Headaches are a common complaint that most people experience from time to time. Whether it’s a tension headache, a migraine, or a sinus-related headache, they can range from mild to severe. However, sometimes a headache lingers for longer than usual, leaving you wondering if it’s time to seek professional medical attention. In this blog, we’ll explore when a lingering headache might warrant a visit to an urgent care center.
For a same-day headache diagnosis and treatment plan, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care West Orange. Our urgent care center is open seven days a week and never requires appointments. Just walk in at your convenience!
Causes of Lingering Headaches
1. Head Injuries and Concussions
Concussions are pretty dangerous and should be taken seriously because they can flow into other complications or cause long-lasting headaches. These traumatic brain injuries can cause swelling in the brain, applying pressure to it and causing headaches. They are often a result of hazardous work environments, sport-related injuries, car accidents, and falls.
2. Migraines
Another source of lingering headaches is intractable migraines. Migraines are a form of headache that comes in sharp and frequent pulses and can sometimes last up to three days. Intractable migraines are on a completely different level because they don't respond to regular migraine treatments making the headaches last as long as weeks. This might be due to either a tumor, low oxygen, or consistent exposure to toxic fumes. They are generally characterized by symptoms like:
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Irritability
- Loss of Appetite
- Difficulty concentrating and sleeping
- Mood swings
- Nausea
3. Rebound Headaches
The term rebound headache is being used to describe any headache that is caused by excessive over-the-counter medication use, hence the name rebound. It is simply caused by the body being flooded with chemicals which on a normal day are used to take care of illness.
4. Nervous-System Related Headaches
Headaches related to the nervous system are usually lingering and debilitating. They are headaches that happen due to anomalies involving the structural system that holds the nervous system, the cervical vertebrae. These problems can stem from fractures, injuries, whiplash from car accidents, and even arthritis.
5. Sinus Pain
Sinus pain is caused by a buildup of fluid around the sinus creating pressure on it. Sinusitis can be quite persistent and the pressure causes pain around the face including headaches. This means chronic sinusitis can be another reason for lingering headaches.
Ways To Treat Persistent Headaches
- Try using prescription migraine drugs and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Treat any fall and head injury immediately to quickly treat concussions.
- Make changes to your lifestyle to reduce stress.
- Avoid strenuous activities that can damage your nervous system.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Get lots of sleep and limit your caffeine intake.
When To Seek Medical Attention
While most headaches can be manageable with over-the-counter pain medication and rest, certain red flags indicate that a lingering headache may require urgent care. Seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, neurological symptoms, sudden onset or change in pattern, a headache after a head injury, nausea or vomiting, or an accompanying fever. A healthcare provider can perform a physical exam and plan the best treatment to alleviate your headache and other symptoms.
Get Walk-In Headache Relief at AFC Urgent Care West Orange
If your headache lingers, becomes more severe, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s important to seek medical care. Urgent care centers are equipped to evaluate and treat a variety of headaches, helping you find relief and rule out serious causes. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, don’t wait– getting the right care as soon as possible is key to your health and well-being. Do you have a persistent headache? Visit us at AFC Urgent Care West Orange for a thorough evaluation and prompt treatment. All patients are seen promptly and treated by licensed and board-certified medical providers. Most major insurances are accepted and we offer affordable rates for our self-pay patients. For more information about the services we provide, please give us a call at (973) 669-5900.
