A headache after a stormy outing or a tiring day is nothing strange, but what can be done when suddenly and for no apparent reason there is pressure or a feeling of heaviness in the head? Such a "heavy" head can be a sign that you will catch a cold, that your posture is not correct, but it can also indicate mental health problems. Sometimes it occurs as a secondary symptom of certain conditions or as a side effect of medications, and as explained by dr. Matthew Wright, the doctor will know the exact cause of the headache after a detailed examination and after asking you a few questions about your lifestyle and asking for a detailed description of the pain.
Pressure in the head and feeling like your head is going to explode can be accompanied by fatigue, dizziness, stuffy nose or brain fog, and accompanying symptoms will help you identify the real cause. Although a feeling of heaviness in the head can be a sign of serious diseases such as a brain tumor, such cases are rare. That's why it's best to consult a doctor in order to remove doubts and know what to do to ease your pain. These are the most common causes of a feeling of heaviness and pressure in the head.
Allergies
General practitioner Devon Stucman says that her patients often complain of a feeling of heaviness and pressure in the head, which is usually associated with allergic rhinitis. "Patients describe such a headache as pressure inside the head and mention a feeling of tension, and it is usually accompanied by sneezing and irritation of the eyes and nasal mucosa," explains Dr. Stucman. He adds that such symptoms are not accompanied by an elevated temperature. If these symptoms always appear at the same time of the year, there is a high chance that it is an allergy, and further tests can confirm which allergen it is.
Upper respiratory tract infection
Various viruses cause upper respiratory tract infections, and symptoms can include headache, especially those that cause a feeling of pressure in the head, sore throat, fever, cough and difficulty breathing. "During the anamnesis, I also ask the patients if they have been tested for COVID or if they have been in contact with people who got sick," explains Dr. Stucman. If you confirm that you have an upper respiratory infection, your doctor will recommend ways to relieve the symptoms of the infection, including rest, gargling with salt water, oral lozenges, and hot showers or warm baths to loosen mucus.
If it is a COVID infection, you may be given an antiviral drug, but this is generally used in people who are most at risk, such as those over 65 or immunocompromised. "The drug for COVID-19 interacts with many other drugs and has side effects such as a metallic taste in the mouth and diarrhea, so it is not prescribed unless it is necessary," says Dr. Stucman.
Sinus infection
If your cold gets better and then suddenly gets worse, there's a chance you've developed a sinus infection. Cold symptoms go away in about a week, but a sinus infection is suspected when symptoms last seven to 10 days. Signs include pain in the cheek, eyebrow and forehead area, with sinus pressure that may worsen when you lean forward.
We often hear that the color of nasal mucus can indicate sinusitis, but it's not really very helpful in determining if it's a sinus infection. "We focus more on the duration of symptoms and pain in the face," explains Dr. Wright. If you have a sinus infection, you will likely be given antibiotics such as amoxicillin or doxycycline. Painkillers and plenty of fluids can help you feel less tired and reduce the feeling of pressure in your head.
Various medicines
Some drugs have side effects that can manifest as a feeling of heaviness in the head or even cause brain fog, explains Dr. Wright. If you have recently started taking a new drug or dietary supplement and have noticed these side effects, which are common and disrupt your daily life, you should talk to your doctor about possible alternatives. Medications that can cause a feeling of heaviness in the head include antihistamines, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, some anti-seizure medications, pain relievers, and beta blockers.
Concussion
"If you have recently experienced head trauma, such as during a car accident or a blow to the head during a sports activity or fall, you may have a concussion," says Dr. Stucman. Signs may include headache, dizziness, memory loss, trouble concentrating, or nausea and vomiting. These symptoms may worsen in bright light or during physical or cognitive activity. In this case, you must see a doctor who will examine us for signs of a concussion, including checks for pupil dilation and whether the strength in both arms is similar. Detailed imaging of the head such as a CT scan is not necessary unless there has been loss of consciousness, Stucman adds.
If a concussion is diagnosed, your doctor will recommend physical rest for several days, reduction of work or school duties to ensure cognitive rest, and absence from sports or other strenuous activities for up to two weeks. After that, you should gradually continue with the activities and reduce them again if the symptoms start to appear again.
Muscle strain
With all those hours spent at the computer, we can develop a feeling of heaviness or tightness in the upper back and neck, which is caused by muscle strain. All this can also be accompanied by a tension headache, and stress can make the condition worse. Through a few questions about your lifestyle and a description of the pain, the doctor can identify that the cause of the "heavy" head is muscle strain, and you may receive a referral for physical therapy to relieve discomfort and prevent future pain. A hot bath or shower and a heating pad increase blood flow in the neck area and reduce muscle strain, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help.
Anxiety and depression
If the symptoms do not match any of the above, the doctor can conduct testing to determine if the symptoms are caused by impaired mental health. Depression and anxiety disorders can cause a feeling of burden, fatigue, irritability, sadness or the inability to enjoy activities that usually make us happy, and as a result, pressure in the head and a feeling of heaviness can occur. Changes in eating and sleeping patterns are also common contributing symptoms. Treatment for such conditions includes therapy, medication, or a combination of both, he says.
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