer, what type of doctor should I see? Thank you in advance for your help.

Answer:

Hi,

Many times people ask me similar questions, including 'What causes headaches?'

You do not give your age, but if you are over the age of 50 and this is a new onset of headache, one of the ones we are concerned about is temporal arteritis.

If you are under 50 and also have some neck spasming, this could be a form of tension type headache which may respond to tension headache medication.

Either way, a new onset of headache should be evaluated by a doctor. You can start with your primary care physician. Keep in mind that with new headaches, neuro-imaging is indicated. Either a CT or an MRI of the brain, but we prefer the MRI's as they get a much more detailed picture of the brain. They can also help rule out aneurysm.

Make sure to tell the doctor about any family history of headaches or aneurysms, as these can be genetic.

Give your doctor a call and good luck!
Mary Kay Betz MS RPA-C