As we go through life, we experience different types of headaches. Some are mild and go away independently, while others can be quite severe and require immediate medical attention. If you’re experiencing more frequent or more intense headaches, it’s important to determine the cause and take appropriate action.
In many cases, simply adjusting your lifestyle or medications can provide relief. However, there may be times when seeking additional help is necessary. This blog post will explore what might happen if your headaches increase in severity, as well as some steps you can take to get relief.
To comprehend everything that you need to know about increased headaches and what you can do to manage them, read on.
What Happened When Your Headaches Increase:
The majority of people occasionally get frequent headaches, and it’s normal. They can be inconvenient, unpleasant, and even incapacitating, but it’s not a big issue to be worried about. But when your head pain does become more frequent, intense, and disruptive of your daily life, it is important to seek medical advice. There are two sub-categories of headaches, primary and secondary, and each has different causes. Some of the possible things that can happen when your headaches increase include the following:
Stiff Neck and Fever:
When a person experiences frequent and increasingly intense headaches, they may also start to experience a stiff neck and fever. This can be a sign or symptom of an underlying infection or health condition. Stiffness in the neck is usually accompanied by muscle pain, tenderness, and limited range of motion.
Fever is another symptom accompanying increased headache frequency – when the body is fighting an infection, it can cause a fever. The sufferer who is experiencing headaches along with fever and neck stiffness can also experience some severe life-threatening conditions such as:
- Meningitis: An inflammation surrounding the brain and spinal cord is commonly known as meningitis. It can have a variety of causes, including bacterial and viral infections. Symptoms include headache, fever, neck stiffness, vomiting, confusion, and seizures. If left untreated, meningitis can be life-threatening.
- Encephalitis: Encephalitis is a hive of the brain tissue. It can also have a variety of causes, including viral infections and autoimmune disorders. Symptoms include high agitation, headache, confusion, lethargy, and strokes. If left untreated, encephalitis can cause permanent neurological damage or even death.
If you are experiencing frequent headaches, fever, and neck stiffness, it’s important to take it seriously. It’s better to consult with the doctor as soon as possible and get the proper diagnosis for your condition. Your physician will likely order various tests, such as blood work or brain imaging, to determine the cause of your increased headaches and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Shortness of Breath:
When your headaches increase, it can also lead to other physical symptoms. One of these is shortness of breath. This common symptom often accompanies frequent and intense headaches, especially migraines. Shortness of breath occurs when you experience difficulty breathing or shallow breathing due to decreased oxygen flow in the lungs.
This can be caused by several different factors, including stress, physical activity, emotional strain, or even minor illnesses. Shortness of breath can signify that your body is having difficulty managing your headaches’ increased pain and discomfort. Symptoms associated with this symptom include chest tightness, accelerated heart rate, and dizziness.
Some headaches can even cause a person to become light-headed or faint. The brain system is also affected by this symptom which can result in difficulty concentrating, confusion, memory loss, and impaired judgment.
It is important to take shortness of breath seriously if it occurs during or after headaches because this could be a symptom of something more profound going on in the body. If this occurs, speak to your doctor immediately so they can assess your condition to ensure it is not life-threatening.
Sudden Loss Of Balance Or Falling:
When your headaches increase in severity, you may experience a sudden loss of balance or fall. The most common cause for a sudden loss of balance is a type of headache called a vestibular migraine. This is caused by swellings in the nerve pathways associated with the inner ear and can result in vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance.
Symptoms of vestibular migraine include nausea, vomiting, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or motion sickness when driving or riding in a car. Other possible causes of a sudden loss of balance or falling are stroke, brain tumors, head trauma, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy.
Temporary factors, such as dehydration or an allergic reaction to certain foods, can cause headaches if you are experiencing cluster headaches that are increasing in intensity. It is necessary to consult a medical professional because it could be an indication of something more serious, like a tumor or stroke.
Some people may also experience clumsiness and unsteady gait due to headaches. This is usually caused by a condition known as basilar artery migraines, which cause narrowing of the blood vessels in the individual brain and can make it difficult to control body movements. If you experience clumsiness or unsteady gait, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately to identify the underlying cause.
Paralysis:
Paralysis is one of the most serious potential side effects of increased headaches. It occurs when a person’s body becomes unable to move or control its muscles and can be complete (all four limbs) or partial (just certain sections). There are two main types of paralysis:
- Paraplegia: Paraplegia is a kind of paralysis that affects the lower half of the body, including both legs and possibly the pelvic organs. It often results from damage to the spinal cord or other important nerves in the torso area.
- Hemiplegia: Hemiplegia is another type of paralysis that affects only one side of the body. It can be induced by damage to the major parts of the brain that control movements, such as stroke, head injury, or brain tumor.
Various conditions, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome, can cause paralysis. In some cases, increased headaches may also lead to paralysis. The exact cause is not always known, but it is thought that the pressure from chronic headaches can damage delicate nerves in the brain and spine.
Paralysis can lead to a range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, or pain. It may also affect speech, vision, and balance. Migraine urs (individuals who suffer from frequent migraines) are at greater risk of developing paralysis due to their increased sensitivity to headaches and the pressure that long-term headache pain can cause on delicate nerve pathways.
What To Do When Your Headaches Increase:
Avoid headache Triggers:
When your headaches have increased, it is important to try and identify their cause. One of the most common triggers of headaches is environmental factors and activities you may encounter or do daily. Identifying these triggers and avoiding them as much as possible can be an effective way to help reduce your headache frequency and intensity.
Common environmental and lifestyle triggers of headaches can include stress, alcohol consumption, smoking, changes in weather or temperature, bright lights, or loud noises. Additionally, some people may experience a headache before or during their menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes.
Identifying your individual triggers and avoiding them as much as possible is important. If stress is a trigger, it can be helpful to find ways to manage and reduce stress in your life through activities like yoga or meditation. If you are sensitive to bright lights or loud noises, wearing sunglasses and earplugs can help protect against these triggers.
You should also avoid consuming large amounts of caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, and artificial sweeteners, as these can contribute to headaches. With time, you can learn how to better manage your headaches so they don’t interfere with daily life. If the frequency or intensity of your headaches continues to increase, it is important to speak with a medical professional for further evaluation and advice.
A doctor can help you identify the source of your headaches and provide treatments that may reduce their frequency or alleviate them altogether. Consulting a physician can ensure that more serious causes are ruled out, and appropriate treatment can be provided.
Exercise Regularly:
Regular exercise can be a great way to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. By engaging in moderate aerobic activity for at least 30 minutes, five days per week, you can help lower your stress, improve your energy, and even boost your mood.
Regular physical activity also increases endorphins, which are natural painkillers that can help reduce the intensity of your headaches. Stretching and relaxation techniques, like yoga or tai chi, can also help reduce tension in your body and mind that could be contributing to regular headaches.
When engaging in physical activity, starting slowly and increasing your intensity over time is important. This reduces the likelihood of injury or exhaustion and enables your body to become accustomed to the exercise routine. Exercises should be tailored to your individual needs and fitness levels, with activities like walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling often being recommended for those with persistent headaches.
You can try gently stretching or light weightlifting if you are experiencing stiffness or fever during your headaches. It is important to remember that it may take a while for the benefits of exercise to become noticeable in terms of improved headaches.
Regular physical activity can also help you prevent headache episodes if practiced regularly over a long period. If possible, find an activity you enjoy and try making it a part of your daily life. Regular exercise can be an important factor in helping reduce and prevent the frequency and intensity of headaches.
Don’t Skip Meals:
When your headaches increase, it is important to ensure you eat regularly and get the nutrients your body needs. Skipping meals can decrease blood sugar levels, which can exacerbate headache symptoms. It is especially important not to skip breakfast as this will cause an energy slump during the day and can leave you feeling tired and sluggish.
Eating foods that are rich in potassium can also help reduce headaches in some individuals. Potassium helps balance electrolytes in the body and is a mineral found in food such as bananas, spinach, avocados, sweet potatoes, and white beans. In addition to eating these foods, it is important to ensure you drink enough water.
Dehydration can also cause headaches, so ensure that you stay hydrated throughout the day by carrying a water bottle with you and aiming to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. You can also greater your fluid intake by drinking herbal teas, eating soups, and adding fruits such as watermelon to your diet. Avoid food that increases your headaches, like:
- Aged Cheese: It is a form of cheese made from the milk of cows, sheep, or goats. Aged cheese can include tyramine, which is an amino acid that triggers headaches in most people. If you experience frequent headaches, avoiding aged cheese and opting for fresh cheeses like cottage cheese instead is best.
- Processed Food: Processed foods are high in sodium which can increase dehydration and lead to headaches. Avoid processed meats, canned soups, frozen dinners, and any food that comes in a package with a long list of ingredients.
- Yeast Extract: It is another type of food additive that can trigger headaches in certain individuals. If you are inclined to headaches, it is recommended to avoid foods with yeast extracts, like marmite and some varieties of bread.
If you experience frequent headaches, it’s important to examine what you eat and drink. Avoiding certain triggers, eating regularly, and staying hydrated can help reduce the frequency of headaches. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables will go a long manner in aiding you in managing your headaches. If symptoms persist, you must talk to your doctor about other treatments or lifestyle changes that may benefit you.
What Factor Increased Headaches:
Headaches are a very common affliction, affecting nearly half of all adults. There are many causes of headaches, but the most common ones that increase the frequency or intensity of headaches are:
Stress:
Stress is a physical, mental, and emotional reaction to experiences that we perceive as overwhelming or threatening. It can occur in response to both positive and negative events, such as starting a new job or receiving bad news. When stress occurs, the body releases a flood of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol.
These hormones cause physical changes like increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and heightened alertness. Over time, this stress response can lead to physical tension in the body and increase the likelihood of developing headaches.
Lack of Sleep:
Sleep deprivation is an ordinary cause of increased headaches. Not getting enough sleep or not getting adequate quality sleep can lead to various health problems, including headaches. Lack of sleep can cause fatigue and tension in the body, leading to physical symptoms that can trigger or intensify headache pain.
It has also been connected to an increase in migraine frequency and severity. Poor sleeping habits, such as going to bed at different times each night or using electronic devices before bed, can also contribute to headache pain.
Alchalol ( Red Wine):
Alcohol, especially red wine, is also a common trigger for headaches. This is because alcohol can cause dehydration and vasodilation (widening the blood vessels in the brain), leading to increased pressure on the head and neck muscles.
Additionally, some people may be more sensitive to certain types of alcohol than others; this sensitivity can cause an increase in headache frequency or intensity. Red wine, in particular, is known to be a potent trigger for headaches, as it contains tyramine—a naturally-occurring byproduct of fermentation that can trigger migraines in some people.
Over Medication:
One of the most typical causes of increased headaches is overmedication. Taking too many pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can result in augmented headaches due to increased levels of these medications in the bloodstream. People with mild or normal head pain may take more medication than is recommended on the label.
When this happens, it can cause an increase in headache frequency and intensity because the body is overloaded with the medication. Additionally, regularly taking large doses of medication can lead to a form of a headache known as rebound headaches, where pain relief from the medication wears off, leading to increased and more frequent headaches.
Lack of Physical Activity:
Physical activity can help reduce stress levels, which can majorly contribute to headaches. People who are not active may find they experience more frequent and intense headaches as their muscles are tight from inactivity. It also affects your quality of sleep, concentration, and overall well-being. In some cases, it can even make headaches worse.
Individuals who do not get enough physical activity may not be getting the required amount of oxygen to the brain, which can result in tension headaches. Lack of exercise has also been linked to dehydration and low blood sugar levels, both of which can trigger headaches. It is also related to poor dietary habits, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies that can trigger headaches.
Conclusion:
Headache is a very common problem that almost everyone experiences at some point in their daily lives. Many things, including stress, allergies, poor posture, and eye strain, can cause it. In most cases, headaches are not severe and will go away on their own after several hours or days.
However, sometimes, headaches become more frequent or intense and do not vary away on their own. When this happens, it is essential to see a doctor to determine the cause of the headaches and get appropriate treatment.
We hope this post has delivered you with helpful information about headaches, what can cause them to increase in frequency or intensity, and some tips on reducing their severity. The best way to manage your headache is to identify and address any underlying health issues that may be causing it.
FAQs:
Do you take medication when your headaches increase?
Yes, medication is usually the first step when trying to treat headaches. However, it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to find the best medication and dosage for you and determine if there are any underlying causes for your headaches that need to be addressed.
Are there any natural remedies that you use when your headaches increase?
Yes, headaches can often be treated naturally by avoiding common triggers and using some simple natural remedies. One of the most typical causes of headaches is dehydration, so drink lots of fluids throughout the day, especially water.
What are the possible causes of your headache increase?
There are many potential causes of an increase in headaches, including changes in diet, hormones, weather, stress levels, and more. However, the most common cause of an increase in headaches is dehydration.
