Headaches

Headaches are one of the most common challenges after a concussion. They can also be present after brain injury. They can be debilitating, frustrating, and be a long-term effect. It can be helpful to understand your headaches, the potential causes, and how to manage them.

Topics in this section include:


Causes of headaches

Headaches can be triggered by a variety of causes.

  • Damage to your brain or nerves
  • Stress
  • Dehydration
  • Medication
  • Pain due to neck or muscle
  • Fatigue/lack of sleep
  • Overstimulation

Diagnosing headaches

If you are experiencing any headaches after your brain injury, you should share this information with your doctor. These headaches could be related to other brain injury symptoms that may need medical attention [1].

Types of headaches

Headaches come in a variety of types. While they are all true to their name, they can cause different effects.

Medication and medical treatment for headaches

If you require medication to help with your headaches, your doctor will prescribe preventative or rescue medication. Preventative medication keeps headaches from happening: doctors will perform an evaluation to determine whether this is something you need. Rescue medication helps when you already have a headache. Examples of these medications include triptans, ibuprofen and acetaminophen. They should not be used daily for extended periods of time as they will result in medication overuse headaches. Other rescue medications, such as opiates, should rarely if ever be used and only for short periods under the close supervision of a physician [4].

Any questions or concerns about medications for headaches should be brought to your doctor.

Tips for managing headaches (without medication)

There are steps you can take to prevent and manage headaches.

  • Apply a cold or hot pack to your neck or head [5]
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine
  • Complete deep breathing exercises
  • Do visualization or other mindfulness-based exercises
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
  • Eat healthy foods
  • Focus on improving your sleep
  • Get regular exercise
  • Go outside to get fresh air
  • Go to a quiet place, lie down or take a break from activities
  • Stretch and self-massage your head, neck, and shoulders

Resources

Please note: while these resources are designated for concussion recovery because headache is a common symptom of concussion, the tips may be applicable to those with moderate to severe traumatic and non-traumatic brain injury.


See sources


Disclaimer: There is no shortage of web-based online medical diagnostic tools, self-help or support groups, or sites that make unsubstantiated claims around diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Please note these sources may not be evidence-based, regulated or moderated properly and it is encouraged individuals seek advice and recommendations regarding diagnosis, treatment and symptom management from a regulated healthcare professional such as a physician or nurse practitioner. Individuals should be cautioned about sites that make any of the following statements or claims that:

  • The product or service promises a quick fix
  • Sound too good to be true
  • Are dramatic or sweeping and are not supported by reputable medical and scientific organizations.
  • Use of terminology such as “research is currently underway” or “preliminary research results” which indicate there is no current research.
  • The results or recommendations of product or treatment are based on a single or small number of case studies and has not been peer-reviewed by external experts
  • Use of testimonials from celebrities or previous clients/patients that are anecdotal and not evidence-based 

Always proceed with caution and with the advice of your medical team.