Headaches can be debilitating, frustrating, and a long-term effect of brain injury. They can be triggered by a variety of causes, including:
- Damage to your brain or nerves
- Stress
- Dehydration
- Medication
- Pain connected to your neck/muscles
- Fatigue/lack of sleep
- Overstimulation
If you are experiencing any headaches after your brain injury, you should share this information with your doctor. They could be related to other brain injury symptoms that may need medical attention [1].
To help keep track of your headaches, you can use this printable headache diary from the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation. This headache diary will help doctors work with you to determine treatment by tracking the length, severity and time of your headaches as well as other important factors.
Types of headaches
There are different types of headaches. This is probably the last thing you’d think of when you’re having one. But by knowing how different types of headaches feel, you may be able to better treat them.
Tension headaches often feel like a tight, squeezing sensation that can last for long periods of time and can cause mild to moderate levels of pain. They are the most common type of headaches. While they’re mostly related to stress, they can be an effect of brain injury as well.
Migraines are the most severe type of headache, meaning the pain/discomfort would be very intense. You may feel it on one side or both sides of your head..
Migraines can make it harder to complete activities of daily living (ADLs). They interfere with sleep, can make you more sensitive to light and/or sound and can impact your overall health and well-being. While they can often be treated with over-the-counter headache medication, migraines may be a long-term challenge [2].
Remember: always check with your doctor about medications to make sure you’re either buying or being prescribed the right medication.
Cervical headaches are caused by nerve damage in the neck, shoulders, or back of the head. They can be made worse when standing/sitting in certain positions [3].
Rebound headaches can happen as a result of headache medication. If you use a medication too much and then miss or decrease your dosage, you may experience headaches (particularly if your medication has caffeine).
Doctors can answer any questions you may have about rebound headaches, as well as provide you with information about headache medication, and how to use it safely.
Cluster headaches are short-term, painful headaches that gather behind one eye or one side of the head. While cluster headaches themselves don’t last long, there may be periods of time when they happen frequently. However, they are not as common as other types of headaches.
Medication & medical treatment for headaches
If you need medication to help with your headaches, your doctor will prescribe preventative or rescue medication. Preventative medication keeps headaches from happening. Rescue medication helps when you already have a headache. They should not be used daily for extended periods of time as it can result in headaches from overusing medication.
Any questions or concerns about medications for headaches should be brought to your doctor.
Tips for managing headaches (without medication)
Here are steps you can take to prevent and manage headaches without medication:
- Apply a cold or hot pack to your neck or head [4]
- Avoid caffeine
- Complete deep breathing exercises
- Do visualization or other mindfulness-based exercises to reduce stress-based headaches
- 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
- The Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation’s Guidelines on Post-traumatic Headaches
- Vancouver Coast Health Concussion Guide
- The Migraine Buddy app – this is an application you can find on your smartphone or tablet’s app store. It is an app that helps track migraines, record triggers, and more.
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.
