Constant pounding headache, what is it a general symptom of? (besides migraines)?

Question

I'm really scared of going to the doctor, and I'm trying to get rid of that fear and I'm going to schedule an appointment tomorrow for Saturday. I have a constant pounding headache, especially in my temples, and I'm interested in what I could possibly be diagnosed with besides a migraine. (I believe I'll need a brain scan, that's why)

I very much appreciate all of the answers I'm getting. The reason why I believe it may be a migraine because I do have small cases of nausea at times and often I am sensitive to light and sound.

Yet the many other types of headaches I am reading about, some of them do make sense in my case. I just want to know what it may be, that's all.

Answer 1

Many doctors will not tell you that the cause of more then 50% of all headaches is anger which goes with or includes frustration.
This 'anger' headache is caused by something in your life is unbearable and creating tension so severe that it manifests itself as horrific headache.. A person has to really sort themselves out to determine what the cause (s) may be..
The other headaches, migraines as you mentioned, include those caused by severely infected sinus, food that is far too salty, pre menstrual hormone changes, some eye conditions,TMJ or temporo mandibular joint dysfunction (in muscles /joints of jaw). In many cases TMJ is also caused by deep seated anger, tension or frustration.
Allergies can cause bad headaches.
Only a very small percentage of headaches are caused by brain tumours. Headaches caused by a blow to the head (concussion)are not that common.
So try to relax, you will most likely not have to have a brain scan.
Worrying about this may cause the headaches to feel worse. So try not to worry and good luck at the doctors.

Answer 2

Another thing . . . you could go to the dentist. I had a pounding headache in my temples. It turned out that I had an abscess in one of my teeth and needed a root canal. Right after that, the headaches became less severe. It could be a cavity on the nerve as well.

And it could be your diet. Some people get really bad headaches from foods they have an intolerance to. Examples are citrus fruits, nuts, chocolate, and dairy -- mainly aged cheeses. You have to eliminate those and then bring them into your diet, one at a time.

And get some exercise! A 15 minute walk everyday at the least. I also found that really helped me.

Make sure you have the right kind of pillow for the way you sleep.

Also, if you sit in front of a computer all day, make sure the lighting is okay and that you are sitting in an ergonomically correct position. Take a 5 minute walk every hour as well. Make sure you are not straining your eyes while at the computer . I also went to the eye doctor. She wrote me a prescription for some computer glasses. Although the prescription was for a really small correction, I found that wearing them has also cut down on the severity of the headaches.

I had a brain scan, too. They found nothing there. Oh dear, not even my brain! Most of the time they find nothing there, anyway.

Good luck..

Answer 3

Pounding Headaches

Answer 4

You don't have to worry so much...
I still remember when I was in secondary
school I also gone through the same fear
as you are now,I visited few different physicians
but my terrible headache keep coming
after a couple of days the medicines didn't work
to me at all...My headache was so terrible that
I suspected that I had a tumor or something in my
brain,it always occur when the sun started to shine
a little bit hotter @ around 11 to 2pm,if I'm tired esp.
watching too much TV and read few books @ a time.
Sometimes I felt that my eyes were coming out as
I felt the weight when I bend my head down.........
I was so scared...and it lasted when one of my mom
friends suggested to bring me in optometrist...
and we did,we went for an eye check up, and
that was it! Found out that I had a sever astigmatism
and I needed to wear an eye glass for quite sometimes
until it's corrected.I just wore a glass for 6 months
and I was totally alright......Thanks God,... hopefully
this experienced will give you a bit hope that what you
are suffering @ present could be a case of astigmatism
or any eye problem and not worst as you think it is.
GOOD LUCK!

Answer 5

Discover The Secret To Completely Eliminating Your Migraine Pain Forever In The Next 48 Hours & Never Spend Another Dime On Expensive, Dangerous Treatments - http://themigrainerelief.info/824-effective-techniques.html

You'll learn inside:

+) The most common migraine triggers & how to avoid them, so that you can live a pain-free life.
+) Understand the root causes of a migraine headache which helps to prevent migraines forever.
+) The most common food related triggers to help prevent migraines so that you can enjoy eating the foods you like.
+) Get rid of your migraine and cure your headache
+) And much more useful information ...

You can feel good again, no more depression or anxiety. Start feeling good in just a few minutes. Overcome the pain of migraines with 3 simple but effective techniques to stop the migraine before it stops you from having fun.

If you want to take control of my migraines and enjoy a pain-free life! Don't live another day with the pain and tortue of Migraines.

Act Now! - http://themigrainerelief.info/824-effective-techniques.html

You don't have to live another day with pain, discomfort or depression get rid of you're migraine headaches, remember that the problem CAN be prevented, controlled and treated, but ONLY if you take action today.

Answer 6

I know that it is difficult to deal with medical problems, if you are afraid of going to the doctors; but your health is the most important factor in your life. If you do not have good health, you cannot have a good life. Headaches can be caused by stress or tension, allergies and infections, pinched nerves, a glandular problem, high or low bleed pressure, food allergies and many other reasons. Please get yourself checked out, it is much better to know what you have to deal with then not know. You may actually be adding to the headaches because of the length of time this has gone on and the stress that is causing in itself. There is the tiniest possibility that it is something serious, and even if it is a pinched nerve or anything else, it can be delt with. Best of luck and I hope you have many wonderful headache free days in your future!

Answer 7

Get the scan. When nothing shows up there, you will feel better about finding out the real problem. Then talk to your doctor about allergies - food or environment. And find yourself a good dentist and have your teeth and gum checked. I had your same problem for almost five years and was certain it was a brain tumor. But quite by accident I found out it was an infection in the roots of my teeth. Had that fixed and it was scary when my head didn't hurt. My best advice is to find a doctor and dentist that you really feel comfortable around, and who will answer your questions without being snooty. Good luck and don't be scared.

Answer 8

Tension headache, sinus headache, TMJ related headache...I have had a headache non stop now for 5 or so months, and it is none of the above....if you have light and noise sensitivity and nausea then I would lean toward the migraine....a pounding, squeezing headache would be more tension/TMJ related.....sore under your eyes and face would lean more toward sinus...
CAT scans and MRI's are no biggy, they go quick...no worries..
good luck

Answer 9

Could be stress. Try taking a dose of Excedrin Migraine. That stuff works wonders for whatever goes on in my head.

Answer 10

Headache is a symptom of many things. It could be something as simple as dehydration. Don't be afraid of the doctor just because of that.