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Can long term cocaine use cause tension headaches?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been a recreational cocaine user for five years. I snort it through the nose. Recently after doing it, I have had pressure felt on both sides of my head. It does not hurt really, but it is not constant. I have stopped using drugs for a few weeks but I continue to have this pressure. I went to urgent care and a doctor said these were tension headaches. Will this pressure on my head go away on its own or should I get a brain scan?

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Education:

Faculty of Medicine

Professional Bio:

Dr. Aida Abaz Quka is a Neurologist with 12 years of experience. She completed her studies at the Faculty of Medicine and pursued a Neurology Post Graduation. Specializing in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders, she offers expert care for conditions affecting the nervous system.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I think this is a benign tension-type headache. There are no signs of a stroke or any serious neurological complications related to cocaine intake. So, try to relax and do not worry about it. I recommend checking thyroid hormone levels for possible imbalances. In the meantime, I also recommend taking regular Magnesium supplements to help improve your situation. If headaches worsen, I recommend performing a brain MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

Kindly consult a specialist, talk with them, and take medicines with their consent.

I hope this has helped you.

Thanks and regards.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At June 29, 2023
Reviewed At March 12, 2024

Education:

Faculty of Medicine

Professional Bio:

Dr. Aida Abaz Quka is a Neurologist with 12 years of experience. She completed her studies at the Faculty of Medicine and pursued a Neurology Post Graduation. Specializing in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders, she offers expert care for conditions affecting the nervous system.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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

Education:

Faculty of Medicine

Professional Bio:

Dr. Aida Abaz Quka is a Neurologist with 12 years of experience. She completed her studies at the Faculty of Medicine and pursued a Neurology Post Graduation. Specializing in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders, she offers expert care for conditions affecting the nervous system.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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