As a parent, you’ve likely encountered a variety of headaches—from those pesky pregnancy-related aches to the stress-induced ones that come from dealing with children. There are also headaches that arise during DIY projects, especially those involving glue. However, as we age, we might notice different kinds of headaches, including those that worsen when standing up. If you’ve experienced this scenario, you might be dealing with an orthostatic headache.
What is an Orthostatic Headache?
An orthostatic headache, also referred to as a positional or postural headache, intensifies within 30 seconds of standing up and typically subsides when you lie flat. These headaches can be a daily occurrence or happen sporadically. According to Science Direct, they may accompany various symptoms such as neck pain or stiffness, nausea, vomiting, hearing changes, visual disturbances, pain between the shoulder blades, and sometimes facial numbness or weakness.
Pain from orthostatic headaches usually manifests at the back of the head, but it can also affect the front, one side, or the entire head, worsening as the day progresses. The intensity can range from mild to severe, and may present a throbbing sensation, as noted by the Mayo Clinic.
It’s important to differentiate these headaches from migraines, which typically affect one or both sides of the head and are aggravated by movement, light, sound, or certain odors. Migraines may also involve nausea or vomiting.
Other activities that can exacerbate orthostatic headaches include:
- Coughing or sneezing
- Strenuous exercise
- Sexual activities
- Bending over
- Lifting or reaching
- Straining during bowel movements
What Causes Orthostatic Headaches?
Various conditions can lead to orthostatic headaches, ranging from mild to serious issues.
CSF Leak:
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cushions the brain and spinal cord, protecting them while also aiding in nutrient delivery and waste removal. A CSF leak can occur through a small tear in the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord, leading to a headache as the brain loses its cushioning. Severe leaks can lead to complications like meningitis or seizures. Symptoms may also include a persistent runny nose or ear drainage. CSF leaks are rare, affecting about five in 100,000 individuals, and are more common in women in their 30s and 40s, often resulting from head trauma, recent epidurals, or spinal surgeries.
Postdural Puncture Headache (PDPH):
This type of headache can follow a lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, and is most common in women aged 20 to 40. Symptoms are similar to those of a CSF leak, including worsening pain when upright, nausea, neck pain, dizziness, and visual changes.
Other Causes:
Additional factors contributing to orthostatic headaches may include dehydration, severe anemia or blood loss, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), colloid cysts, or brain tumors.
Duration of Orthostatic Headaches
The length of an orthostatic headache can vary significantly, lasting anywhere from five minutes to 48 hours.
Treatment for Orthostatic Headaches
If you see a doctor regarding your orthostatic headache and they suspect a serious underlying condition like a CSF leak or tumor, they may use imaging techniques such as an MRI or myelogram for diagnosis. Treatment often depends on the underlying cause. For CSF leaks, initial treatments include bed rest, hydration, and caffeine infusions. In cases where initial treatments fail, an epidural blood patch may be used to seal the leak.
PDPH is generally treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, hydration, and avoiding upright positions. If a tumor is discovered on an MRI, doctors will tailor the treatment based on its type and location.
Management techniques for POTS might involve wearing compression socks, increasing fluid and salt intake, elevating the head during sleep, and possibly medication. For immediate relief before seeing a doctor, try drinking water, resting, using essential oils, or applying a cold compress. Beverages like decaf coffee, fruit-infused water, green smoothies, and herbal teas can also help.
Conclusion
Orthostatic headaches can be uncomfortable and disruptive but understanding their symptoms and causes can help you seek appropriate treatment. For more information on related topics, check out this resource or visit this authority site for valuable insights. Additionally, March of Dimes is an excellent resource for pregnancy-related topics.
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