Chronic daily headaches

Diagnosis

Your doctor will probably ask you about your history of headaches while checking you for symptoms of disease, infection, or neurological issues.

Your doctor may prescribe imaging tests, such as a Computed Tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), to look for an underlying medical disease if the origin of your headaches is still unknown.

Treatment

Frequent headaches are frequently relieved with treatment for an underlying problem. In the absence of such a condition, pain management is the main goal of treatment.

The type of headache you have and whether drug overuse is a factor in your headaches will determine the best prevention method for you. To wean yourself off of painkillers with the help of your doctor may be the first step if you take them more than three days a week.

Your doctor might suggest the following when you’re prepared to start preventive treatment:

• Antidepressants. Chronic headaches can be treated with tricyclic antidepressants, including nortriptyline. Additionally, these drugs can assist with the depression, anxiety, and sleep issues that frequently accompany chronic daily headaches.
  Other antidepressants, such as the SSRI fluoxetine, may be helpful in treating anxiety and depression, but they have not been proven to be any more beneficial than a placebo in relieving headaches.
• Anti-seizure medications. Some anti-seizure medications appear to prevent migraines and may also be used to stop chronic daily headaches. Topiramate, divalproex sodium, and gabapentin are available options.
• Beta blockers. These medications are a cornerstone for preventing episodic migraines and are frequently prescribed to treat high blood pressure. These include propranolol, metoprolol, and atenolol.
• Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). In cases of withdrawing from other pain relievers, prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen sodium could offer benefits. When facing more intense headaches, they can also be employed regularly for relief.
• Botulinum toxin. Some people have comfort from onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) injections, which may be a good alternative for those who have trouble tolerating regular medicine. If the headaches reflect characteristics of chronic migraines, Botox would probably be an option.

The use of a single medication is ideal, however if that medication is ineffective, your doctor may think about combining medications.