What Causes Sudden Onset Of Headaches, Anxiety And Stiffness Of Neck?

Posted on Thu, 25 Dec 2014

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

Thu, 25 Dec 2014 Answered on

Sat, 10 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I've had a sudden onset of headaches which is particularly rare for me they started about a month or more ago I suffer very bad with anxiety I have been to the E.R twice with it I have had vision change I got checked in the eye clinic they seen nothing too sinister the headaches are in no way severely painful more irritating feeling particularly in the bottom back of my head the stiff neck Is pretty much constant and I notice myself finding it difficult to find the right words at times I've had no vomiting or nausea as such I get double vision when I'm particularly tired my sleep is sometimes disrupted but not by headaches I just seem to wake I've had strange tingling/crawling in my head at times too

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Need some details to guide you better

Detailed Answer:
Hello

My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.

I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. There could be a number of causes for your symptoms. I would be in a better position to reach to a conclusion if you answer following questions please:

1. Does anyone in your family has similar complaints? if yes then who and since when?
2. Pain occurs in whole head or in half head?
3. Does pain aggravate with movement?
4. Is there any associated history of:
a. visual symptoms like bright light flashing in your eyes or unable to focus from eyes at particular point?
b. Nausea, vomiting or anorexia?
5. Do you then prefer to lie in a dark room so that you headache improves?
6. Does headache occurs only during awakening?
7. Does headache starts if you are tired or did not take ample sleep?
8. Did you take any type of medication for this?
9. Are you on any kind of medication?
10. Is there any family history of hypertension, diabetes or any other illness?

I will be looking forward for the answers to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours.
Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (1 hour later)

I apologise I can only send short answers problem with app

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
absolutely fine

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Its absolutely fine. You can reply with the answers in short words/single line by using comma(,). Sorry for asking that much information but that will help me to guide you better. I will be looking forward for the answers to correlate them & conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (9 minutes later)

yes few months,sister,localised to back of head and neck but can move,neck pain can hurt with movement,there is a history of visual flashes yes,not particularly I spend most my days in front of a monitor, no can be random but when I wake up too, I work shift so I wake up at strange hours again I say they can be very random,I took paracetamol once it helped somewhat, 75mg Ireven I currently take, not sure of hypertension but diabetes yes, I have a growing fear it's something sinister

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Most probably Migraine headache

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thank you for getting back with the answers. I have gone through them and conclude that you most probably have migraine headache exaggerated by stress/anxiety. In this, brain sends waves which causes pain. Initially its unilateral but later on can spread to whole head. There are two kinds of treatment for it; immediate & preventive. I usually start my patients with sumatriptan at an initial dose of 25 mg for pain relief. In addition, preventive medication can also be started to reduce the frequency(if headache occurs often). Options include propanolol & amitriptyline. Most of these drugs are prescription drugs so you need to visit hospital to get them. You can also confirm the diagnosis by visiting a neurologist as well.

General Care:
There are some general aspects which if taken care off then helps to reduce the frequency & intensity. They include:

1. Diet:
Following food aggravates symptoms:
> Alcohol
> Caffeine overuse
> Chocolates
> Citrus Food & banana
> Dairy cheese
> Vinegar

2. Stress:
Stress is a potent stimulator of headache. If you have past history of stress related issues then you need to visit hospital to get medication for it as they are prescription only.

3. Exercise:
Try to have a walk in the evening for 30-45 mins. Change in environment will help to reduce stress & improve health.

4. Sleep:
You mentioned that you work straight hours and in front of monitor so it will be playing a major role in aggravating your headache. You need to manage adequate sleep of at least 5-7 hrs/day.

5. Light:
Flashing lights like in clubs also stimulates the headache so you need to avoid them.

Conclusion:
Migraine can be prevented so you need not to worry. Just simple care can help you in leading a healthy life. As you mentioned that you have difficulty in focusing objects so do visit an ophthalmologist for eye checkup.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj