What could be the cause of this?
Off and on headache since last Friday. I have been drinking a lot of caffeine during that time period. The headache is always centered near my scalp line, left of center. It’s maybe there for 40–50% of my day. It tends to appear if I am really stressed, but can do so at other random times.
My job stress is getting worse and worse. I’ve been sleeping horribly too (although the caffeine is no doubt not helping…
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
14 Answers
have you ever had headaches before? is this headache similar? how quickly did the headache come on? any family history of migraines or bleeding in the head? any nausea or vomiting? any neck pain? any changes in your vision? does the light bother your eyes? are you on a blood thinner stronger than aspirin?
99% of headaches are not dangerous, but the other 1% can be doozies. It’s easy for me to say “change your lifestyle”, especially since I’m technically obese myself, but see if that makes the headache go away. If it persists see your doctor or visit your friendly neighborhood emergency room (protip; they’re all superheros there).
Usually I have sinus headaches, but they are not centered in one area. They can last a day or two, but usually it is a constant pain. I am just worried that the stress from my job is finally trying to do me in.
sinus headaches are ALWAYS centered in one area, the sinuses (although sphenoid sinus headaches can feel uncentered). Oh yeah, when you mean the scalp line… where is that? It’s like saying “I’m on the equator”
Well, I guess I mean that this one is even more centralized…
I would say cut down on the caffeine gradually. Try ½ caf ½ decaf at first.
You need to get some exercise. That will really help to relieve stress.
Do you do yoga or meditate? Both of those would help.
Also keep hydrated with water.
Stop drinking coffee. Drink sugar-free lemonade.
Are you drinking caffeine throughout the day consistantly? Or, just in the morning? Do you skip your usual time to drink caffeine sometimes? Meaning you drink it later in the day than usual? Withdrawal headache from caffeine is more typical then getting a headache from caffeine. Missing your usual caffeine time, it can take as little as 5 hours for the headache to start in my experience, or you might not feel it for a good 12 hours.
You say the pain is left of center, and then you said center, I’m not clear on your answer. Towards one side can mean migraine, but you didin’t complain about other migraine symptoms, so I am going to stick with regular headache assumption for now.
My suggestion is you have to decide toneither quit caffeine, or be committed to drinking it on a regular basis like medication. Do not underestimate how much caffeine affects the body. If you decide to quit, the first few days will suck. The headache will be bad (you can take ibuprofen or Tylenol) and you will fall asleep everywhere most likely. Do not just quit the caffeine cold turkey, decrease your intake for several days until you actually go to zero.
If you decide to just reduce your intake, you will feel crappy probably even doing that at first. I actually feel under the weather and people come up to me for several days asking me what’s wrong.
Being free of caffeine has been more positive than negative for me (I quit about 15 years ago, sometimes I cheat fir a day, sometimed the cheat goes on for a week or two, but then I go back to no caffeine for months, sometimes years before I cheat again. I do get low levels at time from chocolates I eat).
Obviously, caffeine might not be what is causing your problem though, there could be something else going on. Hard for us to know.
When you said you drink a lot of caffeine, I assumed it was coffee. What are you drinking?
Drink caffeine-free whatever it is you are drinking. Exercise.
Diet Rite Cola is caffeine and sodium free. It is also sweetened with Splenda rather than aspartame. It tastes delicious.
Answer this question 
This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.
Composing members:
0
