Perhaps each of us is familiar with the condition when a headache appears, accompanied by general physical weakness in the body. Most often this happens when you are tired at the end of the working day, with a cold or emotional stress. But sometimes these symptoms may indicate the development of more serious pathologies that require referral to a specialist. Do you know how to understand the cause of a headache and what to do to eliminate it?
Causes of the condition
Headache and weakness in the body can appear for various reasons:
- development of a cold or viral respiratory disease;
- development of inflammatory processes in the body;
- decreased blood pressure (hypotension);
- lack of vitamins and minerals in the body (for example, vitamins D and B12, which are responsible for transporting oxygen through the blood vessels to the brain);
- uncontrolled use of certain medications that cause these symptoms as side effects;
- disruption of the thyroid gland, diabetes mellitus and other endocrine pathologies;
- emotional stress, stress;
- some gastrointestinal diseases accompanied by impaired absorption of nutrients;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- meningitis;
- benign and malignant tumors;
- migraine;
- chronic fatigue syndrome;
- lack of sleep.
Colds without fever
The most common cause of headache is ARVI. Its onset may be accompanied by classic symptoms: cough, weakness, headache, but without fever. Associated ailments are body aches, chills, snot, and dry cough. A cold can also manifest itself. This course of the disease is typical for adults.
Severe headaches can be caused by diseases of the ENT organs. Untreated rhinitis or tonsillitis is dangerous due to various complications:
- Sphenoiditis is a lesion of the sinuses, characterized by pain in the back of the head.
- Sinusitis. Discomfort is localized in the frontal part of the skull, in the temples and cheekbones.
- Sinusitis. A sharp unpleasant feeling appears in the ear area.
- Frontitis is an inflammation of the frontal sinuses, expressed in unpleasant sensations in the bridge of the nose.
How to determine the disease?
As we can see, there can be many reasons for headaches and fatigue. How can you find out whether these symptoms are signs of a dangerous pathology or not?
Expert opinion
Filimoshin Oleg Alexandrovich
Neurologist, city clinic of Orenburg. Education: Orenburg State Medical Academy, Orenburg.
In this matter, it is important to understand that the development of a serious disease is always accompanied by the appearance of a number of accompanying symptoms that make it possible to differentiate one or another problem.
ARVI
Description
Ask your question to a neurologist for free Irina Martynova. Graduated from Voronezh State Medical University named after. N.N. Burdenko. Clinical resident and neurologist BUZ VO \"Moscow Polyclinic\".Ask a question>>
A group of diseases that are characterized by the development of an acute inflammatory process in the respiratory system due to the entry of viruses into the body.
Type of pain
With ARVI, it is associated with an increase in temperature and the appearance of an acute inflammatory process in the throat, sinuses, and nasopharynx.
Most often focuses in the forehead and temples, accompanied by a feeling of pressure, “bloating” and heaviness.
Other manifestations
ARVI can be accompanied by an increase in body temperature to 38-39 degrees, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills, general malaise, and pain in the eyes. Sometimes other complications appear against its background (otitis media, laryngitis, bronchitis, etc.).
Methods of diagnosis and therapy
Diagnosis is carried out by a general practitioner, sometimes an ENT specialist. Treatment at home is prescribed, which includes: bed rest, cough mixtures, vasoconstrictor nasal drops, herbal decoctions for gargling, tea with raspberries and honey, means to strengthen the immune system (Anaferon, echinacea tincture, Immunal).
Migraine
Description
Migraine (migraine) is a neurological disease , the hallmark of which is the appearance of painful headaches associated with vascular dysfunction.
Expert opinion
Mitrukhanov Eduard Petrovich
Neurologist, city clinic, Moscow. Education: Russian State Medical University, State Budgetary Educational Institution of Further Professional Education, Russian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Volgograd State Medical University, Volgograd.
There are no serious organic pathologies (traumas, tumors) in the disease picture.
Type of pain
Migraine is accompanied by severe and painful headaches of high or moderate intensity, aggravated by movement, episodic or constant, occurring on one or (less often) on both sides. If left untreated, attacks can last up to 72 hours.
Other manifestations
Nausea, vomiting, phonophobia (sensitivity to loud noises), rapid heartbeat, frequent urination, sweating, drowsiness, lethargy.
Methods of diagnosis and therapy
The diagnosis is carried out by a neurologist. The diagnosis is refined by analyzing the patient’s complaints, laboratory tests, x-rays, and MRI.
For treatment, the following are used: sedatives (valerian extract, Persen, Tenoten), herbal and artificial antidepressants (St. John's wort tincture, Amitriptyline), NSAIDs (Naproxen, Ibuprofen), analgesics.
Malignant tumor
Description
A malignant tumor is characterized by the appearance of a pathological neoplasm , dangerous to human life, consisting of malignant cancer cells that have the ability to grow rapidly and metastasize.
Type of pain
The intensity and nature of the pain syndrome depends on the location of the tumor, the severity of the process, and the individual characteristics of the body.
Other manifestations
In the initial stages, the tumor may not manifest itself in any way until the neoplasm grows intensively. Then the patient’s well-being begins to deteriorate sharply, and the following may occur: nausea, fatigue, vomiting, hearing and vision impairment, difficulty recognizing speech, disorders of general and fine motor skills, etc.
The clinical picture of cancer is very extensive and multifaceted.
Methods of diagnosis and therapy
Diagnosis is carried out comprehensively and includes: CT, MRI, X-ray examination, laboratory tests, histology and cytology. Treatment is surgical. The patient may be prescribed a course of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, followed by long-term drug maintenance treatment.
Meningitis
Description
Meningitis is a serious infectious disease characterized by inflammation of the brain and spinal cord due to bacteria, viruses, or fungi entering the body.
It occurs as an independent disease or as a complication.
Type of pain
Very strong, sharp, diffuse, bursting, aggravated by movement and turning of the head, as well as by sudden noise and light stimuli. With purulent meningitis, the pain syndrome is especially pronounced.
Other manifestations
The patient may also be bothered by: body aches, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, fever, sensitivity to sounds and light stimuli, altered state of consciousness, irritability, drowsiness.
Methods of diagnosis and therapy
A lumbar puncture is used to detect meningitis. The doctor removes cerebrospinal fluid from the spinal canal and sends it to the laboratory for further testing. The diagnosis is confirmed if harmful pathogens (bacteria, viruses) are found in it. Patients with meningitis are treated with antibiotics, antiviral or antifungal drugs (depending on the type of pathogen).
Sometimes steroid medications are prescribed.
Borreliosis
Description
Borreliosis (Lyme disease) is an infectious contagious disease transmitted to humans by bites from insects and ticks.
Type of pain
With borreliosis, the patient experiences severe headaches, often localized in the eyeball, and can radiate to the back of the head. The symptoms do not go away even when the person sleeps.
Other manifestations
Aches and stiffness in muscles and joints, high temperature up to 40 degrees, nausea, vomiting, feeling of lethargy, disruption of the central nervous system and cardiovascular system.
The disease primarily affects the skin, nervous and cardiovascular systems, and musculoskeletal system.
Methods of diagnosis and treatment
Lyme disease is diagnosed based on the clinical picture, epidemiological history (a walk in the forest, a tick bite), and a serological test to detect antibodies to Borrelia in the blood serum. The ELISA or PCR method can be used. Treatment is prescribed comprehensively. The choice of drugs depends on the severity of the disease. Antibiotics are required, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Naproxen, Indomethacin), immunosuppressants (Plaquenil), analgesics, and general restoratives.
Arterial hypertension
Description
A disease of the cardiovascular system, the main symptom of which is a persistent increase in blood pressure (from 140/90 and above).
Type of pain
In hypertension, it is compressive or generalized, pulsating, sometimes causing the sensation of a tight bandage on the head.
As a rule, it is stronger in the morning and subsides during the day.
Other manifestations
Nausea, congestion and tinnitus, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, feeling of pressure in the eyes, dizziness, lethargy, depression.
Diagnostic and treatment methods
The diagnosis is made by a cardiologist based on medical history, patient complaints, Holter monitoring, ECG, and systematic blood pressure measurements. Treatment is complex, medicinal.
The specialist prescribes angiotensin receptor blockers, diuretics, potassium antagonists, medications to cleanse blood vessels, etc.
Overuse headache
Description
Experts also call it “ rebound ” or “ medicinal ”. Its main cause is the abuse of various pharmaceutical drugs. It belongs to the secondary forms of cephalgia and is closely related to migraine.
Type of pain
It manifests itself as bilateral cephalalgia of a compressive or pressing nature, of moderate or weak intensity. It can be diffuse in nature, localized in the fronto-occipital part or in the temporal region.
Intensifies with intellectual and physical stress.
Other manifestations
Fatigue, lethargy, depressed mood.
Methods of diagnosis and therapy
Diagnosis is carried out on the basis of anamnesis and asking the patient about the medications he is taking. To remove the abuse, the dosage of the medication taken is reduced or it is completely stopped, medications for cephalalgia are prescribed, and sometimes antidepressants.
If the condition is severe, detoxification may be required.
Symptoms of weakness
The causes of constant drowsiness and weakness in women should be sought in diseases and in everyday lifestyle.
First of all, you should pay attention to the presence of such symptoms and factors:
- chronic fatigue syndrome;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- diseases of the nervous system;
- chronic diseases;
- hypothyroidism;
- lung diseases (COPD);
- urinary tract infections;
- avitaminosis;
- anemia;
- pregnancy;
- insufficient oxygen;
- poor nutrition;
- bad habits;
- systematic lack of sleep;
- traumatic brain injuries;
- stress;
- consuming large amounts of caffeine;
- lack of fluid in the body;
- great mental and physical stress.
If you are already overcome by fatigue from the very morning, and you feel a loss of strength for no apparent reason, then it’s time to figure out what is taking away your energy and vitality and leading to chronic fatigue. The reasons for this condition may be completely unexpected.
Gastrointestinal tract disorders
Frequent headaches and fatigue (drowsiness) indicate serious impairments in the functionality of the body. Symptoms that seem harmless at first glance hide the consequences of a cold, poor circulation, or the appearance of a tumor. Let's figure out why I constantly have a headache and want to sleep.
Regular and severe headaches require immediate medical attention. More than half of the cases are triggered by nervous tension and migraine. Other cases are individual: from banal lack of sleep to anemia. Do not rush to diagnose yourself, because dangerous diseases are accompanied by other side effects.
Physiological reasons
Modern busy life very often drives a person into a corner. Fast pace, constant stress, viral infections, their treatment, fatigue and headaches - all this wears out the immune system over time, and the body begins to malfunction.
A person constantly complains of loss of strength, feels drowsy, even rest for a couple of days does not help. And over time, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) begins to appear.
How does CFS develop?
Chronic fatigue can manifest itself differently for everyone. Some people feel lethargic, drowsy, and have low concentration. Another person’s thought processes are disrupted, memory deteriorates, headaches or muscle pain appear, and phobias worsen.
Such changes can be explained quite simply: if you have been climbing up for a very long time, then you definitely need to rest, otherwise the body will arrange a halt on its own. And then ordinary rest will not be enough to restore your previous shape. In some cases, doctors prescribe medication.
The appearance of inexplicable anxiety, constant tension, nervousness, drowsiness are the first signs of chronic fatigue. And if you continue to ignore the body’s needs, other unpleasant symptoms may appear.
Causes of chronic fatigue
In addition to external reasons, such as fast pace, lack of rest, frequent illnesses, etc., the appearance of CFS can be facilitated by:
- vitamin B12 deficiency. Because of this, limbs go numb and thought processes deteriorate. Patients are advised to eat more meat, fish products and eggs. In cases of complications, medicinal vitamins are prescribed;
- lack of vitamin D. To avoid this, you need to eat more liver, fish and eggs. But it is best to sunbathe and take at least ten-minute walks outdoors;
- taking medications. Some medications may cause side effects. They manifest themselves as apathy, weakness, drowsiness and constant fatigue. If the symptoms of CFS are actually caused by medications, the doctor should prescribe others;
- thyroid disease. In addition to the manifestation of CFS, excess weight and cycle disruption may appear. If the first signs are detected, you should immediately contact an endocrinologist.
Symptoms of CFS
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One of the most common symptoms of CFS is headache. In medicine, regarding this case, they even came up with a name for it - tension headache. She most often harasses women.
Nature of the headache
With chronic fatigue, there are chronic and episodic migraines.
Episodic headache is characterized by the following criteria:
- frequent attacks;
- duration from half an hour to a week;
- a feeling of squeezing of the head, as if in a vice, pain in the eyes;
- moderate intensity, which remains almost unnoticeable during heavy workload;
- migraine does not get worse with physical activity;
- nausea;
- decreased appetite.
Episodic migraines can occur in people of any age and gender. The main reason for their appearance is fatigue. They are also caused by emotional tension and stress.
Intoxication syndrome is characterized by a combination of drowsiness with loss of strength, headache, nausea and vomiting. Treatment of drowsiness in depression involves treatment of the underlying disease. Increased drowsiness, lethargy, weakness, loss of strength with hidden depression are often mistaken for symptoms of a somatic illness.
The number of diseases that occur with severe drowsiness is so large that it is simply impossible to fit them into this article. First of all, this applies to severe diffuse brain damage, when sudden severe drowsiness is the first alarming sign of an approaching catastrophe.
In this case, it is combined with increased fatigue, irritability, tearfulness and decreased intellectual abilities. Treatment of drowsiness in vegetative-vascular dystonia consists of eliminating the factors that caused the pathology. Severe diffuse brain damage leads to depression of higher nervous activity, which manifests itself in increased drowsiness.
A symptom such as increased drowsiness can be especially valuable with the gradual development of a coma. The appearance of drowsiness is often preceded by motor and speech excitement.
Often, increased drowsiness during freezing is accompanied by euphoria, when the victim cannot correctly assess his condition. Constant drowsiness due to endocrine disruption in women is combined with other sleep disorders. Often, increased sleepiness during the day is caused by nighttime insomnia.
Treatment of drowsiness due to endocrine disruption consists of general strengthening measures. Increased drowsiness is also characteristic of hypoxia of the central nervous system.
Loss of energy, irritability, frequent drowsiness due to endocrine disruption in women
Symptoms of chronic hypoxia are increased fatigue, lethargy, weakness, irritability, sleep disturbances (drowsiness during the day and insomnia at night), and decreased intellectual abilities. There are several groups of medications, the side effect of which is increased drowsiness.
Constant daytime sleepiness during pregnancy in the first trimester
In addition, severe drowsiness is a side effect of many drugs used to treat allergic diseases (the so-called antihistamines, especially diphenhydramine). Severe drowsiness is a side effect of drugs that reduce uric acid (allopurinol) and plasma lipids (atorvastatin).
Of course, if drowsiness is caused by one or another pathology, then it should be treated promptly and adequately. However, in the vast majority of cases, increased sleepiness during the day is associated with lack of sleep.
Thus, over time, drowsiness takes on a chronic form, becoming a symptom of the disease. Experts advise trying to take frequent short breaks from work to combat drowsiness.
If a woman continues to complain of increased drowsiness, lethargy and weakness, this may indicate a complication such as anemia of pregnant women.
Severe sleepiness is much more common in children than in adults. This is due to both greater lability of the central nervous system and increased sensitivity to the effects of adverse factors.
Therefore, in children, drowsiness and lethargy during infectious diseases appear earlier and more clearly than in adults, and may be the first signs of the disease, warning of danger. Thus, the list of pathologies occurring in children with excessive sleepiness is quite long, so it is best to seek help from a doctor and undergo a full examination.
Nausea, weakness, drowsiness and headache as signs of intoxication of the central nervous system
Increased drowsiness is a so-called expected side effect when prescribing medications that have a calming effect on the nervous system. Of course, the severity of the side effect depends on the strength of the drug.
Subsequently, make short stops to prevent drowsiness, since the attack may recur and take you by surprise. If increased sleepiness after eating is combined with symptoms such as increased fatigue, irritability, tearfulness, then we are talking about asthenia (exhaustion of the nervous system).
It is often combined with severe headache, nausea and vomiting caused by the toxic effect of CO on nerve cells. Depending on the strength and nature of the acting factor, the degree of hypoxia can be different.
With mild hypoxia, manifestations such as lethargy, weakness, increased fatigue and drowsiness are possible. Increased sleepiness is perhaps the most common symptom.
Beta blockers (drugs used for various diseases of the cardiovascular system) can cause both increased drowsiness and insomnia.
Severe headache and weakness are often a manifestation of many diseases:
- development of ARVI, inflammatory processes;
- hypotension;
- deficiency of minerals and vitamins, primarily: D, B12, which are responsible for the supply of oxygen to the brain;
- lack of control when taking certain medications;
- problems with the thyroid gland, endocrine, cardiovascular systems;
- stressful situations, increased emotional component;
- chronic fatigue.
The list can be continued for quite a long time, but the main thing is to find out in a timely manner what exactly led to such unpleasant sensations, select adequate treatment, trying to correct the situation as quickly as possible.
Obviously, weakness and headaches have different causes, so it is all the more important to visit a medical facility at the first sign, undergo a comprehensive examination, and establish a diagnosis.
Another name is as follows: “ricochet” or “medicinal”. Most often it is caused by medication abuse, which allows us to consider it a secondary form of cephalalgia, directly related to migraine.
The manifestations are compressive, even oppressive in nature, the intensity constantly changes from weak to moderate. It can be diffuse, localized in areas: forehead-occipital, temples, with intensification with significant mental and physical stress. The patient feels tired, depressed, and lethargic.
The diagnosis will be confirmed or refuted by studying the medical history, medications used, and patient complaints. To relieve an attack, it is enough to gradually reduce the dosage or completely stop the drug. Then medications against cephalalgia and antidepressants are prescribed, if really necessary. A serious condition is the basis for detoxification of the body.
Other reasons
In addition to the listed diseases, weakness and pain in the head can also occur due to other conditions.
- Diseases of the paranasal sinuses (sinusitis, ethmoiditis, frontal sinusitis). Headache and weakness throughout the body, nasal congestion, pressure and heaviness in the head when bending down - typical complaints with sinusitis, which the patient describes at an appointment with a specialist
- Allergic reactions. These symptoms are especially often encountered in the spring during the period of active flowering due to allergies to pollen of plants and flowers. Patients complain that they have a headache and want to sleep, a stuffy nose, watery eyes, a skin rash and other signs of hay fever.
- Hypersomnia is the duration of night sleep without an objective need and fatigue during the day. Drowsiness, fatigue, headache are the main signs of this condition. By the way, asthenia is a type of hypersomnia.
- Anemia (anemia) is also characterized by lethargy, fatigue, and pain. In patients with anemia, there is a decrease in hemoglobin, insufficient functioning of red blood cells, and a lack of oxygen in the blood. This is where all these unpleasant symptoms appear.
- Diabetes mellitus and other problems in the field of endocrinology are also the cause of the appearance of these symptoms. Diabetes is also accompanied by increased sugar levels, low blood pressure, dizziness, drowsiness, and thirst.
Please note that this is only a part of the possible diseases that may cause weakness and headache.
Only a specialist can find out the true cause of these symptoms.
When a doctor's help is needed
Some symptoms may indicate serious health problems, such as apathy, extreme fatigue, drowsiness and weakness. The reasons for women can be masked, so they cannot always be determined independently.
When accompanying symptoms appear: cough, shortness of breath, fever, sudden weight change, stomach upset, pain in the heart, mood changes; you need to see a therapist or family doctor. Based on the results of tests and other complaints, he will refer you to doctors of such specialties as a hematologist, neurologist, endocrinologist, psychotherapist, and oncologist.
Diagnostic algorithm
Diagnostic methods and methods are selected individually. First, the doctor examines the patient, assesses the nature of the complaints, and asks about recent illnesses and chronic ailments. Then the doctor clarifies the location of pain, its duration, frequency of occurrence, etc.
Sample list of questions
- How long have you been bothered by pain and weakness?
- Can you indicate where you feel pain?
- How often do these symptoms bother you?
- Do you feel nauseous during attacks?
- Do you experience dizziness?
- Do symptoms get worse with exercise?
- Does your condition affect your overall activity during the day?
- Have you observed similar signs in your relatives?
- How do you relieve discomfort?
- What medications are you currently taking?
- What diseases did you suffer from in the coming months?
- What chronic diseases do you and your immediate family have?
If consultation with the patient is not enough, the doctor prescribes additional diagnostic methods, for example, laboratory tests, ECG, MRI, etc.
Based on the data obtained, an accurate diagnosis will be made.
Cardiovascular diseases
Changes in blood pressure negatively affect your overall well-being. Hypertension is accompanied by bursting pain in the back of the head. In this case, dizziness, migraine, nausea, and a burning face may appear. If you have high blood pressure, you should see a doctor to get treatment. Normalizing blood pressure will relieve headaches.
Also, with low blood pressure, poor health is observed. Aches in the temples and frontal part of the head, drowsiness, loss of strength require action. The treatment prescribed by the doctor puts the cardiovascular system in order. And when the pressure returns to normal, headaches will not bother you.
How to relieve symptoms yourself?
If the unpleasant symptoms were caused by physical fatigue, mental stress or stress during the working day, the pain syndrome can be eliminated on your own without resorting to medications.
Hiking in the fresh air have a positive effect . You can just lie down, relax, listen to calm music, read a light, interesting book.
If you have a headache, you can make aromatic tea with mint leaves, rosehip, lemon, cranberry or chamomile. Such drinks have a general strengthening, calming effect, give strength, increase immunity, and improve brain function.
In some cases, it is possible to take simple painkillers (Noshpa, Spazgan).
It should be remembered that each remedy has contraindications and side effects, so it is better to consult a doctor before using them.
Treatment of the disease
Infections are diseases caused by the invasion of the body by a pathogenic microorganism.
These can be viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi. When many microorganisms invade, they cause a violent response in the body—inflammation. High body temperature is one of the symptoms of infection. However, some types of microorganisms cause indolent, latent infections with a minimum of manifestations. Thus, many viral diseases may not manifest themselves for a long time. For example, herpes viruses type 6, 7 and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can circulate in the blood without causing illness. However, these viruses infect nervous tissue, so over time a person begins to complain that he has a headache, although his body temperature is low (within normal limits or subfebrile). For many people, especially in childhood, viral activity causes a temperature drop to below 36.6 degrees.
The presence of such viruses can be determined using a blood test. If the result is positive, antiviral drugs (acyclovir, interferon) are prescribed. It is worth noting that EBV and herpes viruses only affect people with weakened immune systems, so it is appropriate to take immunomodulators along with antiviral drugs.
A headache, even if it occurs without fever, requires treatment first of all for the cold itself - the disease will subside and the pain will go away by itself. To do this, it is important to follow all the doctor’s recommendations, and under no circumstances try to endure the disease on your legs.
For a quick recovery, follow a few rules:
- Maintain bed rest - sleep and rest more.
- Minimize physical activity. Any tension can only aggravate the situation.
- The light in the house should be dim; bright lighting always acts as an external irritant.
- Avoid watching TV: better read a book, listen to pleasant, quiet music.
- Ventilate the room more often - oxygen deficiency provokes spasms of intracranial vessels, which means increased pain.
- If your health allows, be sure to go out into the fresh air, preferably to the parks.
- You can help yourself with cool compresses on your forehead, temples, and rubbing with essential oils of mint, rose, fir, tea tree or lavender.
- The famous “Star” balm helps a lot, which can be used to lubricate the wings of the nose, as well as the “solar plexus” area between the eyebrows.
- Drink black sugar with mint and lemon, honey or ginger - they perfectly tone and give strength.
Try to avoid taking pills before consulting with your doctor. Only when the pain has become unbearable, take a No-shpy or Efferalgan tablet. Your doctor will recommend more powerful medications.
It is necessary to treat not specifically a headache, but a cold directly
Bacteria, fungi or viruses are organisms that are pathogenic to humans and cause resistance to the immune system. It is generally accepted that all infectious diseases occur with elevated body temperature. But practice shows that even with the presence of viruses in the blood, no symptoms may appear for a long time. Since harmful bacteria still infect the body, headaches begin later. The temperature may be normal or reach 37.
