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What Could Be Causing Constant Headaches Upon Waking Up?

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Posted on Mon, 26 Mar 2018
Twitter Mon, 26 Mar 2018 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 11 May 2023 Last reviewed on
Question : The last week I have been woke up by a bad headache, what could be causing this?
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Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Several possibilities...

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Headache may have many different causes. It might be useful to have some more info such as the location of the headache, its duration, whether it's relieved by Ibuprofen, possible accompanying symptoms (nausea, nasal congestion, lacrimation etc).

One of the most common causes is often high blood pressure. It is a frequent cause of the headache and it should be checked as a possible cause.

Another common cause is sinusitis, which is commonly exacerbated during the night as you get more congestion.

A simple viral infection is another common cause of headache, in that cause should dissipate gradually.

So I would start by checking with your primary physician regarding blood pressure, sinusitis signs and possibly some routine screening blood tests for issues like infection, inflammation or anemia. Of course, a basic neurologic exam for possible signs you might've missed should be done.

If all results normal and the headache persists then even if there are no neurological symptoms I would schedule brain imaging to exclude brain-related causes like tumors. Do not want you to panic, it's unlikely if no other manifestations, but if there is a persistent headache in someone without a prior headache history it would be prudent.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Olsi Taka, Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3670 Questions

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What Could Be Causing Constant Headaches Upon Waking Up?

Brief Answer: Several possibilities... Detailed Answer: Hi, Headache may have many different causes. It might be useful to have some more info such as the location of the headache, its duration, whether it's relieved by Ibuprofen, possible accompanying symptoms (nausea, nasal congestion, lacrimation etc). One of the most common causes is often high blood pressure. It is a frequent cause of the headache and it should be checked as a possible cause. Another common cause is sinusitis, which is commonly exacerbated during the night as you get more congestion. A simple viral infection is another common cause of headache, in that cause should dissipate gradually. So I would start by checking with your primary physician regarding blood pressure, sinusitis signs and possibly some routine screening blood tests for issues like infection, inflammation or anemia. Of course, a basic neurologic exam for possible signs you might've missed should be done. If all results normal and the headache persists then even if there are no neurological symptoms I would schedule brain imaging to exclude brain-related causes like tumors. Do not want you to panic, it's unlikely if no other manifestations, but if there is a persistent headache in someone without a prior headache history it would be prudent. Hope I have answered your query. Regards, Dr. Olsi Taka, Neurologist