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I Currently Have Bronchitis A Brief Throbbing Headache

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Posted on Thu, 15 Feb 2024
Question: I currently have bronchitis. Several days ago, after a coughing fit, I developed a brief throbbing headache on the right side of my head, above the right ear. It felt like a pulsing of a vein or artery. It would last for a few seconds, then go away, and maybe I would feel it a few more times during the night.

Today, I noticed that there was a dull achy pain that persisted after the throbbing pain stopped. Again, above my right ear, and on one occasion on the right rear top of my head.

I have no other neurological symptoms. I don’t have a history of migraines, but I did experience a similar throbbing headache on the right side one day a few months ago.

I have convinced myself that this is caused by a brain tumor and would like some help putting that fear into perspective. Please kindly offer any thoughts.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No reason to think about brain tumors.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

The headaches you are experiencing and prescribing are caused by the ongoing cough.

This headache is linked mainly to sudden increases in intracranial pressure during the cough and has nothing to do with any brain tumors or other brain diseases.

The headache also should respond very well to simple painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc.

Hope this helps.

Feel free to ask if you have further questions.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. LAKSHMI
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (12 hours later)
Thanks very much for your helpful response. In follow-up:

1) Does it change your analysis that this is only on the one side of the head, and roughly above the ear to the occipital area?

2) Does it change your analysis that it comes and goes, although for very short times, even when I’m not having a coughing fit?
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
And one additional follow up:

3) I’ve noticed that bending over can provoke this headache to show up. Not consistently, but sometimes.
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (4 hours later)
Last follow up. I apologize.

4) I’ve now felt a little bit of the headache on the rear LEFT side of my skull, on the occipital bone, just above the base of the skull. It feels like if I hold my fingers there with pressure, it sometimes makes it worse.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

I have read your follow-up questions.

My opinion remains the same, these headaches and symptoms, are caused by ongoing coughing and subsequent increases in intracranial pressure.

In my opinion, there is no reason to think about any brain tumors.

Hope this helps.

Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4493 Questions

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I Currently Have Bronchitis A Brief Throbbing Headache

Brief Answer: No reason to think about brain tumors. Detailed Answer: Hi, I have read your question and understand your concerns. The headaches you are experiencing and prescribing are caused by the ongoing cough. This headache is linked mainly to sudden increases in intracranial pressure during the cough and has nothing to do with any brain tumors or other brain diseases. The headache also should respond very well to simple painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc. Hope this helps. Feel free to ask if you have further questions. Thanks.