A chronic headache refers to a condition that occurs for 15 days or more a month, says the Mayo Clinic. Some symptoms of a chronic headache include a pulsating pain on one side of the head, vomiting, nausea and sensitivity to sound and light. Fortunately, the causes of persistent headaches can be managed.
Meningitis
Meningitis refers to an inflammation of the thin tissue layers that cover the spinal cord and brain. Typically symptoms of meningitis include a persistent headache, light sensitivity, a high fever, confusion and seizures. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that meningitis can also lead to a loss of consciousness, drowsiness, diarrhea, vomiting and a high fever.
In infants, meningitis leads to vomiting, poor feeding, seizures and irritability. It can also cause a high-pitched cry and a stiff neck.
Bacteria and viruses cause meningitis. Specifically, bacteria such as Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumonia and Haemophilus influenzae are strains of bacteria that can lead to meningitis. Arboviruses, mumps virus and the herpes virus are just some viral infections that can lead to meningitis.
Treating meningitis involves taking such antibiotic medications as ampicillin or cephalosporin. Other treatments involves taking such drugs as corticosteroids, rifampin or diazepam. Sometimes, nutritional supplements and herbs can also be taken to manage meningitis.
Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury refers to a blow or other sort of trauma to the head. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that a traumatic brain injury affects 1.4 million people in the United States annually.
Specific symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include persistent headaches, changes in mental status, a loss of consciousness and amnesia. It can also lead to difficulty concentrating, trouble with memory, fatigue, mood changes and ringing in the ears. Other symptoms of this type of injury include blurry vision, dizziness, unsteadiness and neck pain.
Falls, assaults and car accidents are just some of the causes of traumatic brain injury.
Depending on the extent of the injury, hospitalization is required. Surgery may be needed to drain any blood or repair any broken vessels or bones.
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus refers to a condition in which the brain begins to swell as a result of increased intracranial (within the skull) pressure.
MedlinePlus indicates that specific symptoms of hydrocephalus include persistent headaches, seizures, sleepiness, vomiting and irritability. Hydrocephalus can also lead to muscle spasms, a high-pitched cry and trouble feeding in infants, personality changes and a lack of coordination.
Typically, hydrocephalus is present with such conditions as infections, trauma, injury and bleeding in the brain.
Treatment for hydrocephalus involves taking antibiotic medications to destroy any bacteria. Other treatments involve placing a shunt to help drain the excess fluid.
