Getting Headache After Coming From A Trip. Any Medication Or Remedy?

Posted on Wed, 9 Jan 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 9 Jan 2013 Answered on

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I am 73 years old. I had a concussion at sea level and I had headaches there. I went to my home-7200 ft high headaches much worse. 3 trips to sea level and the headaches were less severe. Returned home severe headaches returned. This is going for almost 2 years since the big accident. What is going on?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (6 hours later)

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

Most likely, you are suffering from high altitude headache. This happens at higher altitudes (typically above 2500 meters) and starts within 24 hours of reaching a high altitude destination. Headaches resolve within 8 hours of descent to a low altitude (such as sea).

Headaches may be on both sides of head, mostly in front or sides of head and is aggravated by straining, coughing, bending, exertion, etc.

People with concussion or migraine are more prone to develop it.

There is no need to worry about it.

If possible, slow ascent to a higher altitude may prevent it.

Medication that is useful in this is acetazolamide.

I hope it helps. Please get back if you have any more queries.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir KumarMD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar