HomeAnswersNeurologyheadacheWhat could be the dull headache with burning sensation at the back of the head?

I have dull headache with burning and tingling at the back of the head. Please help.

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At April 26, 2020
Reviewed AtApril 26, 2020

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been experiencing headaches for the last three days. It is more of a burning or tingling feeling at the back of the head that seems to travel to the front sometimes. It is not a severe headache it is more of a dull ache and also my scalp feels sensitive when I scratch or touch in those areas. I have no eyesight problems besides blepharitis and no unsteadiness or vomiting.

I have done an MRI of head and neck six months back and it was clear, and I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia four months back.

Answered by Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Regarding your concern, I would explain that your symptoms are suggestive of tension type headache, which is a benign type of headache related to psychological stress. A wrong posture can also cause such type of headache. So, in my opinion, there is no reason to panic.

I would just recommend taking painkillers (Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen) and try to relax. A warm bath can help too. If the headaches persist, I would recommend taking Duloxetine (considering also the diagnosis of fibromyalgia) or Amitriptyline. There is no need for brain MRI, as I am sure that it will result in normal. I hope this helps.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I am really panicking over this at the moment as the pain/burning is in the front of the head. Paracetamol did not help. So I wanted to ask how long does a head MRI covers me for and how often I should have one? I did not suffered from headaches like this that is why I am scared. Then I thought maybe tiredness from work or bad posture or fibromyalgia could be responsible for this. I know I have been very anxious lately and I am also struggling to cope on with my mother's death and it has been on my mind these days crying nonstop after work. Could my psychological stress also be contributing to this as you suggested? I will try to relax but it is hard.

Answered by Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I am sorry for the loss of your mother. It must have been really hard for you. You should know that excessive work and psychological stress are the main causes of your underlying complaints. For this reason, I recommend practicing yoga, and meditation, listening to joyful music and taking warm showers time after time.

This type of headache is caused by the tension of the muscles in the scalp. For this reason, physical exercise, yoga, massage, or a warm shower can help improve your situation. The MRI should be repeated every year, only in cases where there is evidence of a brain tumor or lesion that should be monitored for possible progression.

Anyway, considering your symptoms, I would not recommend performing a brain MRI, as your symptoms are not red flags for any serious medical condition. So try to relax and do not worry about it. Working on your anxiety will help reduce the headaches.

I am sure that nothing serious is going on. The reason why Acetaminophen is not helping may be related to the fact that you have used it often in the past. Anyway, if the headache becomes persistent, Duloxetine or Amitriptyline would be good treatment options.

I hope this helps.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Aida Abaz Quka
Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Neurology

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