What is an Acute Headache?
Acute headaches are defined as headaches that start instantly (within seconds) and quickly worsens, sometimes brought on by stress or foods.
Some acute headaches occur daily, and some occur several times daily.
Acute Headache Treatment Options
Treatment options may include:
- Acupuncture
- Biofeedback
- Cognitive behavior therapy (stress management)
- Eat healthy
- Exercise
- Heat or ice pack
- Keep record of headaches (severity, duration, number)
- Limit alcohol
- Medications
- Relaxation
- Stop smoking
Acute Headache Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Difficulty focusing
- Nausea
- Neck stiffness
- Sudden severe pain
Diagnosis / Tests
Diagnostic tests include:
- Blood Chemistry and Urinalysis
- CT Scan
- EEG (Electroencephalogram)
- Eye Exam
- MRI
- Physician/patient interview
- Sinus X-Ray
- Spinal Tap
Types of Acute Headaches
Common forms include:
- Cluster headache
- Migraine headache
- Migraine with aura
- Tension headache
Causes & Contributing Factors May Include:
- Fatigue
- Food additives (e.g. preservatives, sweeteners, alcohol)
- Head injury
- Infection
- Menstruation
- Neck pain
- Sinus pain
- Stress or tension
- Thyroid issues
- Tooth pain
- Tumor
Facts
- Tension headache is the most common type of headache.
- 1.2 million people visit the ER yearly for acute migraine attacks.
