Friday, April 26, 2024

Why Do I Have Constant Headaches And Fatigue

Must Read

How To Repair Your Blood Pressure System

What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

If your symptoms improved after adding the salt to your diet, youll now need to repair the neurological blood pressure mechanism to your brain. This is done by reducing the number of carbohydrates youre consuming on a daily basis. Follow these instructions:

  • Continue drinking the chicken broth for about 2-3 more weeks after you have reduced the carbohydrates in your diet . You can switch to other salty foods instead of drinking only chicken stock over these few weeks. Tomato juice has a lot of salt in it as do pickles, salsa, sardines, greek olives and beef broth. Some patients will pour about a 1/4 teaspoon of salt in the palm of their hand and swallow it plain along with some water to wash it down. For convenience, some patients will take a Top Ramen oriental noodle cup to work and drink only the broth from it.
  • Reduce your carbohydrate intake to less than 100 grams per day. It seems switching to higher fiber carbs such as whole grain bread, brown rice or fruit doesnt help your blood pressure mechanism to repair itself if your total carb intake is still above 100 grams per day. You need to get the total carb count down.
  • Within a few weeks, you will be able to stop the added salt because your blood pressure mechanism will of completely recovered. Your symptoms of low brain blood pressure should be gone for the most part without the need of the added salt in your diet.
  • Seek Medical Help For Heart Palpitations That Last 15 Minutes

    An intermittent extra heartbeat here or there isnt something that should concern you. But if you have heart palpitations that last longer than 15 minutes especially if theyre accompanied by shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, or loss of consciousness you should be checked out, Simmons says. These symptoms could indicate a heart condition called atrial fibrillation.

    In atrial fibrillation, the top chambers of the heart beat more quickly than the lower chambers. When prolonged, this can result in blood clots that can move to other parts of the body and may lead to stroke or heart failure over time.

    How Would You Describe Fatigue Associated With Pots

    People with POTS experience fatigue differently. Many describe it as feeling beyond exhausted. Its as if your energy is completely depleted. The fatigue is probably hundreds of times worse than your worst flu. People with POTS may also have trouble concentrating and thinking straight. Doing simple tasks may feel like youve just run a marathon.

    This fatigue might come and go, hitting you without warning daily, weekly or less frequently. For some people, extreme fatigue lasts for days. Others may experience periodic attacks. It can come on at any moment even if you just woke up. And there is no amount of sleep or coffee that can make it go away.

    Also Check: What Is Treatment For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

    Age Isnt Just A Number

    We saw some key differences in early COVID symptoms between adults, children and the elderly. The symptoms of headache, loss of smell, persistent cough and sore throat are more often reported by adults than by the elderly or children. The adult age group tends to report more loss of smell than the elderly or the kids . This doesnât mean loss of smell is not important in older people or kids, but probably means we need to actually test for smell changes, especially if reporting for someone else.

    Those over 65 reported being confused, disorientated and having severe shortness of breath more often than the other groups, while overall these symptoms are less common in those aged 18-65.

    To highlight the differences between the three groups, this infographic shows the top symptoms in the first 7 days by age groups :

    How Is Covid Headache Treated

    Why Do I Wake Up With Headaches?

    Treatment recommendations for long COVID headaches have been similar to how physicians treat other chronic headaches, McConnell said, which include adequate sleep, proper hydration, regular meals, and keeping stress to a minimum.

    Using over-the-counter painkillers too frequently may lead to medication overuse headaches, so it’s best to discuss with a healthcare provider about potential treatments.

    If they are severe enough or frequent enough, we may start preventative medications such as beta-blockers, anti-epileptics, or tricyclic anti-depressants, which are meds that we commonly use to prevent chronic daily headaches,” McConnell said.

    Like all instances of neurological symptoms, diagnosing any headache must be based on a thorough medical history and neurological examination, Koralnik said. Sometimes, the headache does not respond to over-the-counter medications and NSAIDs.

    If no other causes are found, low doses of nortriptyline, a type of antidepressant, at bedtime are used to prevent and treat headaches, he added.

    At present, more research is needed to understand how to treat post-COVID symptoms effectively. Experts recommend getting vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 to avoid severe outcomes from the disease.

    The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our coronavirus news page.

    Also Check: Low Carb Diet And Exercise Fatigue

    The Importance Of Healthy Sleep

    Behavioral sleep changes can promote restful, regular sleep and reduce headache. Simple changes like establishing consistent sleep and wake-up times, as well as getting between 7 and 8 hours of sleep a day, can make a world of difference. Experts also recommend avoiding substances that impair sleep, like caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, and also suggest winding down before bed to prevent sleep problems. To hear about how members of our community stick to healthy sleep habits, read this article from our resource library.

    From comorbidities to daily habits, many factors explain why a wide variety of sleep events trigger headache. Understanding your migraine and identifying simple lifestyle changes can make all the difference. As you embark on this journey, find the resources and support you need through our doctor-verified resource library and migraine support group.

    Depression Anxiety And Fatigue

    Symptoms: Sadness feeling hopeless, worthless, and helpless fatigue

    Sometimes, depression or anxiety is at the root of chronic fatigue. Depression affects twice as many women as men and often runs in families. It commonly begins between the ages of 15 and 30.

    Postpartum depression can happen after the birth of a baby. Some people get seasonal affective disorder in the winter, with feelings of fatigue and sadness. Major depression is also one part of bipolar disorder.

    With depression, you might be in a depressed mood most of the day. You may have little interest in normal activities. Along with feelings of fatigue, you may eat too much or too little, over- or under-sleep, feel hopeless and worthless, and have other serious symptoms.

    • Feeling “on alert” most of the time
    • Feeling of impending doom

    If you are depressed or have regular symptoms of anxiety, talk to your doctor and get a physical exam. If there is no physical cause for the depression or anxiety, your doctor may talk with you about treatment options, and may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a psychological evaluation.

    Although the specific causes of depression and/or anxiety are unclear, these are highly treatable medical problems. Medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two can help relieve symptoms.

    Recommended Reading: Best Anti Fatigue Eye Cream

    Recurrent Or Chronic Headaches And Fatigue

    Many patients with symptoms of lightheadedness, recurrent or chronic headaches or chronic fatigue are often suffering from inadequate blood flow to the brain that results in inadequate brain oxygen levels. Many of these patients have been evaluated by their primary care physician, neurologists or cardiologists without any specific diagnosis being made.

    These symptoms can also be accompanied by neck stiffness, heartburn, chronic indigestion, abdominal cramping, and frequent urination. All of these symptoms represent dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system and are frequently treated as individual symptoms. In essence, many physicians are not seeing the forest because of the trees. A good review of the autonomic nervous system and some of the symptoms associated with autonomic dysfunction can be found here.

    Persistent Leg Pain On One Side May Be A Blood Clot

    What Is a Migraine Headache?

    Swelling and pain in one leg that doesn’t go away may signal that you have a blood clot inside a vein, known as deep vein thrombosis . These signs should be tended to at once, particularly if youre at higher risk for DVT. Risk factors that make DVT blood clots more likely get riskier with age. These include smoking, having surgery, being on estrogen-containing pills or hormone therapy, being immobile for a long period of time , being pregnant, and recently giving birth. A life-threatening pulmonary embolism can occur when a blood clot moves from one part of your body to your lungs and blocks a vital artery there. According to Dr. Simmons, about 70 percent of blood clots that travel to the lungs begin in the legs.

    Also Check: How To Manage Adrenal Fatigue

    When To Call The Doctor For Out

    The size, feel, and look of your breasts are as individual as you are, and breasts often change predictably throughout the month. Some women normally have lumps others get a lump every month before their period. But something outside of your usual breast condition could be a symptom of a health problem, says Rachel Freedman, MD, MPH, a medical oncologist at the Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

    Look for anything new that persists, such as a mass, skin change, or rash that doesnt go away in a day but sticks around, Dr. Freedman says. Breast cancer can appear as an unusual redness of the skin that looks like an infection, swelling, lumps, bumps, or nodules. Other potential symptoms include nipple discharge thats bloody , and breasts that become unusually asymmetrical.

    Fatigue During Prodrome And Postdrome

    As part of a migraine cycle, I almost always experience extreme fatigue symptoms. It presents itself like an energy-sucking beast that just wont let go. It seems as if my knuckles are dragging on the floor and the total body exhaustion keeps me from anything close to normal functioning. I often feel the effects of fatigue in the prodrome and postdrome phases of an attack. I guess I dont notice it as much during the aura or pain phase of an attack because I am preoccupied with other aspects of the event. During an attack, it is hard for me to stay focused on more than one main thing at a time, and most of my concentration gets thrown into my self-care routine and getting the medication I need to help ease the attack.

    You May Like: Can Thyroid Problems Cause Fatigue

    Allergies Hay Fever And Fatigue

    Symptoms: Fatigue, headache, itchiness, nasal congestion, and drainage

    Allergic rhinitis is a common cause of chronic fatigue. But allergic rhinitis often can be easily treated and self-managed. To make a diagnosis, your doctor will assess your symptoms. The doctor will also find out, through a detailed history or testing, whether your allergies are triggered by pollens, insects , animal dander, molds and mildew, weather changes, or something else.

    One way to reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis — including fatigue — is to take steps to avoid the offending allergen. In addition, proper medication can help with symptoms. Drugs that might help include:

    • Leukotriene modifiers
    • Mast cell stabilizers

    Allergy shotsimmunotherapy — may help in severe cases. This treatment involves weekly shots of increasingly higher solutions of the offending allergens. Allergy shots take time to be effective and are usually administered over a period of 3 to 5 years.

    Migraine Fatigue: Its Beyond Feeling Tired

    Chronic Headaches Miami, FL
    • Reactions 0 reactions

    Migraine attacks come with a plethora of symptoms and side effects. These can be from both the migraine itself or even our self-care measures like the abortive medications we use to help ease an attack. The one thing that holds true about migraine fatigue for me is that it is way beyond just being tired. Many people experience fatigue as part of other conditions and situations in their life. Lack of sleep, heavy exertion, and jet lag are three common factors that can cause fatigue. For a migraine sufferer, though, fatigue takes on a whole new aspect during an attack.

    Recommended Reading: Adrenal Fatigue The 21st Century Syndrome

    Other Reasons For Headaches And Tiredness

    Headaches aren’t always to blame for tiredness. “Sometimes headache and fatigue may be symptoms of another condition,” says Noah Rosen, MD, director of the Northwell Health Headache Center in Great Neck, New York, and a specialist in neurology, psychiatry and pain management. “Often this may be a disorder of homeostasis â that is, of the natural balance.”

    According to Dr. Rosen, other conditions that could cause both headaches and tiredness include:

    • Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea
    • Viral infections like mononucleosis
    • Tick-borne illness, such as Lyme disease

    People sometimes jump to the worst conclusion and suspect that a headache every day along with being tired might be a brain tumor, but Dr. Rosen says that’s usually not the case. “Fatigue itself would be a rare symptom of a brain tumor,” he explains, adding that it would be more concerning if someone were so sedated in sleep that it was very hard to rouse them.

    At The Doctors Office

    Your doctor will try to identify and treat any underlying causes. For example, they may order a blood test to determine the amount of thyroid hormone in your blood if they suspect hypothyroidism is causing your symptoms. They can also prescribe medications to enhance your hormone levels if theyre low.

    If a prescribed medication is contributing to your headache and loss of appetite, talk to your doctor. Dont stop taking your medication until you discuss it with your doctor. They may prescribe other medications known to enhance appetite, especially if youre undergoing cancer treatments.

    You May Like: How To Fight Pms Fatigue

    Migraine Is More Than Just Headache: Is The Link To Chronic Fatigue And Mood Disorders Simply Due To Shared Biological Systems

    • 1Headache Group, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
    • 2NIHR-Wellcome Trust Kings Clinical Research Facility, SLaM Biomedical Research Centre, Kings College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
    • 3Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States

    What May Cause Headache And Fatigue

    Scientists Discover Robust Evidence That Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Is a Biological Illness

    Fatigue and headache are shared symptoms of many conditions. Not all of these conditions are considered serious. However, some may require lifestyle changes or ongoing treatment.

    As you consider the reasons why you may be experiencing headache and fatigue, make sure to think about your lifestyle, including your sleeping patterns, diet, and any medications youre currently taking.

    Here are 16 conditions and other factors that could cause both headache and fatigue:

    Recommended Reading: Best Workouts For Adrenal Fatigue

    How Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treated

    There’s no known cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, but the symptoms can be treated. Experts suggest focusing on the most disruptive symptoms first, and working with the childs doctor to manage them:

    • Post-exertional malaise. For kids whose symptoms get worse after even mild activity, experts suggest pacing their activities. This means planning for a balance of activity and rest based on what the child and family feel are the childs limits. This can be different from one person to the next. Children with CFS should not be pushed to do more than they feel they can tolerate, as this can lead to a crash, or worsening of symptoms.
    • Dizziness. Kids who get dizzy or feel weak or lightheaded when they sit up or stand might need to drink more fluids, use more salt in their foods, or wear support stockings.
    • Sleep problems. Ensure good sleep habits and regular bedtime routines to overcome CFS-related sleep problems.
    • Problems with concentration and memory. Find ways to keep track of important things to deal with concentration or memory problems.
    • Headaches and stomachaches. Gentle massage and heat may help some kids with pain from CFS.

    Doctors may also suggest over-the-counter or prescription medicines for some of these symptoms.

    Therapy and support groups can also help students with CFS deal with the academic or social challenges. It’s common for kids and teens with CFS to miss school, have poor grades, or withdraw from friends and social situations.

    Some Causes For Brain Fog

    The list of reasons behind getting brain fog is extensive. Below is a list of possible causes which only cause brain fog and wouldnt cause a headache as an additional symptom.

    So, if youre only suffering from brain fog, you might want to explore these causes:

    • Hormonal changes can trigger brain fog which can affect memory and cause short-term cognitive impairment. Very common amongst pregnant women or those going through menopause.
    • Diet plays a significant role in having brain fog. Vitamin B-12 is an essential vitamin, and a lack of it can affect your brain functioning. Even eating certain foods, youre allergic to can cause a similar effect.
    • Certain medications might also be causing brain fog, which is a side effect of a drug.
    • Medical conditions associated with inflammation, fatigue, or changes in blood glucose level can also cause mental fatigue.

    The diagnosis and treatment of a brain fog basically depend on the underlying issue causing it in the first place. Sometimes it could just be correcting a nutritional deficiency, switching medications, or even improving the quality of your sleep.

    Also Check: What Vitamin Is Good For Chronic Fatigue

    What Causes ‘your’ Fatigue

    Many physical and mental illnesses, as well as lifestyle factors, can cause your fatigue, and that can make it hard to diagnose. In some cases, it might be something simple and easy to fix, like havingcaffeine at bedtime. But other causes, like heart disease or COPD, are serious, and you may need to start long-term treatment right away.

    Your doctor can help you sift through your health issues, as well as diet, exercise, and other lifestyle habits, in order to zero in on the cause and help you on the road to recovery.

    Show Sources

    More articles

    Popular Articles