About Throbbing Headaches
A main cause of throbbing headaches is a change in blood flow in the brain. Examples of common causes or factors that may result in changes in brain blood flow include:
- Migraines: These are a type of throbbing headache that may last for hours. Some people have frequent migraines (several times a month) while other people have them infrequently
- Caffeine withdrawal: People who regularly consume foods or drinks high in caffeine may experience throbbing headaches when suddenly cutting back or stopping caffeine
- Alcohol hangover: Alcohol may cause dilation (widening) of blood vessels in the head, which may lead to the feeling of throbbing
- Menstrual-related headaches: The drop in estrogen that occurs just before the start of a menstrual period may trigger throbbing headaches
Throbbing headaches may also be a symptom of serious conditions, including stroke, brain tumor, or meningitis (infection of the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord).
Throbbing headaches are often described as a dull, pounding sensation in the head. The sensation may feel like a “heartbeat” in the head. The headaches may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- Sensitivity to light
- Sounds
- Odors
Other symptoms may occur based on the cause of the throbbing headache and may include:
- Fever: A higher body temperature may accompany a throbbing headache.
- Jaw pain after chewing: Some individuals may experience jaw pain specifically after chewing.
- Loss of appetite: Throbbing headaches can sometimes lead to a decreased desire to eat.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or lacking energy is another common symptom associated with throbbing headaches.
- Dry cough: In some cases, individuals with throbbing headaches may develop a dry cough.
- Scalp or temple tenderness: The scalp or temples may become tender to touch during the later stages of a throbbing headache.
- Blurring or loss of vision in one eye: Vision problems, such as blurring or loss of vision in one eye, can occur.
Throbbing headache with the following other symptoms may be part of a serious condition. Contact a doctor or emergency room for throbbing headaches that:
- Start after a fall or head injury
- Are not relieved by, or continue to worsen, after treatment
- Occur with these other symptoms:
- High fever or rash
- Double vision
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
- Painful, red eye
To diagnose throbbing headaches, doctors may perform several examinations, tests, and procedures. These include:
- Physical examination: During a physical examination, the doctor will assess your overall health and look for any physical signs of a medical problem. They will pay special attention to your head and neck area.
- Medical history analysis: The doctor will ask you detailed questions about your headaches, such as when they started, how often they occur, the characteristics of the pain, any triggers or factors that worsen the headaches, and any previous use of preventive medications. The doctor will also ask about other symptoms you are experiencing.
- Imaging tests: In some cases, the doctor may order imaging tests such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan to rule out other severe conditions that could be causing your throbbing headaches. These tests can help detect issues like bleeding in the brain, injury, or structural abnormalities.
To determine or rule out possible causes of throbbing headaches, additional examinations, tests, and procedures may be performed:
- Blood tests: Blood tests can check for signs of infection, inflammation, electrolyte imbalances, or other systemic issues that could be contributing to your headache.
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): This procedure involves collecting a sample of cerebrospinal fluid from the space around your brain and spinal cord. It can help detect signs of infection or bleeding in this fluid.
- Clinical procedures: Depending on your specific symptoms and medical history, clinical procedures such as a hearing test or eye exam may be recommended to further evaluate your condition.
It's important to remember that these examinations, tests, and procedures are performed by healthcare professionals to accurately diagnose and assess throbbing headaches. If you're experiencing worsening symptoms or have concerns about your condition, it's essential to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.
The goals of treatment for throbbing headaches are to provide relief from the pain and reduce the frequency and severity of future headaches.
Treatment options depend on the cause of the throbbing headaches and factors that trigger the headaches. Treatments may include:
- Medications to provide pain relief or treat underlying conditions causing the throbbing headaches
- Non-medication therapies to help relax muscles and improve blood flow, such as heat therapy or massage
- Lifestyle modifications, such as reducing caffeine or alcohol intake
- Therapeutic procedures, such as nerve blocks
Not all treatments will work for everyone, so it's essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the most effective treatment plan for individual needs.