Why Do I Get Headaches?

why do i get headaches

by Matthew
(UK)

I have been getting headaches everyday and i got my eyes tested (im 13) and they said im shortsighted so is it to do with that and i think i dont get enough sleep so i dont know :/ im worried it might be bad i dont know what it is. Help me please :)

Matthew

Answer

Hi Matthew,

I assume with headache everyday and seeing the eye doctor that your parents are aware of this as is your own doctor.

Headache at your age really is not normal. It is a little difficult to say what is causing the problem, but you need to look at anything that may be stressing you out. Any stress at school that was bothering you? Teachers..other kids? You might be surprised to learn that that is nothing new and we have all been through that at one point or another so your parents would probably understand.

You mentioned sleep. You are correct that lack of sleep causes headache. At your age you should be getting 8-9 hours a night and go to bed and get up the same time everyday (within an hour and yea I know its summer!). No TV or computer or phone in the bedroom..that room is for sleeping.

Read some more about lifestyle changes in relation to headaches and see if anything else might help.

If you still have a headache everyday, ask your parents to take you back to the doctor. There are some excellent headache centers in the UK and you may need a referral to one.

Good luck!
Mary Kay

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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

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Does the scenerio above sound like you? If not, or if you think you need more information please read about different types of headaches to find out which type of headache you are experiencing.

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